Sunday, April 29, 2018

Reflection

I had a minute to look over the pictures and entries I have made over the last little while. I realize that while my phone was being difficult with adding text, the pictures I added helped to keep track of the progress and adventures that my family has had- they truly are a treasure! Just to see the changes my children have had since we have landed in Hawaii is amazing to me. I also realize that this online journal makes the most sense for me, even though it means sitting in front of a computer and trying to sound coherent as a writer, it is something I need to do! I also see the benefit of writing in pen and paper in my "other journal" but without the pictures, I find that there isn't as much depth to the stories... so which one do I do? The struggle is real! I just have to say that I will do my best with both- just knowing that this format will be my family journal and adventure tracker.

*I also realize that quite some times has passed from many of the updates and stories that I need to add so just as reminder that they may not be the best composition that has ever been created. I will try to remember the events and reasons, but obviously they will not be as in depth as if I had written then immediately after the experience.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

APRIL- EASTER, Spring Break, Brielle birthday, and short cuts PART 1

Our April was pretty busy with lots of the activities, visitors, and celebrating!

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS SPRING FESTIVAL
Usually a couple times a year, there is a huge party here on post at Weyland field. There are food vendors, carnival rides, and inflatable bouncy houses. We like to take the kids right when they first open in order to get some free "stuff" (sunscreen, fans, pens... more junk) and also to take our free picture with whatever seasonal character they have. It is one of my favorite things... and it is just funny to see how the picture turns out with my crazy crew. We let the kids pick one "ride" and this time they chose the battle balls/orbs. I think they all had a great time running and crashing into each other.

EASTER
I had to make sure we put together baskets this year because Necha & Josh and Maggie and Tessa were here! I think the morning was fun, but I will NEVER buy flarp or any substance that resembles a gooey mess. Also the indoor "sand".... uh... no!  So on the bright side, there was a plethora of candy and sugar-induced hyperactivity from the children while we watched (or tried to listen to) General Conference- now that was really wonderful this year!

STORY TIME with CANNON
We love going to hear stories from Miss Terry at the local library. She reads a few stories and then plays some songs with actions and the little toddlers and kiddos try to follow along. I think Cannon is the cutest kid there- very attentive and does well at following instructions!

BRIELLE BIRTHDAY
For a few years now, we have had cousins or Grandparents around for Brielle's birthday which is pretty lucky for her! Last year we went to the dole plantation and got the BIG treat with 3 tall spirals of dole whip with cherry, chocolate, and butterscotch sauce all on top of a 1/2 of a pineapple. It's expensive, but big enough for the group to share so we splurge a little! So of course that has been what Brielle has talked about all year and we had to go again this year. We walk around and look at the different varieties of pineapples, take a few fun pictures, and then we leave. It is a tourist destination after all, so we don't like to spend too much money there ;)

PCC FIELD TRIP
Brielle's Kindergarten class was able to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center and I went along as a chaperone. This is really one of the best field trips learning about the different island cultures and watching the presentations. Brielle is fun to watch in the group. She is excited and smiling, happy to be where she is. I'm so glad to have my parents here so that I can go and be part of the adventures with my kids while they are in school.