August 2023

Every weekend we try to explore different parts of the island. 

We boogie boarded Makapu'u Beach Park.

We camped at Bellows while Bryan took a wilderness first aide course with Kristi. Howie learned all about the ocean during his first visit to the beach. Kate and Jane learned that there are centipedes here and to keep the tent closed. 

Sunrise at Bellows

Teaching the girls how to play the game of LIFE while we cool off in the air conditioning.

Playing in the sand at one of Ko Olina's lagoons.

Both girls were excited to go back to school so they could start making friends. It has been tough finding friends in the neighborhood because most kids are inside staying cool OR they are at day camps because both parents work. Our specific street happens to be mostly retired, elderly persons.  It is a good thing our girls play well together, and love being with one another. 

There is a walking path by our house that leads to the elementary. It is a quick 5 minute walk. Howie likes to join us. Sometimes we meet parrots.

Bryan had a business trip to the Big Island during the third week of August. We joined up over the weekend to do a little bit of exploring Kona.  

Kailua-Kona

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Lava tube

Volcanoes National Park 

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park 

I have been learning (sometimes failing too) how to grow/fertilize/water/prune the different tropical plants on our property. I have been attempting new recipes to use the fruit, as well as freezing some for smoothies and dehydrating some for snacks. Below is a fig custard cake. It was pretty yummy! 

Swimming at Waimea Falls. 

 

Paddle boarding up the 'Anahulu River in Haleiwa.

Lei Po'o Making Activity with our church.

July- August 2021

After our family vacation and celebrating all the birthdays, the girls and I stayed a week longer in Utah to have some more time with family before school started.  

We went paddle boarding, rafting, and swung into the ponds of Mona. 

We hung out with our fun Aunt Koko before her BIG move to Hawaii.

We had a sleep over with cousins. 

I went on a hike with my family up North American Fork Canyon.

Grandpa let the cousins explore his treasure chest. 

We went swimming at grandma and grandpa Koplin's pool- no poop this time!

We went to the movie theatre.

And we explored the Museum of Curiosity.  

I drove back to Utah by myself, which is quite the distance.  I had to be back for Open House at the school for the girls. They were pretty excited to see friends again!

Jane is in 1st grade with Mrs. Moore.  Her teachers has been teacher for over 25 years. She has 21 students in her class this year (a lot more than last year-15), but has the help of a Teacher Aide, Mrs. Steffel.

Kate is in 3rd grade with Mrs. Harvey.  This is her teacher's first year teaching. 

Kate competed in her first swim meet.  She got 1 first place and 2 second places in the event.  She swam 25m freestyle, 25m backstroke, and was in a 200m freestyle relay. 

The first day of school is finally here! Kate had a difficult time coming up with "when I grow up I want to be...". But she finally came up with "Beautician", which I find very suitable with all her nail polishes and spa kits and make-up.  She's ready to start this year stylish!

Jane wants to be a missionary when she grows up.  She has definitely been influenced by her friends at school and her grandparents serving a mission.

After the first week of school, we had an exciting trip planned for the girls.  We took them to go see the Broadway musical Wicked in Dallas. 

Afterwards, we regretted taking them to Texas de Brazil.  We paid $25 for Jane to eat croutons and water!

 

March 2021

March was a fun and exciting month for our little family! We traveled to Utah to visit family and go skiing AND got a puppy! Follow along to see our adventures.

Visiting the girls during their school lunch.  I try to do this at least once a month. It was easy at Northside Baptist Academy because they shared the same lunch time. 

Jane is notorious for letting her teeth become snaggle-toothed.  She does not want anyone to pull them out.  Therefore, she ended up swallowing her first tooth. She was a little sad about the loss, but quickly got over it when the tooth fairy surprised her with money anyways!

Date night with friends. [Shane and Stacey]

Hike with mom at Dana Peak Park.

Training the girls to go on walks- because they don't know they are about to get a puppy at the end of the month. 

Rope swinging and hiking at Chalk Ridge Falls Park with Stacey.

Jane found a fun branch to swing on while we were hiking.

We made it to grandma and grandpa's house! The girls were so excited to see them and all of their cousins.  

We had the girls in ski lessons the first day.  It's kind of pricey, but totally worth it! Bryan and I got to ski without kids for a couple hours and girls got to whine for someone else.  Of course getting them to the ski lessons is a challenge.  Putting on all the clothes and things not feeling comfortable.  And then dragging them up the mountains.  But we made it and the girls had fun!

All of us getting ready to go down the mountain after ski lessons.

Becky joined us for one of the days.

We spent 3 days at Brighton Ski Resort- Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We definitely lucked out with lots of powder/snow and no crowds. 

Kristi joined us for another day on the mountain.  

Kate got a make-over from her cousin McCartney. And I think Kate did McCartney's make up :)

The whole family went to an arcade and played Laser Tag.  Really, really fun!

Kristi and Linsey share cats- Bobby and Giggi?.  My girls adored them. 

Came back to beautiful hiking weather in Texas.  We headed out with the family to McKinney Falls State Park in Austin...

and afterwards went to Costco for groceries.  Bryan and I didn't know Kate was recording our very often quarrels about buying too much stuff. 

And then we picked up the girls from school and picked up our new puppy Howard.  We call him Howie.  He is a golden doodle.  His mom and dad were both about 60 lbs, so we are going to have a pretty BIG puppy soon.  The girls thought we were picking up chickens, but then they saw the puppy and asked if we could take it home as well.  We said YES!, but Jane still wanted/wants the chickens.  

Took the girls to see an outdoor traveling Dinosaur Park.  It was okay.  :/

Look at that cute little guy!  If only we REALLY knew how much work it would be...