utah random events...

A few events that only have a few pictures- or none at all...  In no particular order

Slip and slide with the cousins

4th of july swim party with the cousins.  Some of us went to see fire works that night-

but as mentioned- no pics of that.

the kids really wanted to see snow- so we hiked around silver lake,

and then up a ski lift on a snow hunt.  found it.. its still cold!

dinner out with 2 dear friends ally and julie.  we haven't been together in years

we had a dinner get together with the "bros" and families.  here are all the kiddos- but we never

got an adult picture. bummer. but it is so fun to see all these kids growing up.

koch family all together.  this time we managed an adult picture- but i 

never caught one of all the kids.  

And how did I not take pictures at these events??  but I have to put them down so I don't forget they happened:
COS girls weekend trip- really a whole weekend and not a single picture taken. so sad.
COS swim days
Troy went to see his brother tyler in Texas before he deploys to Iraq.
A night up the canyon with the rugby mates and families
A night up the canyon with Chad and Amy and Andrew.
hiking with shannon and cam
breakfast out with Shan and Melissa
troy and i had a get-a-way to snowbird for a night
I know there are more that will come to me....

a few lasts....

Aloha oe, aloha oe,
E ke onaona noho i ka lipo
One fond embrace, a hoi ae au
Until we meet again, until we meet again

Its tradition to sing aloha oe to families that are leaving the ward while ward members present you with hugs and lei's.  Lets just say it was an emotional last sunday for us.  We were asked to speak for our last sunday, which wouldn't be so bad, except we were already so stressed and had already shipped our things (which means no computer to look things up or type a talk and no printer to print it out).  it was a little rough, but we made it through and just lost it when they sang.  Palehua Ward has left a lasting impression of what Aloha truly means and we will miss our ward family dearly.

The kids last swim class with Mr. Curtis.

The kids love him. thanks to Mr. Curtis at 5 braden can 

swim the length of the pool on his front (with side breathing), backstroke, he can side swim,

dive to the bottom of the deep end, swim elementary backstroke, and feels

completely comfortable in the pool.

Camiron at 3 yo can swim the length of the pool on her front and her back. It 

takes her some time because she is so little, but she is diligent and keeps on going.  

I love that she can swim on her belly and if she gets out of breath or tired

 she will flip over to her back and do a back float until she is recovered  and then keep going.

a last day of swimming with our buddy dillian.  he came to see us at our Ko Olina hotel that we 

lived in for the last week on the island.

Troy somehow still got stuck going to scout camp our last few days.  he went

monday and tuesday and we flew out thursday.  I was not happy about it, but

he did love getting to spend a last night with the boys.

a last trip to waimea bay falls with moms club friends.  My kids always love this

hike and they of course swam at waterfall at the end.  We had to borrow backpacks

and a stroller because we didn't have the things we needed- so thanks friends for

making it happen for us!

braders birthday

Its hard to throw a birthday party with no furniture-

so we surprised braden by picking him up early from school and 

taking him to chucky-e-cheese with his two best friends tommy and Dillian

he was a little excited to say the least!

We had a great time it was a great way to celebrate one last time with friends before leaving.

Happy 5th Braders.  What a big boy you are.

(you love all sports and get so giddy to play or watch any!  you love motorcycles, 

playing outside nonstop, hawaii, friends, preschool, the beach and picking on your sister.  You can

be the best big brother, and also love to beat on camers! you know all of your letters, can count to 

100, and are learning a little bit of reading. You can't wait to go to kindergarten this year and

we are excited for you to be growing up into such an amazing kid! we love you)

Ward Goodbye

I might cry just looking at these.  This has become our family.  After 5 years in Hawaii

These are the families who have helped to raise my children, Troy has spent 5 years as a leader

to the young men. he has seen some grow from 12 to eagle scouts. That is a long time!

We would never have felt that "the rock" was home if it hadn't been for the friendships and love

we have for these people. 

The Mafi family was kind enough to open their home to us for a goodbye party. I couldn't

put all the pictures up there were just too many- but this gives the idea...

lynn, iva, maunu jr, nubi, jr, maunu, jeff, troy, mafua

nina, malani, amy

barry and keri

our local girl enjoying her party

codee and sara (with kahana)

the boys playing basketball

braders with jonah and max

this family is dear to us- austin was one of troys young men turned golfing buddy

jasmine and maddy were our faithful babysitters.  

book club goodbye

I have loved every minute of my Hawaii bookclub.  We stay up late talking 

about books, life, kids and things we don't want our kids to hear!

it is the day i look the most forward to every month. I will miss these girls so much

Another friend Trisha was leaving just a few days before us so we had a joint

goodbye.....  and unfortunately some of our most faithful members were

on vacation :)   Love you all

my graduate

We made it.  I can't believe it.  after 9 years of marriage and 9 years of schooling Troy graduated from Residency.  Congrats to my man. I am so proud of you.  He has worked so hard, studied non-stop, passed his board exam and is a full time Radiologist.   Yipee!  

Troy accepting his diploma at his graduation at Tripler

So proud.  We are going to miss that big pick building on the hill.

his fellow grads Troy, Dave, Mike and Mike

I surprised him that night with a dinner out with friends to celebrate.  Thanks to Sara for helping me plan and everyone else for keeping the secret!  (sara, takuya, austin, jeff, jackie, trisha, cortney, barry and keri)

His work graduation party.  Dave, troy, mike, mike and Dave.  (it was hard for me to keep track of who he was talking about for the last 5 years since everyone else is named mike and dave!)  They gave them placks, real tomahawks and then made fun of them in the roast.  Great night.  We will miss each person he had a chance to work with. 

Moms Club Goodbye Party

My dear friend Danielle gave us a goodbye party at their amazing pool.  We are going to miss each of you so much you have no idea.  Thanks for helping me through each tough day with my kids! I couldn't do it without all of you....

kristina, karl dillian and tyler... lynn, ernie and jacob.... shawna, tom madeline and tommy... 

danielle, shawn tyler and ryan... jessica with ainsley and penny.... troy and i.... jen with kailey and catiee.... Laura Beth  and Mark,  Georgina, Isabelle and Noah.... Beth with Kyle and Kara... Laura with Layton and Logan