Another Year

My babies are growing up! Even they were surprised to see how they've changed from last year to this year, just looking at their school pics. Check out the new ones on the right side of the page.

Megan said, "Mom, you haven't posted since then?!" when she saw that the most recent photos were from our Hawaii trip (in March, eek!!!). I have so much to share from our daily adventures! Maybe I should put blogging on my calendar, like everything else. I haven't completely gotten away from my paper/pencil calendar, but I've definitely evolved into using my digital calendar for most of our life plans. These kiddos are keeping me busy, and most of the time...it's a blast!

Spring Break in Oahu, Hawaii

I have been so delinquent in my blogging this year! We had the great privilege of spending nearly a week of the kids' spring break in Hawaii. It was a first for them, and Oahu was a first for Jeff.

 We filled each day with as much as possible, relying on public transportation and walking for the majority of the trip. The kids loved riding the bus and it was FAR more economical for our family than renting a car for the full week or using a taxi.

 We stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village, a true mini-community of accommodations, restaurants, entertainment, and easy access to bus stops, beaches, and walking tours.

 Diamondhead is a well known crater in Honolulu, even published as a "leisurely hike" just under a mile long. OH MY GOODNESS...I disagree on the "leisurely" description. However, it was packed with people of all ages and abilities, and it's well worth it, once you get to the top. But there are several portions of the hike that are literally (50-100) concrete steps on a very steep incline. Jeff and the kids didn't raise any eyebrows, but I sure did! The hike back down was, of course, very leisurely.

 We had tickets for the Pearl Harbor tour the next day around noon. It was a little overcast, but the weather was wonderful! Dylan had so many questions for the volunteers. It was really fun to watch him take everything in, trying to piece together timelines and figure out where everything took place according to where we were standing around the harbor.

 There was a lot to read and learn. The kids were old enough to appreciate the history.

 Dylan took a particular interest in a disabled volunteer at the memorial.

 In elementary school, Trent had learned about the origami cranes used as a symbol of peace and hope during the war. The picture on the bottom right with the orange rectangle was featured on an entire museum wall.

 Food was a true highlight for all of our adventurous eaters. We ate Asian often and tried many blended Polynesian/Hawaiian combinations.

 Though we SAW the beach everyday, we really only spent one full day playing there. 

 As we headed to other parts of the island, we were in and out of the water, snorkeling or playing, but only one true beach day.

On our last day, we rented a car to explore as much as possible on the North Shore.                                            

 We visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation, saw green sea turtles in their natural habitat, hiked the botanical gardens and swam at Waimea Falls.The varieties of landscape are truly amazing!

 Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was a highlight. Though the water was not particularly warm, it was perfectly clear. They (I happily watched from the shore) had sightings of many fish and very large eels. 

 The kids have always loved the beach and water!

 We did some picture taking before the park rangers asked us to get out of the sacred trees :)

 If Dylan could climb rocks and jump from one to the other all day long, he'd be so happy! It was also really cool to see the sea life in between the rocks.

 It was a really fun week and much appreciated break from the daily routine at home!

Kids' Activities

Well, its been awhile, but I updated the school pictures on the right side panel. And here is a glimpse of what has been keeping our kiddos busy lately.

With only one summer wrestling camp under his belt, Trent took a courageous leap into his school wrestling team this season. As a 7th grader, he gets the benefit of learning from experienced 8th grade boys. He also got a HUGE benefit when his school hired a retired (high school) wrestling coach with over 25 years of coaching experience. It's mid-season now. He's coming home after each practice with new experiences, more strategies, and a determination to keep going - even though, "it's really hard." Additionally, he switched from baritone to tuba in band this year. In the picture, he's playing a sousaphone for a holiday parade, but generally, he holds a regular tuba in school band and church orchestra.

Megan loves a stage! She's been taking a weekly acting class, would love to get into musical theater experiences, and is also in Drama Club at school. She took up trumpet this year and actually practices. She loves being in band! And, although she has taken a few "cold" weeks off from swim practices, she enjoys swimming and can swim all four strokes very well. Megan continues practicing her creative artistry in any ways possible. She LOVES to bake, created a (2nd) company called "Megalicious Cakery," creates crafts out of anything, and is currently designing her Valentine's box.

Mr. Dylan is a hoot (so many words to describe him, hard to pick one)! He's been taking golf lessons 1-2 times per week with his new clubs from Sito & Judo, and his new golf shoes & glove from Grandma and Grandpa. He's a super star student without much effort. His personality shows though in every facial expression (always followed by a smile), and he's always on the go. We're very lucky to have neighbors with boys his age who love to ride bikes, play basketball, video games, & street hockey, or just roll down grassy hills. Perfect weather for everything Dylan loves right now!

Mission Beach Part 1

Summer In A Nutshell

Until I downloaded the pictures from my cell phone and camera, I didn't realize what a poor job I'd been doing all summer! Rarely did I use my actual camera, and when I did take pictures with my (very old) cell phone, they were mediocre, at best. So, here's a quick recap of our 7 WEEK summer break, with the only digital proof I've got:

The kids went back to school on July 21, so between the end of May and then, we packed in as much as possible, without leaving AZ.

The pics & descriptions don't include Trent's week away at Campfirmation, his lifeguard training, and assisting at VBS. After drama camp, Megan decided that she wants to be an actress! Both Trent & Megan advanced to swim team. Dylan's BB-hoop was moved into a long hallway for the summer, so he could practice drills inside (and out of that crazy heat!). He had 2 wks of camp at Hamilton High School.

We all enjoyed our pool everyday and spent time with friends and family whenever possible.

As we're back into the school routine, Trent started 7th grade in Jr. High and turned "13" on August 23rd. Megan started 5th grade with Mrs. Pratt, who was also her 1st grade teacher. And Dylan just finished 7 wks with Mrs. Kobashi in 2nd grade, while his permanent teacher, Mrs. Bentz, was on maternity leave.

Currently, basketball, swim, girl scouts, guitar, Battle of the Books, Fire Patrol, and church orchestra keep us going after school and on the weekends.

My camera is in my purse now - so hopefully I'll use it regularly!

3 Cheers!

 Megan had several celebrations for her 10th birthday - these pictures were taken on her actual birth date, April 29th. 

 Each of the kids had end-of-the-year celebrations. Dylan's included a "reader's theater" and awards ceremony. Megan's Girl Scout troop partied at Main Event, and Trent played in his last elementary concert before heading to Jr. High band.

And then, it was time for 6th grade graduation. Trent was thrilled! He's so excited to move up to Jr. High! School celebration followed by dinner at Famous Dave's BBQ (his pick!).

The kids are enjoying summer and keeping (me) very busy!

Easter and Megan's 10th

Easter Morning!

 We combined Easter with Megan's birthday celebration.

 She wanted a "concession stand" filled with treats "made by Megan" and she was delighted with the results! Her cousins were excited to pass out/collect concession stand tickets with her and they all practiced making balloon animals, too (one of Megan's crafty hobbies).