Art Show

Matix, and Lyla got their art in an art show at the East Hawaii Cultural Center, and then they were voted favorites! What a fun thing to accomplish with your friend.  They were recognized in front of the crowd, and received prizes too! Congrats to you both!

Here they are with their art teacher, Ken.  They've learned lots from him. 

Here are his two pieces. 

Volcanoes National Park

We went to visit Volcanoes National Park and walk through the  old lava tubes. It was a really cloudy and rainy day, but we had a great time exploring. 

The lit up the inside of the tunnel and made it really spooky!

The paths got muddier as we hiked back to the car. Solace lost his slipper in a deep spot. 

Then we spotted a crack in the earth near the path, and the kids and Paul decided to adventure IN. I stayed out, in case I needed to get rescuers. I could hear their voices really far away and after a while, I was looking a little crazy walking near the path and in the forest calling to them, and waiting for am answer.  

Then I found another hole in the earth and saw my family about 20 feet down. They climbed out using the tree roots for help. Can you see Matix's little face looking up at me? 

These 5 got a little muddy. But it was worth it, and they all survived. 

random pics

Lullaby wanted her bun wrapped in flowers that matched her dress. She's such a doll baby. 

Stake conference is when all the smaller church wards get together for church and learn of specific things pertaining to our whole area. In our case, that was the entire East side of the island. That meant that if you don't get there an hour early (spoiler: we didn't), then you have to sit in one of the side rooms and only listen through the speakers. It makes it extra dull for the kids, and us too. 

Out for a hike after church, and we stopped by the cliffs to watch the waves and read our book, then we took a break and Paul and the kids played king of the log. 

Waiting in line at the Humane Society to get the free spay and neuter coupons for Whiskey and her sister Mochi. I barely made it before they ran out. Such a great service! 

Lunch on the ground doing homework in jammies, the joys of homeschooling. 

Whiskey isn't very helpful. Here are two videos of her with the kids... One is of her helping Solace on his workbook, and the other is her helping Matix play video games. So funny. She's such a lover.

Strawberries were on sale and we bought a TON of them. We made a tall cake and covered it with them. So delicious. 

All three kitties getting along. They were eating treats and it's the only time Snow would tolerate interactions from either Grass or Whiskey. 

Grass found a new hiding spot on the warm clean clothes, but now we have to check in there really carefully every time. 

Matix made chocolate covered strawberries and was so proud of himself. 

Aunt Deb and Uncle Rob visit

Paul's Aunt Deb and Uncle Rob visited in late February, and we had a chance to hang out with them on their last day in Kona. It was nice to visit, and the kids went straight away to show them all the cool things at Kua Bay.

Later on Cherie came, and then the Andersons came too, all by chance. So fun! We lived about 2 hours from there, so it was amazing that we were running into friends that we knew.

I braided Sully this crown, which was HUGE, but he loved it.

And I get new favorite pictures of this girl. Sun behind her head, making her hair glow golden. She's perfect.