August 2025

Stacey visited from the end of July into August. We did a lot of touristy stuff while she was visiting.

We hiked Diamond Head with Stacey.

We missed a bunch of surf nights with our group while we had visitors and/or vacations- so they took a picture as a remembrance to come back!

First day of 7th grade for Kate

First day of 5th grade for Jane

We missed the bus on the first day of middle school for Kate. We just watched it pass by as we were approaching the street. This is a video of her riding the bus for the very first time on the second day of school. We have not missed a day since that dreadful first day!

Forcing my girls to take a walk on the beach on North Shore.

The Blue Angels came to town! I remember watching them when I lived in San Francisco, so I made sure we didn't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

There were a lot of STEAM activities on the tarmac, which helped to pass the time until the Blue Angels did their thing. 

Made in Hawaii. Expensive, but worth it!

Bryan and I have missed out on opportunities to go scuba diving in one of the best places on the earth. No more! We are paying one of Bryan's friends to take us out once a month. This will guarantee attendance.

Rebekah attended Kristi's graduation from her DNP Residency.

Kim, Malachi, Norah, and Zander came to visit for the week. It was nice being able to hang out with my sister and check things off my list I have not yet done.

Malachi and I were able to hike Koko Head Arch.

We finally were able to swim in cockroach cove and crawl through the tunnel.

The kids went swimming near Mermaid Cave.

The tide was too high, but we were able to go in some parts.

We celebrated Kristi and Jesse with a friendly game of bowling at Schofield Barracks.

We attempted to hike the legal way to the Stairway to Heaven. There were police at the beginning of the trail who would not let us pass until 7am. We decided to hike Tripler Ridge Trail instead. Great views, but terrible without long pants. We got so scratched up from the ferns. Krist almost died from dehydration. And Jesse had a panic attach. Malachi, Bryan, and Rebekah did just fine. 

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.

Northside Baptist Academy 2020-2021

We made the decision to send our girls to private school this year.  I feel very fortunate to have the means to provide this for our children.  

Jane will be starting Kindergarten with Miss Scurti.  She's very excited!

Kate will be going into 2nd grade with Miss Brinson.  She's so excited to be back in the classroom.  

So far, they love school.  Class sizes are small.  Uniforms are cute.  And they come home singing new Christian songs daily.  They are going to have a fantastic year!