Hawaii with the McGee's

This was the BEST trip to Hawaii I have ever taken.   Of course, the newness of it for the kids last year was exciting, but as far as relaxing and enjoyable, this was the winner.   Also, the McGee’s joined us so that added a new fun dynamic.  This time we booked for 8 nights.  I decided the kids could miss a few days of school, for cheaper tickets, so that bought us time to not feel rushed.  We had a lot more time to chill at the hotel and take in activities there.  We got there Thursday, which left us a few days before the McGee’s arrived on Sunday.   Friday we headed up North for some shrimp, and time at Banzai.  The waves were more intense, and after the life guard got after us for letting our kids in the water we took them to Waimaie.  The kids had fun in the ocean there.  Afterward we got shaved ice and headed home.  At the hotel the kids  had fun with the hotel activities, which included relay races, and a flag football competition.  Boston was all pumped about it and was expecting to dominate, until some huge Polynesian kids showed up.  The boys still did well, and even Aubrie participated, making some touch downs, and touchdown passes of her own.  One thing about her is that she can hold her own with the guys!  Another activity was lei making and a a Hula Hoop contest.   Aubrie was so close to winning.  Afterward they had one for parents, and they all begged me to do it.  I ended up winning and the kids thought I was the bomb for about 15 minutes of my life! haha  The kids also enjoyed playing basketball and volleyball with other kids in the pool area.  We found our new favorite spot, which is not by the slide.  It’s a beachy area, where shaved ice, and the kids activities are at our fingertips.  This time we also took the kids to Hanauma Bay.  It was so much fun!  Much more enjoyable than I remembered it years ago with Ben.  Of course, it was December back then and the waters were colder.  The kids had fun snorkeling and seeing all the fish.  Ethan and Sophia stayed close to shore, and spent most of their time in the sand. Later, I took the kids to the grassy areas to play Frisbee golf.  They loved that!  We loved it there so much we went again when the McGee’s arrived.  Jason loved the snorkeling, and this time we let the kids go beyond the reef.  Abbie was a good sport, helping the Little's build sand castles.  I went past the reef myself this time, and it was amazing.  I got caught up on the reef on the way back, and got really scared I was going to get torn up on the rocks.  I said a prayer that Boston and I would be ok, and we came out without any cuts.  From now on Ill be sure I come in and out of the marked areas.  
We  went to Diamond Head again, knowing the McGees would love the hike and the view.  We also took them up to the Temple, and went into the visiting center.  We had fun looking at all the Book of Mormons in different languages.  We also hit the Dole Plantation with the McGee’s.  We hit the huge maze with the kids, which was fun for them.  We made a race out of it, splitting into teams of two. Afterward we hit the pearl booth.  We totally got sucked in there, and I ended up with black pearl earrings and a necklace, and Sophia walked out with pink pearl earrings and a necklace.  I have to say we got caught up in the moment.  It’s just so much fun opening those oysters!!!
Overall the time spent was so nice and relaxing.  We stayed in most nights for dinner, except our drive into the city for Dukes!  It was a nice time with the McGee’s.  Aubrie enjoyed her time with Sydney, and it cut down on the fighting, her hanging with Sydney, and the boys doing their own thing.  Sydney also loved playing with Sophia, probably since she doesn’t have a little sister.  It was a good combination.  It was so hard to leave this time.  Can’t wait until next year! 

Time for Take off!

Finally there, after 6 1/2 hours!

Hanauma Bay Round 1

Sophia and Ethan

Giovani's Shrimp!

Our new favorite hotel pool spot!

Long night at  Waikiki/Dukes

Ben spotted these whales at the North Shore

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Diamond Head Hike

Hanauma Bay Round 2

A little fun exploring and hiking up an unmarked trail.  Ethan was freaking out nervous when we got to the edge of the mountain.  Just learned he has a HUGE fear of heights!

Ethan not so happy about the height situation of this hike!

Chasing down chickens at Pali.  Last year it was cats.  What will it be next year?

Waimaie

Hotel Games!

Flag Football

Ethan is 9!

 Ethan is only one year away from the double digits.  Seems like I just put him in Kindergarten, and now he is 9!  For  his actual birthday, I surprised him at lunch with Panda Express.  He always is appreciative when I come visit for lunch.  This year we made his party simple, but he loved it!  It’s always crazy throwing Ethan’s party’s because it’s also close to the time that I am trying to get ready for our Spring Break vacation.  This year it wasn’t as demanding as the Angry Bird party.  That one was A LOT of work.  This year he wanted a sports party, so that was just throwing some sports contests together, with some prizes for the winner, and cake and ice cream.  The boys had a basketball shooting contest, a  soccer shoot out contest, a tether ball contest, a hula hoop contest, and a Kinect Football contest.    They rotated and the winner got a prize and a medal at the “ceremony!”   The boys had fun...and it was a cinch of a party.  

#2

Boston had a great season with this new team.  The ended up second in their division! Coach Chris was very good.  He was great with the boys, and with the parents.  We were always informed and reminded of everything that was going on!  The boys had a great season, and Boston really progressed as a player.  He was a great defender (a position that they would put him in half of the game after seeing how well he did), and really picked up his goal scoring the second half of the season.  Once we put money on the table for each goal, that seemed to do the trick! :)  This is the end of the season, but we still have one more tournament to go with this team.  Hoping we will end with a bang! 

20/20...not so much!

The other day Boston called me and said, “Mom I need glasses, I look good in them.”  Apparently he tried some kids glasses on, and realized he could see better.  Of course, that was his story.  I wasn’t sure if he just wanted some glasses.  So after many requests, I took him to Target to get the “fake” fashion glasses.  He said, “MOM!  I really need glasses!”  My mistake.  We took him in and low and behold he does need glasses.  He said how funny it was that for so long he thought that is just how the rest of the world saw things.  Good thing he looks awesome in his glasses.  He is always getting compliments on them.  Even from strangers.  He said, “and maybe my teachers next year will think I’m really smart!”  haha

Ethan’s grade had a Madhatter’s party.  The Mom’s did an excellent job with the decorating and food.  A lot of Type A personalities went into this one!  Ethan went as one of the Queens guards.  I made this outfit for him.  I showed up to help set up, and I helped with some games.  It was a fun experience.  This school has been such a great change for Ethan.  He is loving every minute of it! (Well..mostly)