Thanksgiving

We spent our Thanksgiving with some of our favorite island friends, on the beach. We built sand castles and turned out kids into mermaids. 

We all cheered for Paul and his scary jump into the one deep part of the water near the rock, that had to be timed just right.

We hunted in the tide pools for sea creatures. We found sea cucumbers and played with a small octopus that the dads brought in from their snorkeling adventure around the bay.

We dug huge holes and buried the kids alive and laughed each time the waves came up to splash them.

We snuggled up with friends and watched a huge pod of dolphins swim by and jump for us. It was such a great way to spend our day.

After the beach, we had dinner at our friends house, and left feeling full of good food, and full of love and gratitude for this life we have been given. So many people, and opportunities have blessed our loves, and we are thankful.

the silliest

This was the game for at least 30 minutes. Run through the splash pad, run to mom, run back to the splash pad, run back to mom. He was totally content to just be silly. I love this boy.

surprised

Hawken saw this movie poster with Logan's name on it. He couldn't believe it! He wanted a picture to send to his friend Logan from Texas. He has a new friend named Logan here, but when he's differentiating who he is talking about (Texas or Hawaii friend) he calls them REAL Logan (Texas) and NEW Logan. So funny. 

By the way, being named the same thing as a super hero, is a SUPER cool thing.  Hawken thinks that's pretty amazing.

FaceTime

The first few days after the Flores family was gone were hard for the kids. They missed their friends! FaceTime was a lifesaver. They had so much fun talking with them and making faces at each other. So silly.

Paul's Birthday!

The MOMENT Paul turned 34, he was ready for some presents. Notice, the sun isn't up yet. The kids got Paul some swim trunks, and we told him he had to WAIT to open his other gift until later. 

Paul had to work on his birthday, of course. But after work, we picked him up and went to the movies to see Moana, on opening day. It was one of the BEST Disney movies any of us has ever seen. It was SO good. Especially being here in Hawaii, although it follows a lot of different Pacific Island traditions, not specifically Hawaii.

When we got home, we grabbed some birthday bags and tricks! They were empty, but it got Paul thinking that his last present was small enough to fit in a bag, when in fact, it couldn't. It was a new SURFBOARD! He was SO excited. :)

Happy birthday to our favorite guy. We love you so much Paul! It's so nice having a reason to celebrate you. We hope you had a great birthday!!

goodbyes

The Flores girls hung out with me lots during the last day while Johnny and Makenzie packed and packed and packed. Johnny stayed up all night the night before, just packing. They left with MORE boxes than they came with, and still left tons of things here. It was a BIG job, and I didn't envy them. Poor things.

It was a group effort getting their U-Haul truck packed up. The kids helped by running up and down the ramp and getting filthy dirty. Paul and Johnny loaded up the truck and I made up some snacks for them to have on the plane. Makenzie was busy getting things set too.

They left on a weekday, so the boys had to say goodbye before they left for school.

After a while, I set up a movie on my computer in my room for the kids tow watch and stay out of the way, so Johnny and Makenzie could finish up packing and loading.

Almost done!

They said good bye to Sully and Lullaby and left for the airport to drop off all the boxes and suitcases. I took my kids to Pam's house, so she could watch them, and I drove to the U-Haul with their girls to meet them. It was taking them longer to get there than was planned and I was worried about them catching their flight.  They did get there, turned in the U-Haul, and I drove them back to the airport and they made their flight.

It was sort of bittersweet when they left. We got to move into the master bedroom (which is HUGE and amazing and we love it), and have more quiet in the house and things like that. But it felt different for a while after they left, and we missed them. I'm sad their plans to find a job and live in Hawaii didn't work out, but I'm happy they are on a new adventure that they'll make their own. Good luck in Florida Flores family! We love you!

turtle beach

The Flores family had to leave Hawaii after only being here for 2 months. They are off on their next adventure already and living in Florida. The last few days with them here were mostly full of packing, and arranging U-Hauls and things like that, but we did get to sneak away to the beach with them one last time. 

The kids all built really strong relationships with each other. It was fun to watch them play, and sad to know this was a last time at the beach together.

The sunsets at this beach are lovely, each night we are there. The boys weren't interested in the happy smiling pose (pic 1), they wanted to do this (pic 2). The dab is their new favorite dance move, pose, you name it. I know I wasn't that weird when I was a kid. Was I?

riding buddy

Hawken's souvenir from Grandma and Grandpa was this little stuffed turtle. Hawk named him "Max" and brought him with him to church the day they left. Since he rides his bike, he tucked Max into his shirt for the ride. So cute. 

goodbyes

Lee and Stacy wanted to celebrate Paul's birthday a couple days early before they left. Paul always begs to open gifts early, so he was fine with it! :) Lee and Stacy left early the next morning, so we said our goodbyes that night. It was such a FUN trip. Lots of adventuring and memories made. Paul was actually able to take some days off too, so he could actually hang out with his parents this time too. First time ever. Thanks for coming guys, we love you! 

hotel pool

Swimming in hotel pools (even when they're shaded and cold) is one of the best things to do when visitors come! The kids also built forts out of the chairs and towels, and picked some flowers for me. Grandpa Lee joined us, while Daddy and Grandma took a nap. I can't remember why they were so tired, but we stayed out of the hotel room as long as we could stand it. 

sweet

Just when you thought Hawken couldn't get any sweeter, he brings home a note like this. So sweet. I love this boy.

Dear Family,

I Wish you have a 

Very merry christmas 

I always feel safe

around you Mom, Dad

Matix Lullaby and Solis

You are special to me you

feel warm than you for

Me doing everything for me

That is why I hope you

have a good Christmas

From Hawken