Mick's Pre-Birthday Celebration!

Our friends Auntie Christine, Kawika & Kanoa threw Mick a pre-birthday celebration since they won't be here for his actual 4th BDay. We had such a great day!

Started out opening presents...they got Mick his first pair of Tabi's (water shoes) and a fishing net!
Then we all got in their canoe and paddled over to Secret Island. The water was perfect - all the kids could stand up and Auntie Christine caught some fish and crabs and put them in a bucket for viewing.

Here's Kanoa, Mick & Kawika on the surfboard
Mick pulling Melissa Mick was paddling himself around on the surfboard. It was his first time using a real paddle and he did very well! Kawika giving Melissa a ride
Mick giving Kanoa & Melissa a ride in the canoe. Check out the gorgeous backdrop! We got back in the canoe and paddled over to the beach part of the island. It was great for swimming and Mick got on a surfboard for the first time! WOW! After a walk around the island and having a blast at the beach, we headed back to their house. They had made a rice krispie cake for Mick - complete with candles and singing and everything! Mick was so excited! He got to help make ice cream, and for the finale, we all got to watch the Popcorn machine make popcorn!
It was a wonderful pre-birthday celebration, Thanks Auntie Christine, Kawika & Kanoa! We love you guys!

Kualoa Ranch

We went horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch and had so much fun! Melissa was so excited, she is STILL talking about "horsies!"

The horse's name was Max. Now all horsies are Max!

The Zoo!

We went to the Honolulu Zoo with our good friends Auntie Christine & Kawika & Kanoa. We had a great time!
I love the "behind" pictures!

Mick & KawikaKawika, Kanoa, & Mick in the fishbowl

Try and get 4 kids in a Lion's mouth to ALL SMILE! Melissa was NOT happy about this situation at all!

Since she couldn't ride the REAL elephants, she decided this one would do...

The kids had a great time climbing this really cool Banyan Tree.

We saw this sign as we were leaving...

Yeah, RIGHT!!!!

Keiki o Ka ' Aina

This past year we have been able to attend a Hawaiian Immersion School called Keiki o Ka' Aina (Children of the Land) We had a great year - the kids loved going there! We met lots of very cool people who we've enjoyed getting to know. We've also learned a lot of Hawaiian - words, culture, etc. It's great for the kids - AND me!

Here's some pictures of us at school

Mick...climbing trees!

Time for our Oli!

This is our good friend, Auntie Christine holding Melissa and holding her son Kanoa's hand.

Kanoa & Mick playing blocks. "Wow, this is taller than us, Mom!"

Wanna knock it down?

Our graduation "ceremony" was held at Glow Putt - a glow in the dark mini golf place.

Mick is proud of his "diploma" AND his cool glow-in-the-dark bracelet!

Mick & Melissa had a great time golfing (or trying to!)

We did get a few hole-in-one's!

YAY!

This is our Kumu (teacher), Alveena

We're excited to be going back to Keiki o Ka 'Aina next year!

Hangin' with the Seeger Girls!

We had dinner with the Seeger girls at California Pizza Kitchen and the kids had a great time playing on this fountain!

Climbing the Ladder!

A couple weekends ago, Tom was pruning the mango tree.

Mick couldn't WAIT to climb the ladder!

This gives a bit of perspective as to how high they were!


Of course, Melissa has to follow in her brother's footsteps - literally!

I made Daddy fold the ladder in 1/2 and make it only 6 feet tall!
Daddy is their HERO!

Back Home and Lovin' It!

It's nice to go on vacation, but it's nice to be back home. While we were on vacation we worked on potty training Melissa. (The cottage has wood floors - much easier to clean than my carpets!) We got over most of the tough part and now that we're home she's doing very well. We've gone 3 days with no accidents, and SHE has been the one to tell ME that she has to go potty. That's pretty exciting not to have anyone in diapers anymore!

Mick is happy to be able to ride his tractor again - Daddy fixed it so it goes 4 MPH now (it used to only go 2MPH) and Mick ZOOMS all over the yard! Melissa can drive it pretty good too now, although I try to keep it in the 2MPH position for her - although she loves to go fast!

Here's Mick driving his tractor

Melissa's Turn!

On Thursday night, Daddy surprised us and took us to the 50th State Fair. It was opening night and everything was $1. We had a GREAT time - this was our favorite - the Tilt-a-Whirl. Since it was only $1. we rode it 3 times. All 4 of us were cracking up during the entire ride! Mick & Melissa got to ride the Merry-Go-Round, drive a helicopter, drive a boat, be in a Circus (Melissa got to be a ballerina), and Daddy & Mick went on the Ferris Wheel (Mommy's too scared). It was an awesome night, even if we didn't get home 'til 10! We love your spontaneity, Daddy!

Here's us on the Tilt-A-Whirl

Here's the kids driving the boat

The next morning, bright and early, I took the kids to Sea Life Park. We had a good time but we were tired and happy to come home and take naps!