special time

We live VERY close to Paul's work. It has proved to be a blessing over and over again. On Fridays, he picks up Sully from school and rides him home on his bike. They love that special time together. Then when I come home from Option's Day I get Sully from him. He's always sad to see me on Friday's because that means he's done hanging out with Daddy. I love how much Solace loves Paul, and how much Paul loves his kids. He's so good at individualizing his relationships with each of them. These kids really lucked out.

my boys

Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I got with these boys. These are three KIND, THOUGHTFUL, HARDWORKING, HAPPY, LOVING boys. Three of the best boys who have ever been. I love them, and I'm so happy they are MINE!

strange beach day

We went to Poipu, chasing the sun, on a day when our regular East side beaches were too cloudy.  The Hunt family came too and we had a blast.

We stayed and played all morning and into the afternoon. We saw seals and turtles and built sand castles and played with friends. Then, something weird happened. A rooster, flew out over the ocean, and landed in the water. We were all surprised, and watched it paddle around for a while... Then we realized it was getting tired, and Paul decided to do something about it. He swam out with a boogie board, put the rooster on it, and swam back in.

By then, a crowd had gathered on the beach, and everyone cheered, as if he had rescued a person. I giggled to myself thinking about what the news headline would read, "local doctor rescues rooster from certain death". 

We tried him up and decided to keep him. Hawken especially was elated! Finally his dream of a farm was happening!

homeschool

At Option's Day, I am the art teacher. One lesson the kids learned was how to turn a circle into a sphere. I showed them how first, and like magic, it turned! They all said "WOW!" when it happened. I love teaching kids and seeing their reactions when they get it!

Lullaby with panda ears (hair) and a panda shirt at Option's Day during recess.

Learning about depth perception, and this is what Matix made. I'm proud of his hard work.

More of my students. It's been really fun to teach again, and teaching a really fun subject.

At home we get to do lots of science experiments. What's great about homeschooling is that all the kids get to participate in all of the other grades of experiments as well as their own grade. I've been loving it, and so have they.

temple trip

Paul and I took a one-day (all day!) trip to Oahu to go to the temple. It was nice being together just the two of us. As much as we love our kids, it's wonderful to be able to finish every sentence, and not have to re-explain the jokes, and drive in a compact car, and run through Target without losing any little ones, and make your flights without shooting the stink-eye at the slow people in front of you with a crying kid on your hip. We love temple trips.

friends

This is how I know I chose the right friend. Amy showed up at my house in a head to toe unicorn costume. So funny.

house hunting

We started looking for houses in January/February here on Kauai. The condo we live in seems to be getter smaller by the day. One property came with goats! We put in an offer, but didn't get it. It would have been lovely, but we know everything happens for a reason.

good byes

Before leaving, Liesl got a tattoo. It wasn't her first and she's in her 20's so she can make that decision... But still, sorry Robin! It's very beautiful and reads in red ink "you are love".

Goodbyes are always hard. We had so much fun with Liesl. She's such a good girl. We love you, can't wait to see you again!

swimming

Swimming in January is one of my most favorite things about Hawaii. Yes please.

day at the park

We spent some time at the park, played on the swings, played basketball and climbed trees. 

Lisle's dad, my brother-in-law John, sent her this picture of me with Liesl when she was little. So we recreated the picture with Liesl and Lullaby. So sweet. Then when Liesl has a daughter, Lullaby can recreate it with her! So fun! Now, Liesl, you have to wait a couple years before you have a baby though!

surf, paddle, shave ice

Liesl had another surfing lesson with Uncle Paul, she did well. 

Then we headed to the Fern Grotto. I didn't bring my phone, so no pictures, but it was just as beautiful as ever.

The boys met some dogs and asked the owners if they could play fetch with them. They were very good dogs, and made the boys even more dog sick for their own pup.

Then to Hee Fat for more shave ice.

While we were at Fern Grotto, the kids picked a plant that has poisonous barbs in it, that make your skin feel burned. Ripe papaya did help some, but the sensation lasted a long time and it was a very sad paddle back to the dock. Lullaby had it the worst and she spent a lot of time snuggling with Liesl and kept her papaya the whole time we were eating shave ice too. Poor thing.