February 2025

Winter 10 U Soccer Season "Thunder Chickens"

Winter 12U Soccer Season "Dominators"

Surfing for Jane in Haleiwa

Flying on a 10-passenger airplane to visit daddy at work and celebrate 

Kate turning 12 years old!

Visiting the famous cat sanctuary. We were told 700+ cats live here. 

Jane fell in love with this one and wanted to bring it back home to Oahu.

There are less than 10 restaurants on the island- you have to make sure you know what days/times they close or you are out of luck!

Manele Bay Beach Park

Sweetheart Rock

Tidepools

Sunset at Manele

Barbeque and roasting s'mores at the beach with our friends Jared, Kendra, and family.

Morning hike with Jared and Bryan. We saw lots of turkey, some deer, but no rams...

Although this picture was taken a couple days later, we celebrated Kate turning 12 at the Adventure Park at the Four Seasons Resort. It hovers over water and is in such a serene location in the forest. 

Happy Birthday Kate! We know you enjoyed the thrill of climbing and 

beating dad at finishing the whole course.

It was so fun to watch our friend Kae do the ropes course.

Coconut Beach

Unreal. Molokai to the left and Maui to the right. You could see and hear all the whales while enjoying the clear, still ocean water.

Look and listen!

Shipwreck Beach

Restored plantation church, Ghost town of Keomuku

As soon as we arrived home from Lanai, we just had to celebrate Kate's birthday. It's a good thing the house was already decorated for her! 

She got a portable desk, Crocs, and a carrier for her Stanley.

Jane volunteered to showcase Germany at her elementary school's Culture Day. Bryan and I both dress up in our Trachten. We gave away pretzels and washable tattoos. Initially, I was a little overwhelmed with Jane's volunteering- because that really means mom is volunteering. But it was such a great activity, and we learned some much about other cultures too.

Braces for this one! She doesn't look very excited to have braces at all! 

Valentines Party for Kate with the YW. She won the cookie decorating contest. Her crafting has really taken off this year!

Howie and June

We found a wonderful family to help with dog watching when we travel. The dogs 

play so well together.

 

January 2025

Family party with the Ahlborn's before our trip back home. 

Visiting with Grandpa Ahlborn.

Bryan and I hiked Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak on Oahu. Unfortunately, our views were obstructed at the very top and we didn't find any of the protected snails up there. I guess that just means we need to do it again- even though I said I would never do it again.

Lots of high lunges and ropes.

Kate went on her first camp out with the YW. They went to Malaekahana Beach.

Waipiolani YW and YM

Kate and Jane took hula as an after-school activity at Kanoelani Elementary. They performed at one of their assemblies. 

White Plains: Kate decided to let the little kids bury her in the sand.

Mom and daughter hike up Friendship Garden Trail in Kaneohe.

Howie turns 4 years old!

Jane started taking surf lessons with the city and parks recreation. She had to pass a swim test and recall board terminology before going to Haleiwa Alii Beach.

 

December 2023

Christmas in Hawaii is a bit different than we've experienced in our other locations. Mostly, it just isn't cold. The people here do know how to decorate their homes and have a good time thought!

The first weekend, Krist came over for a girl's night. We made gingerbread houses, watched a movie, and pampered ourselves (Bryan even took in on the festivities!).

Bryan's best friend Marcus was visiting Maui, so we decided to tag along and enjoy their condo's nice amenities. I can't wait to go back and visit more of this beautiful island!

Bryan's brother Adam and his family came to visit over Christmas break. We went to the Polynesian cultural center for the first time, and it didn't disappoint. Lots of activities, lots of food, and great entertainment to the very end!

We took his family to Secret Beach

and went on a sunset cruise on the south side of the island. 

We took the girls on a hike up Tripler Ridge and found the Christmas tree 

and swing!

The girls had a Christmas recital and performed very well. We had a hard time finding a piano teacher, after 2 trials. We are so glad we found Zui! The girls are happy and practicing often.

Of course we got in the Christmas spirit by traveling around the island to the most decorated areas. Ewa was amazing! We even saw Santa walking around the neighborhood in his swim trunks!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day: Kristi spent the night, Santa brought way too many things again, and we did a cold plunge with our new pool. 

Then we headed over to White Plains for some beach time and surfing! So fun to see all the surfers wearing their Santa hats.

On New Years Eve, we hike Makapu'u for the last sunset of 2023.