maui

phew- get ready for a picture overload!  

here were go. 

We went to Maui with my parents for a week with the kids and had a blast.  

our first excursion was a hike to a blowhole.  We hiked next to a sheer cliff and over lava. the kids loved it.  The blowhole was pretty great shooting the water high into the air.

The kids just loved to ocean center.  It has a glass tube you walk through that has sharks and fish 

swimming all around.  Loved it!

We hiked through Iao Valley and played at the stream.  It is amazing how

happy kids are throwing rocks in a stream.  

Hiking around La Perouse Bay.  This is one of my favorite spots.  the water next to the black 

lava is just magic.

What is hawaii without Shave Ice?  I really will miss it!

The farmers market.  Coconut anyone?

We had some beach days, and did some snorkeling.  although it was a little cold for my kids taste.  

You can tell they live here- all the other kids can't get enough of the water. Only mine 

complain of the cold!

This was actually the kids first Luau!  I don't know how

we haven't ever taken them to one- Camiron was in heaven with the dancers

and Braden just loved the fire dancer at the end. Thanks Nana and Papa!

It is Whale Season in Maui- so we did a whale watching tour. We saw

a few different mom and babies.  (the mom's are the size of a bus, and the 2 day old baby we saw- the size of a small pickup truck).  

Out to eat....

We made it half way to Hana- we stopped off for a few hikes on the way and loved them.

This one was through a bamboo forest- beautiful!

I just had to put these pics of cam in b/c i just think she is so dang cute. don't you just want to squeeze those cheeks!! does it get any better!  She was busy doing some hula on the rocks.

And of course no trip is complete to another island without Troy having to cliff jump off of something.

So here he is being a great example to the kids.... wish i had taken a picture of their faces! 

North Carolina- here we come

just had to post that yep, the orders are in. We are headed to Ft. Bragg North Carolina for the next four years.  How did our five years here go so fast?

3

My baby is 3.  I don't know how it happened so fast. 

Camers you are such a special little girl.  I can't believe what a little

grown up you are.  You are leaps and bounds ahead of all your little friends.

By 2 you were talking in sentences, so of course at 3 you can

tell stories.  You are the only one who can peddle a tricycle- and you can ride a 2 wheeler with training wheels!!  you can walk on the beam on tiptoes forward and back and you know how to skip.  really skip!  what 3 yo can skip!?  in the last few months you have decided you are a princess. I don't know where the girl side came from, but suddenly you would rather cheer for braden than play football with him.  You can't get enough of daddy. He is picked first in your book always.  I am glad he is your hero.  He is mine too.  you are amazing and every day we can't help but love you more.  It is really hard to punish you b/c you will do something you know is naughty and then look at us with those big brown eyes and beg for forgiveness. It is hard not to give in to you always.  You love to play with friends, but you can also play on your own.  And Camiron you have already learned to ways of the world with an older brother.  he can't seem to help but torture you- whether it is taking your toy or hitting you.  You have already learned the game and play it just as well as him. i catch you doing the  hit and run- or you love to drink from his drink just to make him mad.  You love to get him in trouble and deny any part when asked!! smart little thing that you are.  We are so grateful you are a part of our family.  We would be lost without your smile. we love you.

Field trip fun

I had a great time with Bradens class on their fieldtrip to the discovery center.  

I love a kids museum that is all hands on fun.  The kids had such a great time.

From buses to drive, Dr. office to play in,  a stomach to run through, or a boat to sail....

Braders loved it.  And many thanks to Joy who took Camiron for me. 

I couldn't have gone without your help!!!