Boston had a great first year on the white team, and his skills were recognized.  The black team got a new coach, and He (along with a few top team members) was invited to play up with a team for the Prescott Tournament.  Ben was out of town at the Master’s (Yes, I’m the awesome wife who encouraged and convinced him to go!), so I took the kids up there on my own.  Actually, Aubrie had a Saturday morning game, so Boston went up the night before with another family, and we met up there for the second game.  It was a great trip, and opportunity to meet the parents of the team he most likely would be playing on in the Fall.  All the parent’s were so nice.  It was like a little family.  The weather was great, and I had a great time with just the kids and I.  There is always a different vibe on trips when it’s just me and the kids.  Not better, but different.  The boys played well, and ended up in second.  Not bad for a newly formed team.  Good Memories, and something to look forward to in the fall!

Easter 2013

Another Easter with the Hawkins.  How weird it would be to do it any other way.  I love our Golden Egg tradition (the one with the dollar in it).  I love how we only have to go next door when its the year its not at our house.  I love how we have brought our own Easter traditions together,  Tirza with her pickles and olives, and me always making the Ham.  (FYI...tried a new recipe this year, and will never do that AGAIN!)  Fun traditions build families and friendships! 

Playing Hooky!

The luxury of half day Kinder, is that it’s not a huge deal if they miss.  I pulled  Sophia for the Hawkins last day of Spring Break, to go up to Anthem park and enjoy the beautiful day.  They had fun feeding the ducks, eating lunch, and making a Sonic stop on the way home!  

A New Bear in the Family!

Ethan had his Blue and Gold banquet.  He had been looking forward to  it all week.  He laid his scout uniform out the night before, and took it all so serious.  I love that about him.  He is all or nothing kind of guy, but sometimes that means he does nothing.  LOL  He earned his Wolf, earned gold arrows, and 7 silver (but he only got 5 because they ran out) , and he got a belt loop for chess.  He was all about me putting those on ASAP.  The Blue and Gold was the BEST Blue and Gold I have ever been to.  Everything was put together so nice.  The decorations, the slide show, the DJ’d music, the table settings!  All well done!  

Red Dog's Spring Season

Sophia is looking forward to another Season with the Red Dogs.    She gets to play with her friends, Madison and Kinzi Lovell, and Sailor,  and play soccer.   

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