Hiking- Waimano Tunnels

Brielle, Cannon, and I had gone on a hike with our friends and decided to take the rest of the family on a little adventure. This loop trail goes down into a valley along a small river. The jungle and mud can make for a messy trip, at least it was the first time we went. Thankfully, the weather was cooperating and the mud was mostly dried up when we went this time. 

There was once some old water pipes cutting through the mountain to bring water into the valley below. These make for some fun exploring caves as long as you have a flashlight to see your way. The boys were racing in and out and back and forth through the caves and Brielle was trying to catch them before we moved onto the next one.


The beautiful valley and view. We are hot and tired after our trip up into the mountain and through the caves. There was also strawberry guava that we were eating and picking to bring home to make some jam or syrup. I hope that it turns out!

Super Eagle Award for Connor

Each teacher nominates 2 students from their class for exhibiting strong learning characteristics. We were excited to learn that Connor would represent his class for all of his hard work at school. He is doing well, reading smoothly, and also doing great in math. He is also helpful in class, patient, and does his best work. We are always amazed at Connor and what he is doing to be responsible and kind! We love you Buddy!

September

Saturday

Busy, Fun days with the kids

First beach days in Hawaii

Some of our first times spent at the beach were just the best. The kids all seemed excited to get out of the house and the butterflies in our bellies of exploring our new home had everyone ready to go. For some reason Cael started wearing leggings as his swimming suit and Ben and I sure got a kick out of his fashion choices.  

The picture above is at Haleiwa Beach park, one of the closest beaches from our house for paddle boarding and surfing. Sometimes we just go up there to let the kids play around while Ben and I keep our eyes on baby Cannon in the sand. He isn't too fond of the ocean yet, so we just have to take turns staying by him and watching the other kids that are in the water.

These next two pictures are at White Plains Beach. Ben had to leave for the month of August for some training and I didn't want to waste any time by sitting at home. Thankfully, we met and quickly became friends with the Davis family- Marianne & Sam- who are great at inviting us along to go surfing or snorkeling with them. A fun fact is that the Davis' also lived in Germany and we moved into their house in Sorghof! It is a small world in the Army!



SHARKS COVE- our favorite place to snorkle


Marianne is super brave with exploring and handling the sea creatures. She showed us which ones are easier to hold (the collector sea urchin or vanna) but watch out for the banded sea urchin (the one Ben is holding). That little creature has thousands of tiny needles that are sharp, but fragile- making it impossible to pluck the spine out if it makes impact with your body. It is like fiberglass and the poison from the creature makes it incredibly uncomfortable. We've learned this hard lesson from experience when the banded sea urchin fell on Ben's hand and also onto Cael.



Kailua Beach Park. This shallow section of a river as it meets the ocean is the perfect spot to run and play. Even baby Cannon can go where he wants to go! Ben pulled the boogie boards while the big kids try to hang on. It is pretty entertaining to watch when the go flying across the water or flip over. We sure are having a great time here in Hawaii!

Arriving in Hawaii

Travel day is always exhausting- there is the physical stress and logistics of trying to prepare for all the people in the group- trying to remember and not forget or leave anything behind, packing and having the bags organized- bringing toys, snacks, treats, diapers, blankets- and that's just for one! With all the worry I had about this day, I'm amazed at how well behaved my kids were on the plane. I'm sure we looked like a small circus and I am quite the ringleader (but that's one of our family sayings "Circus stick together -Madagascar")

We ended up checking 10 bags and each child had their own backpack to carry. I was so grateful for the help and it felt easy cruising through the airport with our umbrella stroller and Cannon enjoying the ride.

We got the the airport with plenty of time (another worry) and said goodbye to my Dad. He helped each of the kids hold onto their bags and then drove away in the old brown van that my Uncle had let us borrow. 

Obviously we walked around and saw the best place to grab our last meal on the mainland- The deliciousness of Cafe Rio still calls to me... The salad is the best!

Somehow I timed our meal perfectly- as we walked toward the plane and our gate we heard the announcement "we are now boarding passengers who are traveling with small children..." And we walked right up, scanned our tickets, and  got right on the plane. Brecon, Brielle, and Connor sat together in front of Cael, myself and Cannon. Everyone started touching the movie and television show screen in front of them and before we had taken off, Cannon was ready for his first nap!

Between snacks, drinks, and unlimited water- Cael and I managed to watch three movies. Brecon and Connor were each happy with games and the IPad, and Brielle kept herself entertained. 

We were all ready to get off the plane and see our Ben! Brielle was especially excited and had been telling everyone "I miss my daddy!"

So here we are on a beautiful (humid) island... More adventures to come!