COMING TO THE END

I have started writing down 100 memories in my trip journal.  It is already fun to look back and reminisce and have a chuckle even if it the memory was only 19 days ago.  Like on day 1 when I put on my running shoes and there was a lizard in there, or Sam asking for 2 glasses of water each night just in case one of them dries up while he is sleeping.

Here are some more photos from the last couple of days.  I'm getting behind...

This is the Adult Pool.  Thought I should include a picture even if we don't sit there.

More flying leaps into the pool.

Sam's gap.

Swimming in the King's Pond with all the fish and eagle rays.  Too scary for the mommy, so I took pictures instead.

Going to dinner with our friends.  Another 4 year old boy to run super fast down the path with Sam.

Dancing at the restaurant...

My daughter was the one who got up first and kicked the dancing off.  She had some great moves, just like her Daddy.

4 MORE SLEEPS

4 more sleeps until we fly home.  

I'm already preparing the kids that they will be going back to school.  I have been reminding them (and myself) that there are also lots of fun things to look forward to at home, and things we would miss if we stayed in Hawaii forever.  Like Kirby and bike rides and toys and friends and Clara's birthday party and Pasley, to name a few.  Clara told me she only likes ham sandwiches in Vancouver, so there is that as well.

Sis and Rocco made it home safely.  I miss them and my morning vanilla latte delivered to my bedside.

But our friends Geoff and Sara arrived...new play things for the kids, or what we refer to as "fresh meat."

Will has bonded with Sara nicely.

Clara lounging at the Seaside "Luxe" Boutique.  A store where one looks, but does not buy.

Geoff and Sara babysat last night and took the kids down to the beach for some smoore making.  The mommy and daddy REALLY appreciate these times with each other sans children. We went on a hot date to the lava lounge for some fancy and expensive drinks and for some sushi.

7 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO WIN OVER CLARA

I was thinking today about my beautiful Clara, and how old she seems to me all of a sudden, never mind that the top of her lovely head reaches almost to my shoulder.  I love her so much.  I look at her and want to breath her all in.  

Her beloved friend Sara (our friend, actually) arrived late last night with her husband and we had a drink and a visit with another couple from Vancouver yesterday evening.  She loves Sara, and she also quickly fell in love with Janet, the lady from Vancouver.  So, here are some things you can do if you want Clara to fall in love with you:

• You can ask her to see her dolls, and then ask her what their names are
• You can read her a story
• You can offer to put make up on her, or braid her hair or do her nails
• You can give her some chocolate or make her a chocolate milk
• You can give her 15 minutes of undivided attention and play a game or dress up or build a fort or talk about life...
• You can go a "girl date" and take her away from her brothers for a bit
• You can talk in a gentle voice

Clara showing Janet her new doll, Ava.

Talking about life.

Some other shots of my girl from Saturday:

Auntie and Rocco fly home tonight.  I will miss them.  Speaking of people who Clara loves, she adores her Auntie too. 

Safe travels!

HAU'OLI LA I ALA HOU AI KA HAKUL! (HAPPY EASTER)

Happy Easter everyone!

The day is coming to an end over here.  The kids went to sleep despite the amount of sugar they consumed today, starting with a chocolate sucker breakfast and ending with a chocolate sucker dessert.  We have not seen sis reappear since she put Rocco to bed an hour ago.  I think she out for the night as well.

The Easter Bunny apparently comes to Hawaii too.  I awoke to the sound of Sam and Clara's voices at 6:00am, commenting on all the eggs hidden around the house.  Clara reminded her brother that it is really Jesus' day.  I even overheard them toasting "to Jesus" while drinking some orange juice.  

But to quote my sister, "bring on the chocolate eggs!" which is what we did as well.  

The boys checking out their loot.

Sam and Clara decorating brown eggs with markers (didn't work so well).

Sam's makeshift Easter basket (sand pail with bunny tied on).

The 0-4 year olds Easter egg hunt at the Hotel.

Will emptying the contents of all the eggs onto the grass.  He is trying to find the chocolate...not so interested in the tattoos.

Clara spots the Easter Bunny.

The 5 and up Easter egg hunt.

The egg dyeing table.

Pretty eggs.

Clara in line to get a bunny painted on her arm.  This took a LONG time. 

The slowest face painter I have ever met, but Clara was happy with the results (this is her happy face).

Yummy...Brunch.  I focussed on the desserts mostly.  Like this warm cinnamon donut.

And these white chocolate and coconut egg cup things.

Easter Egg hunt aftermath.

Farm animal petting area.

Sam showing off his new fast cars (the silver one is faster).  Each child could pick out 2 prizes from the prize table.

Sam sees the Easter Bunny for the first time.

Will tentatively checks out the Bunny...

...and did not like Him.  I don't blame him really. 

But he did like the sucker the Bunny gave him (did not like it when Daddy took it away).