A Day on the North Shore

Snorkeling buddies.

We stopped at a produce stand and decided to try some cold coconut juice. It wasn't very good. But we bought some fresh fruit and veggies!

Hawaiian Shave Ice is so good! They put ice cream in the bottom and then the shaved ice on top. We decided to tailgate Hawaiian style.

You know you are in Hawaii when you see a sign like this:

A Week in Review

Check out our student of the week! Lucy was chosen as the student of the week in her class and she was so excited and we were so proud.

This is the boat that Aaron takes to work every day. We live on this side of Pearl Harbor and his office is straight across the Harbor. So instead of driving around and fighting traffic, he gets on this boat and enjoys a nice boat ride in the morning and evening. He decided to take the kids across so they could see all of the fish and submarines!

The kids didn't have school on Friday, so Aaron took the day off and we headed to the beach. Noah dug himself into a hole.

Aaron was throwing Jake over the waves and Jake was loving it.

Just one more!

We decided that the beach is the best place to enjoy our cookie Friday!

School has Started!

School started on August 1st and so far everyone is happy. They have to wear the school t-shirt every day and every day Noah makes a joke about how they are all wearing the same shirt again.


The first few days of school the kids walked. Jake and I would walk with them and Jake would complain the entire time. Then the kids decided to ride their bikes instead. So Jake quickly learned how to ride on a bike with training wheels so he could keep up! It didn't take much to teach him. Just had to work out how to steer and watch where he was going. Jake is much happier now that he gets to ride a big bike!

The first cookie Friday of the school year!

Hello from Hawaii

What do you do when you arrive in Hawaii and none of your stuff is here?

We went beach hopping. We explored 6 beaches in 5 days. We had a great time until everyone was sunburned.

So what do you do when all the kids are sunburned and your stuff still isn't here?

Crowd around a tiny dvd player and watch Sleeping Beauty for the billionth time while sitting on loaner wicker furniture.

And when you get tired of sitting in a big empty house but you are still recovering from your sunburn so you can't play outside yet? You go to the movies!

After a week and a half, we were all very excited to see our stuff arrive!

The movers pulled up with Hawaiian Reggae music blaring and were very relaxed about unloading. They took many breaks to sit and visit with us. They were very friendly and wanted to give us a warm Hawaiian welcome. Apparently that means kissing me on the cheek before they left.

So what do you do after all your stuff arrives and the sunburns are healed?

Back to the beach!

We are trying to get everything unpacked. But with the beach and ocean 5 minutes away, we are a little distracted.

We welcome anyone who wants to come for a visit!

And can't wait to show you around this beautiful island!

Idaho

We always have such a great time visiting Idaho. Here are just a few of the highlights.

Meeting baby Savannah

Boot Camp!

Noah learning how to wake board.

Lake day.


Campfire skits were very entertaining!


Watching Jake ride the horses was a definite highlight. He was born to be a cowboy.

Spending time with cousins is always fun!

4-wheeler and horse ride up the mountain. Such a beautiful place!



I am pretty sure the kids were in the pool every day we were there. The girls put on a great synchronized swimming routine!

Winning cookie face race!

Cooking and eating in the outdoor kitchen.

Can't wait to do it all again!

Utah

We had such a great time in Utah. Grandma Ogden did a wonderful job of planning activities for each day.
The kids were so happy to spend time with their cousins.

A cupcake party for the girls!

Noah and Grace were happy to celebrate their birthday with the Ogden family! Noah turned 11 and Grace turned 9. We ate pizza and birthday cake and then headed to the pool that Grandma had reserved for the party!

My kids talk about the pool with the big bucket that dumps water on you all year long.

Doesn't that look like fun?

Noah had a great time with Reed and Joseph. Wish we lived closer to these cousins.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

We loved our visit to Utah and can't wait to go back!

Vegas

We flew out of DC and headed to Vegas! We were excited for our new adventure but sad to leave behind so many great friends in Virginia.

We landed in Vegas and we were all so excited to see Grandpa! Our first stop was at the famous Las Vegas sign and we even got to have our picture taken with Elvis.

That night my dad cooked a fantastic dinner for us and we were so excited to see the Norris family!

The next morning we were off to Utah!