aloha friday and a little break

Christian's little footprints at the beach yesterday.

It has been a roller coaster of a week. And for at least a short while, I am going to be taking a break from blogging. There are things happening in our life right now that are filling up every corner of my head, and I think it's going to take some time for me to be able to open that space and write freely again.

Of couse, life goes on. And my days are busy with Christian, but when I lay down at night, and the room is dark and quiet, I can't turn off my brain. I talk to God, I think about life, our blessings, our hurts, what would have been, why things workout the way they do. We have a picture (wall-hanging?) in our bedroom that says, "Write your hurts in the sand... Carve your blessings in stone." And that is exactly what I am (mentally) trying to do. I know that we are blessed BEYOND belief. But that does not mean life is easy all of the time. I have faith, and I have hope that we will get through this, one day at a time. And trust in the future that God has for us. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

Yesterday, Christian went to a casting call for a Japanese clothing catalog for the brand Familiar. It was an interesting experience. A little bit of waiting, and then a few pictures of Christian. If he is chosen, we will hear something tonight. And if not, no big deal! It was a neat experience!

We're going to go to a picnic tomorrow with a few friends. They are moving from Hawaii back to Japan in just a few short days, so I am happy that we'll get to spend some time with them. And another thought, I am so sad by the amount of friends leaving Hawaii. Sigh.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. And east coast friends, make sure you head to the grocery store and stock up on milk, bread, and wine! Be safe!

"banana"

Imagine my surprise when I opened the refrigerator and Christian pointed to the bananas... and said "banana." Ok, so maybe it was more like "nana," but I was totally caught off guard! So just to be sure, I kept asking him, "what is this?" And (most) every time he responded with something vaguely resembling the word "banana." I know this is one of those moments where some people may read this and think "uh, big deal." But I am one proud Mama here!! I guess they really are listening to the words we say. Uh oh. (Also, this was the 2nd whole banana he's eaten today.)



(G.G. - here is the link to the video - http://youtu.be/gAJLdAmWrU0) :)

pumpkin picking & the beach

In Hawaii, those things go hand in hand.

Last Saturday we ventured to Aloun Farms with family and friends in search for the perfect pumpkin. We also went on a hayride, pet goats, picked corn, and got as dusty and dirty as possible. Afterward we went to the Ko'Olina Lagoons to cool down and wash that dirt off, while watching the sunset. It was a perfect Fall day... definitely a different kind of Fall day that I was used to growing up in Virginia, but these are the memories that my son will have of Fall in Hawaii. The temperatures may still be high, and there might not be any changing leaves, but we shared this day with those we love, and it couldn't have been more perfect!

(In this picture, he is signing "more," but he really means "help," which we are trying to teach him the sign for that. He wanted help picking up the pumpkin!)

And then we headed straight for the beach where we had a picnic dinner while watching a gorgeous sunset with some of the most fabulous people in the world.

This last picture is courtesy of Rachelle. (Thanks Rachelle!) I mean, does it really get any better than this? Life is so good, and we are so thankful and blessed to be able to live here on this beautiful island and share our lives with such amazing people.

aloha friday!

It's Friday? It's Friday! Where has this week gone???

Yesterday I took Brandi to my most favorite store on the island, Muumuu Heaven. (I will be forever grateful to you, Jayme!) Lucky for us, the owner... the ACTUAL lady who makes those "100% Fabulous" dresses was at the store... drinking a beer. But she's Australian, and just completely fabulous, so whatever. We had such a fun time there last night... that even though I didn't buy anything, she gave me lots of free stuff!! Does this mean I'm a VIP? Oh, dear. Well, Brandi bought a ridiculously amazing dress. Probably one of my favorites ever. AND, we're hoping to put that fabulous dress to good use this weekend at dinner. I made reservations (for sunset!) at the Hau Tree Lanai, and we both plan on rocking our Muumuu Heaven dresses.

We also hiked Manoa Falls!

Today we're planning on a beach day down in Waikiki. A little surfing, SUPing, and lots of sunning. Maybe some shopping too. Yeah, definitely some shopping.

Oh, while we were at Muumuu Heaven yesterday, Rob took Christian to the little park next to our house. And apparently Christian made a new friend while he was there.

And apparently, Christian loves him just as much as Baxter. And the cat actually LET Christian love him as much as Baxter. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

hello!

This probably goes with out saying, but we have had a very busy week! Brandi is here and we are moving right along around the island. We headed up to the North Shore yesterday to see the GINORMOUS waves. We had plans of setting up our tent and hanging on the beach all day, seeing the turtles, and eating shave ice. But the beach was closed because of the waves. And crazy enough, there were people out there surfing and bodyboarding. There were no turtles... because there was no beach for them to lounge on. We did however get to enjoy some shave ice from Aoki's, my favorite shave ice on the North Shore. SHAVE ice. Not SHAVED ice... and definitely not snow cone! Gahhh! ;)

We also had lunch at the "famous" Giovanni's Shrimp Truck. I now know why it's famous. Because it's delicious!!! 

After we got back to our side of the island yesterday, Rob went out for a quick surf and Brandi and I entertained Christian at the beach park. Or rather, the many pieces of coral entertained Christian. 

Brandi and I are also eating our fair share of cupcakes. I swear I'm on track to gain 10lbs this week, but the cupcakes ARE SO GOOD. Yesterday we shared a Pumpkin cupcake and a Cinnamon Toast cupcake. A few days ago we also shared a Chocolate and Red Velvet. I have a feeling that we're not done eating cupcakes this week. 

We did head to the beach on Tuesday... but the jellyfish signs were up. So I asked Rob if he'd go ask the lifeguard if anyone had gotten stung that day. Of course, Rob humored me and checked with the lifeguard. Such a sweet man. He knows I'm so paranoid about those awful jellyfish. (No one had been stung.) And I can't even believe it myself, but I actually got in the water... a little. 

This weekend I'd love to go pick pumpkins at Aloun Farms, like we did last year. I know Christian would just love it this time around. This is a picture from last year... 

...so yeah... I think he'll have a better time this year. :) 

Brandi and I have also been able to get out a little after Christian goes to bed. Last night we had dinner and strolled around Waikiki! But yeah, bedtime, it's the only time he has any interest in sleeping. This is how he currently feels about naps. Help. He's either in the transition to one nap, or he's just not interested in sleeping with so much fun going on around him. Can't blame him, I guess. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! 

aloha friday!

Happy Aloha Friday!!!

Very, very excited for the weekend and week to come. My bestie since forever (6th grade??), Brandi, is coming for a visit all the way from Virginia. Christian is at such a fun age right now, and just in love with every girl that looks his way, that I KNOW he'll be so excited to have an extra playmate around the house for a week. Brandi can look forward to lots of morning snuggles, I can assure her. And I am looking forward to some girl time.

Rob returns from Sydney tomorrow and then goes back on Sunday. Boo. BUT, reference above, Christian and I will be plenty busy! :)

Here's a little video I took of Christian in the bathtub last night. (G.G., if you can't watch it from your email, here's a link that'll take you to where it is on the web: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK4yAKKNlqg)



He is just absolutely the light of my life. Yesterday we walked to the park and it's just an entirely different experience walking with a toddler. He notices EVERYTHING. He stops to inspect anything and everything that catches his eye. Picking up rocks, nuts from trees/plants, shells (yes, we found a shell yesterday), anything. Of course, it takes us about 30 minutes to actually get to the park (normally a 5 minute walk), but I'm amazed. The small things are never lost on a one year old. I guess it's a good reminder to stop and smell the roses every once in a while.

Oh, I do have to write on our last day in Kauai, day 3. It was so interesting! We saw waterfalls, a heiau or two, and birthing stones! So cool!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Aloha!