Kate is a teenager!!

Kate has really flourished this year. She started 7th grade at Highland Intermediate, facing all the challenges that come with a new school, new friends, and a new location—and she has handled it all with such determination and grace. She has learned to be more independent (only missing the bus once, on her very first day of school! 😂), navigated the frustrations of group projects, and grown so much in confidence.

But one of the very best parts of this year has been her little friend group. They are some of the cutest, smartest, and most gifted girls, and they have given Kate such a fun outlet to just be herself. It has been so much fun watching her come out of her shell, try new things, and build friendships both at school and at church.

One of my favorite things is hearing her come home laughing as she tells us about all the crazy things that happened in the hallways or lunchroom. Her teachers absolutely adore her, and she has even turned her love of crocheting animals into a thriving little business!

Kate continues to play the piano and ukulele and loves tennis. She also started playing pickleball with her friends after school once a week. And while she still absolutely cringes at the thought of getting into cold water, somehow that’s exactly what she chose for her birthday party—a trip to an inflatable water park! 😂

She was SO excited to get a cell phone for her birthday, and honestly, it has been wonderful to see how much it has helped her friendships grow even stronger.

Thank goodness for parents who raise good daughters, because Kate has surrounded herself with some pretty amazing girls. ❤️

We love you so much, Kate! Watching you grow into the beautiful, kind, funny, talented, and confident young woman you are becoming has been one of our greatest joys. We can’t wait to see what this next year brings!

Happy birthday, Kate! We love you! ❤️

 

February 2026

Kate's Young Women's Class

Milena, Sadie, Kaoiwinani, Kate, Naomi, Lilia, Makamae

Howie might be looking at a reflection. What a silly dog! Jane is wearing a sweater Jennifer found with Stitch and embroidered her name. Got to love the personalized clothing from my bestest girl friend. 

Preparing Valentine cookies for the Primary Girls to decorate.

Kate with her cute friends at their school's Valentine's Dance.

Celebrating Kate turning 13 at the bowling alley in Aiea. Kate's birthday landed on President's Day, so everyone had the day off to hang out with the birthday girl!

Funny little videos we created on the bowling screen.

Jane and Kristi

Everyone had a good time (well, except for maybe Jane). We forgot to order the bumpers for her, so she was a little sad the ENTIRE time because her ball kept going in the gutter. 

My favorite 13 year old got her first cell phone. She was super shocked and had no idea! I love a good surprise. 

Sophi, Emma, Emma, Kate

Kate was able to celebrate with her friends the following weekend at Wai Kai. It is an inflatable waterpark set up in a lagoon in Ewa Beach. 

Jane was able to invite her friends Liana and Sammi.  

Pizza party outside in the truck. Apparently, you are not allowed to tailgate. Luckily we were mostly done eating when we got caught!

We decided to start painting the walls in the house in preparation for turning over our house to renters in the summer. Can you believe we have been here for almost 3 years? Kate was so helpful... I think more so she wanted to get her room back! 

Not the greatest picture, but Bryan and I ran the Kolekole Pass at Schofield Barracks. I believe this specific race has not been opened since before 2020. The road hardly is used, except in times of emergency. I think this event was a 10K- 3 miles up and 3 miles down. The only way to do a race (or a hike) here in Hawaii!

MIS work party at the Waikiki Outrigger with a beautiful sunset in the background. Bryan mentioned going to miss my works annual parties because they are always in great locations with great company. My coworkers also know that I will be leaving soon, so it stung a bit too. 

Suzi, Sheila, Rebekah, Marta, Char, Cynthia, Nadine

I have really loved working with these beautiful people. 

My work bestie- Sheila

 

January 2026

We brought in the New Year with some friends in Wahiawa. Unfortunately, I was still having phone issues and do not have many pictures from our midnight happenings. My parents flew in right at midnight too!

Grandma and Grandpa Koplin enjoying Bellows Beach Park.

Bryan promoted to LTC Ahlborn on a thunderous morning at White Plains Beach Park. The plans were to surf, but the electrical storm and the flat surf conditions said no way. It was a beautiful ceremony. Bryan might have even shed a few tears with all the support he had from his friends, family, and co-workers. This promotion was well deserved. Bryan is such a dedicated worker.

Bryan's Friday morning work surf group

Bryan just looks so happy in this picture! I love it.

On Monday, we had another celebration for his promotion to LTC at Desmond Doss Health Clinic. This event was super stressful because the company I ordered from forgot about our order when I cam to pick up the food. They were able to finish about 45 minutes after our original pick up time, but I was really stressed and grateful all turned out in the end. Yay to promotion parties!

An eventful moment: shaving my dad's beard off

Kate made this cute crochet duck for Christmas. So cute!

Grandma and Grandpa Koplin at Lanikai Beach Park. It was such a beautiful day. No wind and clear water. The kids played on the paddle board most of the morning. Only wishing Kristi and Jesse could have joined us.

Surfing has gotten a little easier these days. I have noticed if I go out at least 1-2 times a week, I am more successful and confident. White Plains Beach park for the win!

We took my dad scuba diving at Point Panic. We had a hard time keeping him down in the water. The picture below shows how Bryan and Liz held him down most of the dive. 

Hiking to Pele's Chair.

Jane with her best friend.

Kate isn't seen in the water very often. She likes to read a book and stay dry. 

Jane was the MC for Rainbow of the Quarter. Grandma and Grandpa were able to attend in my place. One of my friends recorded the event and told me she did an excellent job. I am so very proud of Jane. She is fearless.

Another crochet creation by Kate.

Dave's Ice Cream

December 2025

Jane spent months trying to lure Fancy Pants into being her own cat. She was finally able to pick the cat up and walked home, but unfortunately, she didn't like that and wriggled away. This made Jane very sad. I told her that when we move, she can get 2 cats. That made her day. 

Kate started doing crochet animal orders for my work as well. 

Jane singing their Christmas Performance in Waikele. She and Liana had a solo part and they did so well! I'm so proud of her bravery!

Jennifer came into town for the Honolulu 10K/marathon. First things first, a yummy breakfast with kimchi fried rice, spam, and eggs!

Beautiful sunset at Kahanamoku Beach Park.

Picking up our packets at the Convention Center.

Laying wreaths at Punchbowl National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America.

The boys traveled to Lanai and were able to bring home some deer meat.

The wettest race we have ever participated in! We stood in line for the bathroom at mile 2 for about 30 minutes. It started raining buckets about 30 minutes before the race began and just kept coming. Jennifer's friends completed the marathon, while we just did the 10K. It was a nice little jog through town.

Hanging out with friends while we waited for our marathoner to finish.

The next day, we were supposed to go to the sandbar in Kaneohe. However, with the storm and rain they canceled our excursion about 20 minutes before our arrival time. So Bryan and I did an island tour with our new friends to some of our favorite spots. Apparently we did a pretty good job- we got tipped!

Anne Miller- a favorite of ours.

We traveled to Maui over winter break for a Christmas Party with the eye clinic Bryan moonlights. They always put on a great work Christmas party and we usually end up taking a prize home.

 This is a pretty cool spot on the west side of the island.

Watching the sunset at Haleakala. Quite the crowd for the winter solstice. We made sure to dress appropriately and hydrate!

Above the clouds. 

Also, this is Bryan and mine's 20th anniversary! We will have to plan something later... without the kids, of course! 

I took the girls on a short hike up Iao Valley. I'm not sure if they were impressed...

Howie protecting our Christmas tree. 

This year the girls received gifts that were a little more practical. I feel like they are at an age where toys and games are not something they immediately choose. Books, clothes, electronics, and self care items are more appropriate choices. I can't believe I don't have any more pictures!

I remember why I don't have many pictures- I was having issues with my cellphones storage. I was deleting pictures/apps/messages to try to increase my space. It was quite the nightmare!

Howie loving on his favorite human, Miles.