tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83561658604056868452024-03-12T16:57:53.502-07:00Hula PressKristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-39434092970556554202011-07-29T01:05:00.000-07:002011-07-29T01:05:17.180-07:00Aloha<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">[ah loh' hah] - Love, greetings, goodbye, pity, compassion, mercy, affection, farewell ; spirit of love, affection, kindness. As in: Aloha wau iâ `oe (I love you); Aloha `oe (Farewell to you).</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love that the word aloha sums up all of the things I need to say in three perfect syllables. First, farewell to Hawaii and our connections here. Secondly, hello again to our California home. Lastly, having time away from life's typical stresses and distractions has been a potent reminder about what really matters. It turns out that my learnings on this front can be distilled down to "love, affection and kindness."</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We decided to spend this week doing our typical activities, rather that attempting to cram a bunch of new adventures into our last days of leisure. That means we ditched our lingering plans to go to the children's discovery center and to take the kids for a horse ride at the ranch. Instead last weekend we took a trip with Brenda and her children to Bellows Beach on the Air Force Base (about 20 minutes away from where we live). You need a military-associated person to take you there and the guards take the checkpoint security seriously. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With constraints on the number of people who have access plus the inherent tidiness of military caretakers, Bellows Beach is one of the most pristine places we've visited in Hawaii. Big waves made for some great boogie boarding. The kids joined a gang of others digging huge holes in the sand. All of this meant we were blissfully wiped out by lunch time and thrilled to pass the grilled chicken stand just after we left the base. You gotta stop for enormous bar-b-ques on the side of the road, especially when all of the locals are doing it.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESdG5x8HzS4/TjJkgtz3fqI/AAAAAAAAAVs/NvzaoNHztz8/s1600/DSCN1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESdG5x8HzS4/TjJkgtz3fqI/AAAAAAAAAVs/NvzaoNHztz8/s320/DSCN1536.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bellows Beach = perfection<br />
Even the bathrooms were tidy.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5R7UgkT36o/TjJklc4yh3I/AAAAAAAAAVw/9LGV-sRkF1Q/s1600/DSCN1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5R7UgkT36o/TjJklc4yh3I/AAAAAAAAAVw/9LGV-sRkF1Q/s320/DSCN1543.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Keira, Kelsey, Brenda, Alice, Tag, Benji and some shark bait in a hot pink rash guard </span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Besides the departure preparations this week we're trying to make sure we swim in the ocean every day. It seems like the best use of dwindling time. We're also starting to say our goodbyes. Gregg's family left for the mainland yesterday, so we made plenty of time for some final play sessions in the yard. Alice and Benji had their last trip with me to the YMCA this morning and all of their caregivers were sad to see them go. Tomorrow morning is their final gymnastics class, and they will go to "Parent's Night Out" in the evening so Tag and I can have one last date night. I'm looking forward to three romantic hours at Haleiwa Joe's in Kaneohe. Saturday morning we'll hang out with Brenda and her family at the beach. Then we have some babysitting help lined up for Saturday afternoon during the critical "get shit crammed in bags" hours. I'm envisioning having a sunrise swim on Sunday before we leave for the airport. I'll need to say a heartfelt goodbye to the lanikai (heavenly sea). </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDZfZMnKCj0/TjJkWJpYzjI/AAAAAAAAAVk/68_M2H-aTMo/s1600/alicetreva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDZfZMnKCj0/TjJkWJpYzjI/AAAAAAAAAVk/68_M2H-aTMo/s320/alicetreva.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Goodbye! I'll miss you terribly!<br />
You have really cool toys and I appreciate you letting me steal them on occasion.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1P8jdVDBUw/TjJkbba4zQI/AAAAAAAAAVo/f1GEdhdrn0k/s1600/benjityler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1P8jdVDBUw/TjJkbba4zQI/AAAAAAAAAVo/f1GEdhdrn0k/s320/benjityler.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I love you. <br />
You make me want to be a six year old girl. <br />
Don't leave me here with just Alice for entertainment.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So at this point I suppose it is time to sign off from the Hula Press. Mahalo for being a part of my Hawaii experience. Without your love and support for my personal blogging experiment I never would have remembered to bring my camera for most of the previously covered content. While sabbatical journalism is a rigorous pursuit, I suggest you all try your hand at it sooner rather than later. It will change your life. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Aloha! </span></span>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-60361955088067521702011-07-27T00:03:00.000-07:002011-07-27T00:23:36.493-07:00Things I miss<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsu-K9nzxA0/Ti-wWJwfQpI/AAAAAAAAAVY/e0UXS03ot38/s1600/livesimply.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsu-K9nzxA0/Ti-wWJwfQpI/AAAAAAAAAVY/e0UXS03ot38/s320/livesimply.JPG" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Tyler show off our matching "Live Simply" tee shirts. <br />
Considering that I wear mine all the time (Thanks, Kelly!)... I must be taking the message to heart.</td></tr>
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We are just starting to do some tasks to prepare for our departure so the fact that we're leaving in a matter of days is feeling more real. The car has been sold and the paperwork was signed and mailed in last week. We realized at the last minute that we had misplaced the title, but due to some miracle of DMV efficiency a new copy was mailed to us from Kauai County within a couple of days. Tag's turtle traps have been packed away and his research samples have been sent home.<br />
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We're finishing off the last remnants of food in our house and eating more than our fair share of animal crackers, walnuts, poultry products, and peanut butter. Please remind me to never buy organic animal crackers in bulk again. Their little happy faces are starting to irritate me-- it is a complete zoo overpopulation scenario in the container and animals are losing their parts. Just horrible. <br />
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I'm imagining that we'll continue to find sand in our clothes, bags, and shoes for months to come. Our double stroller has remnants of the beach in every pocket, and the screws have rusted from the salt water spray. These emigrating sand grains will be our souvenirs of beach living. We never bought a big memento from this adventure, but we do have lots of pictures and stories to share. I also have the deepest tan I've had in years (all in the name of fixing my Vitamin D deficiency).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nt8tya35tME/Ti-y_PlhhMI/AAAAAAAAAVg/N2nS_9apwAk/s1600/stroller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nt8tya35tME/Ti-y_PlhhMI/AAAAAAAAAVg/N2nS_9apwAk/s320/stroller.JPG" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just noticed that the stroller was in the back of this picture and had to include it</td></tr>
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I will miss Hawaii. In fact, I'm already working under the assumption that we'll visit annually because there is so much left to do. At the same time there are many reasons why I am looking forward to our return to Chico. Tag and I have been talking about why it will be good to be home, and both feel like it is the right time to change scenes and begin the next act. What's on our list? Well, I'm most excited about:<br />
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<ul><li>Sleeping in my own bed! I love my mattress almost as much as I love my family. I love my pillows, sheets, blankets, nightstand, window shades, and even my alarm clock. It will be the first of many happy reunions to come, since we'll arrive at our home around 11pm on Sunday.</li>
<li>Seeing Addy! The cat is one of my oldest, most lethargic friends in California. He will be glad to get the generous treat provisions from the kids, and I will be glad to be alternately ignored and pestered by him during his endless cycle of feline mood swings. </li>
<li>Catching up with California friends! I miss you. I want to hear about your summer adventures. I want to hug your kids and see how they've changed. You are the main reason why we'll choose to leave for the airport early enough to make our flight. </li>
<li>Cheap groceries! Holy cow it is insanely expensive to eat on this island. I swear the melons fly here first class, with their legs up on a footrest, streaming live TV and Internet and drinking fine wine. They arrive at Safeway and are put on the shelves next to rubies and platinum. </li>
<li>Peak season at the Farmers' Market! I am so excited to eat heirloom tomatoes, fresh off the vine. I miss my favorite artisan bread and local almond butter, and I'm finding it hard to live without sweet, fully ripe berries. </li>
<li>Returning to work! Crazy, I know. But I love my co-workers and I am a sucker for having some new challenges. Plus, I'm broke. It's time to see the numbers go the other way in my savings account. </li>
<li>Picking up our new family member! We're getting a dog when we get home. We're really excited about our addition and have been brainstorming Hawaii-inspired names. </li>
<li>Sissy! My sister and her partner, Sarah, are making a cross country road trip to see us at the end of August. I can't wait for the kids to see their aunties! Plus, they are donating their old Subaru to our household when they depart by plane. It's great timing because driving the Outback all the way to Hawaii would have been way too much to ask. </li>
<li>Fully-stocked kitchen! I have worked hard at assembling a kitchen filled with all of the best everyday tools (garlic crusher, lemon juicer, egg slicer, espresso maker, etc.) and random implements (crepe maker, tart pans in assorted sizes, egg poacher, etc.). I miss cooking with all my awesome gear. I also really miss my dishwasher. I think I'll say that twice because I feel pretty strongly about it. I miss you, dishwasher.</li>
<li>The Prius! She sips her fuel so sparingly. Gas here is always at or above $4/gallon. Need I say more? Plus, I miss her navigation system because she always tells me where to go with a calm voice and adjusts the route when I miss a turn. My readers know about my directional incompetence. Need I say more? </li>
<li>Bidwell Park! I will never tire of visiting my local park and noticing the seasons changing based on the appearance of the leaves. And seasons, yes, they are good too sometimes.</li>
<li>My trees! Tag and I planted several baby trees when we moved to East 7th Street and I get inordinately excited about tracking their growth year over year. I know they had a wet spring and so they should have all kinds of new branches for me to talk to, um... I mean look at.</li>
<li>Sierra Nevada Brewery! Three cheers for good hometown beer! Darling Reader, let's get one together when I see you.</li>
</ul>We are so lucky to have a cool place and cool people to return to... See all of you Northern California peeps soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning climb this week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-61435419218343890062011-07-23T20:18:00.000-07:002011-07-23T20:26:52.292-07:00Back from our three-hour tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wbBprv6Byig/TiuHhSBemrI/AAAAAAAAAVU/XQCE1p29ylo/s1600/gilligansisland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wbBprv6Byig/TiuHhSBemrI/AAAAAAAAAVU/XQCE1p29ylo/s320/gilligansisland.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Island<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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It turns out that the University of Hawaii owns an island for their marine research faculty, and it is the same one that was shown during the opening of the TV show Gilligan's Island. Back in the first half of the 20th century Coconut Island was a lush vacation site for an oil tycoon and his famous friends from politics and show business (perhaps the two social circles had as much in common back then as they do now). It is believed that Jackie Kennedy sought refuge there while mourning the loss of her husband. Now the island is home to some of the most amazing marine scientists, and you have to be on an official tour or be personally invited to see the place. <br />
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Earlier this week we were the guests of honor at a dinner party with the families of some of the UH faculty from the marine lab. Our host, Rob Toonen, went to UC Davis with us and scored his Hawaii position straight out of grad school. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The pupus (appetizers) were an assortment of local poke (pronounced "poke-eh": it is raw fish, mainly ahi tuna, in a variety of sauces). The kids explored a tree house in Rob's yard, and amused themselves with all of the toys in the playroom. The adults had a relaxing meal together, drank beer and tequila, and talked a lot about turtles, research expeditions, and parenthood (there are more similarities between those topics than you may initially guess). At the end of the night it was decided by the group that our clan could not possibly leave Oahu without a trip to Coconut Island. We agreed.<br />
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We made the visit this Friday. Benji was a big fan of the boat shuttle, and Tag and I enjoyed imagining what it must be like to have this ride as part of your daily commute. Also, it seems like we'd all be more productive if our workplaces had a bar-b-que platform overlooking a lagoon swimming area. And a beach. And some coral reefs to look at from observation paths. Besides these nice perks, the island has many areas designated for running experiments in fresh ocean water-- including some dolphin and shark enclosures. The docks have a number of research vessels, and there is a dorm for visiting faculty. The large Marine Corps base is just across the bay, so you also have some impressive fly-overs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2R3N8uEwQ4A/TiuHgHi45wI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/yLiVU8YKNRQ/s1600/boatridetococonutisle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2R3N8uEwQ4A/TiuHgHi45wI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/yLiVU8YKNRQ/s320/boatridetococonutisle.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat ride with our tour guide, "Uncle Brian"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqV9HIzRFMg/TiuHXJlBOYI/AAAAAAAAAVI/WiI424gINXc/s1600/benjihammerheads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqV9HIzRFMg/TiuHXJlBOYI/AAAAAAAAAVI/WiI424gINXc/s640/benjihammerheads.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the baby hammerheads. <br />
Do they know how weird they look? <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When we got home last night we had a shared feast with our neighbors, Gregg and Julie and their kids, because we're all becoming aware of how soon we'll need to say good-bye. We had home-made guacamole and pineapple salsa, good background music, and Gregg lit a plethora of tiki torches and candles to officially set the scene for the dinner party. Tag grilled chicken and steak to perfection. Once the kids finished eating they all went inside to watch the Barbie Surf Movie. Gregg assures us this movie will change your life with its positive messages. All I know is that it changed mine for 90 minutes while I had an uninterrupted dinner with my husband and good friends, sitting under the stars, enjoying the cool ocean breezes of the evening, and with a perfect glass of Zinfandel from Sonoma County. Thanks, Barbie.</span></div></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-68691571809803420212011-07-19T17:51:00.000-07:002011-07-19T17:51:44.756-07:00Pearl HarborWe spent Sunday morning visiting Pearl Harbor and touring the Battleship Missouri. It is hard to imagine the degree of shock and devastation associated with the two-hour attack on December 7, 1941, especially when contrasted with the serene island surroundings that existed then and are the present reality. The site is on an active military base (our friend Brenda's husband is an officer stationed there). Thus all of the separate tours are escorted to their sites via bus or boat, and there are strict limitations on what you can carry with you. There is so much to see at the National Monument that you could easily spend a lot of time here, especially if military history is your thing.<br />
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I discovered that touring a site like this with a very inquisitive three year old presents some unique challenges. While I have no desire to shield my children from reality as they grow up, I felt that explaining something like a world war with any sense of truth and gravity was beyond my capacities and desires at this point. For now, I have chosen to allow Benjamin to maintain the belief that soldiers use ships and airplanes to play games, have contests and challenge the spheres of human ingenuity. We can wait a few years before exposing him to the remaining parts of the truth.<br />
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The tour of the Battleship Missouri was pretty amazing. The battleship was the formal site of Japanese surrender to bring an end to World War II, and was most recently in service during Operation Desert Storm. Once on board the ship it is like an open house-- you can look all around the four top levels on your own or with a tour group. Alice and Benji preferred the self-guided option so we could go at our own fast pace and avoid all opportunities for listening to people spew facts and history. We went the route of "experiential learning"-- getting a sense of the battleship by climbing every ladder, testing seats, and touching every button, bunk, phone, knob, hose and restroom fixture in the place. Now that Benji considers battleships to be like enormous floating playgrounds he is pretty set on joining the Navy. It may have been the uniforms and sailor hats that sealed the deal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boarding the Missouri</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the USS Arizona Memorial from the bow of the Battleship Missouri</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyDKDpiLiEo/TiYjK11jijI/AAAAAAAAAU4/QN_s6VK2O2E/s1600/DSCN1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyDKDpiLiEo/TiYjK11jijI/AAAAAAAAAU4/QN_s6VK2O2E/s320/DSCN1518.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring all parts of the ship. Our motto: leave no porthole untouched. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CLixBHhjXs/TiYjP6jr6xI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Llb6Bahzf2k/s1600/DSCN1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CLixBHhjXs/TiYjP6jr6xI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Llb6Bahzf2k/s320/DSCN1521.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many ladders!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZjrHVEU2ZI/TiYjVAhTG7I/AAAAAAAAAVA/i2IG7N-Kn20/s1600/DSCN1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZjrHVEU2ZI/TiYjVAhTG7I/AAAAAAAAAVA/i2IG7N-Kn20/s320/DSCN1526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice goes limp in protest when Daddy tells her she must be carried down the ladders</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aa0LTlagxE0/TiYjaCqxz5I/AAAAAAAAAVE/gd_psm2p5nI/s1600/DSCN1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aa0LTlagxE0/TiYjaCqxz5I/AAAAAAAAAVE/gd_psm2p5nI/s320/DSCN1530.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh!</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-22690759776112744072011-07-17T00:05:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:05:53.112-07:00Twofer!Darling Alice turned two yesterday. I can't believe how much she has changed since we've been here. She is taller, blonder, and way more chatty. Plus she can hold her own in the ocean. I'm amazed by all of these changes and feel so blessed that I've been able to witness them moment by moment over the past four months.<br />
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All this week we had been making preparations for Alice's birthday party which happened earlier today. First and foremost, we needed to finish the pinata. I stuffed it with toys and candy while the kids napped yesterday. We also made chocolate cupcakes (per the request of the birthday girl, under the firm direction of her older brother). Tag and the kids scouted out a good location in the nearby beach park to host our "snack picnic" party.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr6yF7if46s/TiJ-6pBMdKI/AAAAAAAAAUM/xXCElcs9BUo/s1600/DSCN1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr6yF7if46s/TiJ-6pBMdKI/AAAAAAAAAUM/xXCElcs9BUo/s320/DSCN1447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product</td></tr>
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In the midst of the party preparations we were busy with a whole other project as well. Now that we are down to just two more weeks on Oahu we need to sell Missy Kia the minivan. Tag took her for a washing and vacuuming yesterday so we could take pictures and post an ad on Craigslist late last night. This morning while Tag and the kids were reserving our picnic spot at the park and I was at home frantically assembling fruit kabobs for the party... my phone was ringing like crazy with interested buyers. Who knew our minivan would be such a hot commodity? I know we've made it look good, but had no idea the entire island was paying attention.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_DO8OUjUgM/TiJ_YKoYz3I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/3KOVKP2LNrI/s1600/DSCN1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_DO8OUjUgM/TiJ_YKoYz3I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/3KOVKP2LNrI/s320/DSCN1457.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ad photo that launched a thousand inquiries</td></tr>
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At around 9:30 a.m. I drove all of the party food and supplies over to the park, met up with the rest of the fam and we set up for the festivities. Our guests showed up shortly after 10:00 and the kids started climbing trees and eating snacks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obTPlxzh4xc/TiKBzAFsnaI/AAAAAAAAAUY/1NnofCqcJkE/s1600/Alicefrisbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obTPlxzh4xc/TiKBzAFsnaI/AAAAAAAAAUY/1NnofCqcJkE/s400/Alicefrisbee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday girl tossing some disc</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Hm8IOrxjc/TiKDCHlaGcI/AAAAAAAAAUs/twEAYODpVac/s1600/treeclimbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Hm8IOrxjc/TiKDCHlaGcI/AAAAAAAAAUs/twEAYODpVac/s400/treeclimbing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungle gym</td></tr>
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Twenty minutes into our party one of the potential Kia buyers stopped by the park to see the van while they were in town. The family scoped it out for five minutes... and it was sold! The husband is a fire fighter based in Kailua and is even going to give our kids a station tour. Now that is some aloha in a vehicle sale. One of our party guests then offered to loan us a car for the remaining time we have here. I think I am doing a major cashing in on my positive karma, because the good vibes are unreal.<br />
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So, back to the party... The kids played for a while and then insisted it was time to crush my artwork, um, I mean... pinata. Tag had scoped the perfect whacking location and implements. There was lots of excitement because the breaking and treat release was gradual, so the kids had to be vigilant and they were. The enclosed sea life toys were a big hit (hey Engstroms, hey Mom-- did you catch that one? I lovingly insert puns for your amusement). Next, Alice enjoyed her "puptake" and the happy birthday song. At around noon a rain shower came along and created a neat way to quickly shut down festivities and move us to nap time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3b471cLNs_U/TiKCdL1DFoI/AAAAAAAAAUk/-YHM4rOkauE/s1600/kidspinata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3b471cLNs_U/TiKCdL1DFoI/AAAAAAAAAUk/-YHM4rOkauE/s640/kidspinata.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigo takes a whack and the vultures look on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3eMazrshNbE/TiKCP3UR8_I/AAAAAAAAAUg/op9qH5ETX8s/s1600/alicepinata2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3eMazrshNbE/TiKCP3UR8_I/AAAAAAAAAUg/op9qH5ETX8s/s400/alicepinata2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice is given the big stick to up the ante</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBQsOXpQ_X4/TiKCjSL9hQI/AAAAAAAAAUo/u-xGNQPii-w/s1600/partyscene.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBQsOXpQ_X4/TiKCjSL9hQI/AAAAAAAAAUo/u-xGNQPii-w/s400/partyscene.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party scene in Kailua Beach Park</td></tr>
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Alice came home and polished off the remaining deviled eggs. She wore her new Snow White nightgown and fell asleep while Tag was reading her books. Thankfully Benji was out like a light, too, so Tag and I could clear the fruit kabob-making wreckage from the kitchen. In the future I might pass on making artistic melon, pineapple and berry creations while fielding inbound calls on a used car. But, hey... it worked!Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-63630586645485964852011-07-13T10:52:00.000-07:002011-07-13T10:55:15.804-07:00Kaena Point SPOn Sunday we took our trip to Kaena Point State Park. We did not wake up knowing this would be our plan for the day, but just made it in the moment at around 8:00 am. We threw the double stroller in the back of the minivan, packed some snacks, and jetted out the door. Kaena Point is on the far west side of the island, and we were enticed by the prospect of seeing monk seal pups and baby albatrosses.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">When we arrived we discovered that the park has no formal welcome kiosk and few signs of maintenance. Instead the entryway was a sporting ground for 4x4 vehicles—and dust and revving engines replaced the sounds of the ocean. As far as I am concerned any activity that involves chewing up the nature you are going to experience is a far cry from an outdoor sport. Nonetheless, we loaded the kids into the stroller and went for it. The “road” was so rough we moved almost as quickly as the pickup trucks and left the vast majority of the vehicles behind once we got about a mile into the trip. Our friends had warned us that it would be hot there at this time of year and they were right. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyf-3i4v6-g/Th3WlLocqgI/AAAAAAAAATw/A4515dd25v0/s1600/DSCN1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyf-3i4v6-g/Th3WlLocqgI/AAAAAAAAATw/A4515dd25v0/s400/DSCN1414.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our all-terrain vehicle</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">As we slugged along Tag and I had no idea there was other slugging happening at the same time. We made the tactical error of letting the kids hold the camelback water backpack in their laps at the beginning of our journey. Attracted by the novelty of the bite valve on the spout they managed to nearly wipe out our entire day’s worth of water as they rode along in their chariot. We joked that Alice’s huggies stayed the most hydrated of all of us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can tell there were parts of the trip that were not ideal. We underestimated the length of the hike by not estimating at all, so we packed snacks and no lunch. Based on the water scenario you can already guess who got first dibs on those. Tag and I did manage to each have a banana and a mandarin, but the rest went to our giggling rickshaw passengers who yelled for “snacks!” quite regularly. We also got a flat tire on the stroller that needed to be fixed in the moment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvzwN-OO9jU/Th3WqYAlkaI/AAAAAAAAAT0/YKfCdWt9Mk4/s1600/DSCN1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvzwN-OO9jU/Th3WqYAlkaI/AAAAAAAAAT0/YKfCdWt9Mk4/s400/DSCN1418.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well-prepared husband replacing tube with skill and speed. Check.<br />
Small boy inflating mouth with bike pump. Check.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite the challenges, we really enjoyed ourselves. The kids thought the ride over the rough terrain was a blast, and once we were beyond the truck zone they did a fair amount of hiking. Plus, the ultimate destination was worth the parental dessication. While we missed out on the albatross, we did see a couple of monk seals sunbathing on the edge of the world. It turns out that the last mile of the hike to the point is so protected (due to the nesting and pupping habitat) that you need to enter a double-gated fence designed to keep feral dogs and other predators away. From these pristine sand dunes you can see both sides of the island, and a wide, open ocean all around. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uh16e9jzvAg/Th3WzpsRjKI/AAAAAAAAAT4/b_peAOgZbWU/s1600/DSCN1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uh16e9jzvAg/Th3WzpsRjKI/AAAAAAAAAT4/b_peAOgZbWU/s320/DSCN1422.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice likes to pack the stroller with her rock treasures. Tag and I need to secretly dump her discoveries along the way.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSKwuyTfmM/Th3W896mHGI/AAAAAAAAAT8/yed7vHTPlQo/s1600/DSCN1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSKwuyTfmM/Th3W896mHGI/AAAAAAAAAT8/yed7vHTPlQo/s400/DSCN1429.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting in the grass after some trail running</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueWNRX9hj4s/Th3XCIV9Q_I/AAAAAAAAAUA/kw0KyUwohr4/s1600/DSCN1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueWNRX9hj4s/Th3XCIV9Q_I/AAAAAAAAAUA/kw0KyUwohr4/s320/DSCN1433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last section of the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBpLcxRLfoE/Th3XHuhMLQI/AAAAAAAAAUE/41eYgm2c1_E/s1600/DSCN1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBpLcxRLfoE/Th3XHuhMLQI/AAAAAAAAAUE/41eYgm2c1_E/s400/DSCN1441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting monk seal. One of just 100 left on the main Hawaiian islands. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_fNjc1dWs0/Th3XM2aWN2I/AAAAAAAAAUI/OE9DWIW9T5w/s1600/DSCN1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_fNjc1dWs0/Th3XM2aWN2I/AAAAAAAAAUI/OE9DWIW9T5w/s320/DSCN1444.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keiki in the cage. <br />
We left them plenty of food and water and went out to a nice lunch filled with adult conversation.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">We got back to the car around 2:00, and made a bee-line for the surf town, Haleiwa. Tag and I took the kids to the famous Matsumotos for shave ice, let them skip their naps with a huge sugar rush, and hit the road for home. With just a nine-dollar investment we became the best parents ever. And, damn, did that sweet ice taste good!</div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-5478138416361199962011-07-09T23:50:00.000-07:002011-07-09T23:50:19.446-07:00Gone FishingWe headed to the Waikiki Aquarium today for a little weekend adventure. The coral and giant clams in the exhibits were highlights for me. Benji was most impressed with the sharks and hermit crabs, and Alice seemed to enjoy all of the colorful reef fish. The kids also appreciated the grassy field for racing around and snack breaks (needed during an aquarium visit more often than you might guess).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mon0n74ZBk0/Thk_3aFEOlI/AAAAAAAAAS8/LIEfNU955aY/s1600/DSCN1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mon0n74ZBk0/Thk_3aFEOlI/AAAAAAAAAS8/LIEfNU955aY/s400/DSCN1378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji: Is that a humuhumunukunukuapuaa, the state fish of Hawaii?<br />
Alice: Yeses, ititit isis.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUoOvrLm_0Q/Thk_8o6puXI/AAAAAAAAATA/ksXmZaw_zF4/s1600/DSCN1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUoOvrLm_0Q/Thk_8o6puXI/AAAAAAAAATA/ksXmZaw_zF4/s320/DSCN1383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant glowing clams that made me want to have a bivalve pet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71GI51RB9Qs/ThlADM98KTI/AAAAAAAAATE/bAwKSvDl26U/s1600/DSCN1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71GI51RB9Qs/ThlADM98KTI/AAAAAAAAATE/bAwKSvDl26U/s640/DSCN1389.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold! The Hawaiian apple banana!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cvpSmpFIYg/ThlAIWgA43I/AAAAAAAAATI/8EoS2ti89j0/s1600/DSCN1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cvpSmpFIYg/ThlAIWgA43I/AAAAAAAAATI/8EoS2ti89j0/s400/DSCN1393.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready, set, go!</td></tr>
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During the trip home we stopped at the lookout on the Pali Highway that we drive past on the way to Honolulu. We've always blown right by this turnoff, but figured the time has come for us to document the scenery we are probably starting to take for granted. BTW, the word pali means "cliff" in Hawaiian.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZXwheKT9GY/ThlIGJ8xr1I/AAAAAAAAATM/aOyll5nhsrg/s1600/DSCN1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZXwheKT9GY/ThlIGJ8xr1I/AAAAAAAAATM/aOyll5nhsrg/s320/DSCN1406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've sent this one to Ford Modeling Agency</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yoyKo_HdKQ/ThlITSXr-ZI/AAAAAAAAATQ/bFTvpx1eGw0/s1600/DSCN1407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yoyKo_HdKQ/ThlITSXr-ZI/AAAAAAAAATQ/bFTvpx1eGw0/s400/DSCN1407.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Kaneohe, the bay next door </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KFmODix7nQ/ThlIed9ez7I/AAAAAAAAATY/_fEh3NPOV7I/s1600/DSCN1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KFmODix7nQ/ThlIed9ez7I/AAAAAAAAATY/_fEh3NPOV7I/s640/DSCN1410.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliffs surrounding Kailua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-74422125812169802692011-07-05T17:50:00.000-07:002011-07-06T00:24:43.272-07:00One more thing...Sufficient time has passed for me to reveal the answer to the photo challenge posted a few days ago. I had said the picture was one of two things, and sadly the answer is "B."<br />
<br />
(A) Tag's iPhone coming back to life in a resuscitation chamber following a brief, yet enjoyable snorkeling trip in the washing machine. We made the rice-filled desiccation bag after reading online about multiple successful rescues of iTurds (the all-too-common iPhone and toilet combination). <br />
<br />
(B) Tag's brand-new iPhone sleeping the eternal sleep in a grainy morgue, after being dunked and agitated just a little too long. Sympathy cards and donations welcome.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-33850484430005568992011-07-05T17:28:00.000-07:002011-07-06T00:17:37.767-07:00The 4th of July<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl56N726jHk/ThQKQ2Wk9cI/AAAAAAAAAS0/eO8qgbSsyOg/s1600/DSCN1339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl56N726jHk/ThQKQ2Wk9cI/AAAAAAAAAS0/eO8qgbSsyOg/s640/DSCN1339.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji flies a turtle kite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dldwadtiU8/ThQKXmtsDdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/-9bWcaywl5c/s1600/DSCN1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dldwadtiU8/ThQKXmtsDdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/-9bWcaywl5c/s640/DSCN1351.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding the kite like a pro on the windy beach.</td></tr>
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Watching fireworks from the beach lighting up the ocean is one of many special moments of this Hawaii experience that will stick with me for a lifetime. The kids were in awe of the colors and noises, and the sheer magic of seeing something so whimsical on such a grand scale. It is not often that my response to Benji's question is this simple... "Why are they making those fireworks in the sky?"<br />
<br />
(Smiling) "To make all of us happy."<br />
<br />
We spent the evening at a lovely party with a group of people that was <i>almost </i>entirely new to us besides Georgia, but we could not have felt more welcomed. Benji made a friend named Indigo, a three-year-old girl whose parents are Australian and English. Needless to say, she could not have a more charming accent. They are here through the end of the month as well, so we've arranged a get-together at the playground this week. The funny thing was that our families had met in the ocean the day before, when Alice's boogie board bumped into Jay (Indie's dad) in the waves. Now that we see people we know in town and at the beach we're really starting to feel integrated into our little island community.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This week I have been reminded that it is friendships-- old and new-- that take a traveling experience from enjoyable to extraordinary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E66mIALJb_U/ThQKKoV3s6I/AAAAAAAAASw/qqUHCueK_1c/s1600/DSCN1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E66mIALJb_U/ThQKKoV3s6I/AAAAAAAAASw/qqUHCueK_1c/s320/DSCN1329.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler chose Benji's outfit for the beach trip on the 4th. They called it "pinkilicious."</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-22046775407301537352011-07-03T22:45:00.000-07:002011-07-03T22:45:21.395-07:00July begins with a blowoutThis weekend we attempted to cross an adventure off our list... so we headed to Chinatown on Saturday morning to check out the scene. This outing began just fine, but had to be prematurely evacuated because Alice had a diaper blowout that took prisoners. Tag's shorts fell damply in the line of duty. These things happen. We fled the scene so quickly that we were stopped by an officer and reminded about Hawaii's jaywalking law. Luckily we avoided the ticket, but I would not have been above seeking diaper-related sympathy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcEfCidD7nQ/ThFO9xb3-aI/AAAAAAAAASA/TK-SPmUqrWI/s1600/DSCN1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcEfCidD7nQ/ThFO9xb3-aI/AAAAAAAAASA/TK-SPmUqrWI/s320/DSCN1255.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaywalkers buying day-old leis in Chinatown.</td></tr>
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Benji requested a potty break in a convenient location as we were making Plan B. We stopped at Leonard's in the name of "comparison shopping." Then we spent the rest of the morning doing some errands at the huge mall. That was not the exotic outing we had planned for--no dim sum, no pho--but so it goes. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRkTVwdNSaw/ThFPJAh1xII/AAAAAAAAASI/_RxvKKTBPR4/s1600/DSCN1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRkTVwdNSaw/ThFPJAh1xII/AAAAAAAAASI/_RxvKKTBPR4/s320/DSCN1262.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not a sign to simply drive by. You follow the yellow arrows to happiness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncPHYRZLbTs/ThFPC2UuyUI/AAAAAAAAASE/eXVudatGov8/s1600/DSCN1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncPHYRZLbTs/ThFPC2UuyUI/AAAAAAAAASE/eXVudatGov8/s320/DSCN1261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ka-ching.</td></tr>
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One thing we've been grateful for lately is the therapeutic effects of boogie boarding. Regardless of how sad or grumpy the kids get (yes, those things happen here!), they immediately get giddy once we take them out on the water... So do we.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iRtIixQnWM/ThFPON00yUI/AAAAAAAAASM/-GJO4325bvY/s1600/DSCN1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iRtIixQnWM/ThFPON00yUI/AAAAAAAAASM/-GJO4325bvY/s320/DSCN1280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice gets delivered past the break zone like this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2SpChAT8-I/ThFPTmgel4I/AAAAAAAAASQ/yDtXLESnPDo/s1600/DSCN1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2SpChAT8-I/ThFPTmgel4I/AAAAAAAAASQ/yDtXLESnPDo/s400/DSCN1292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaka, Brah!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb0GTEtrndg/ThFPYqHlp-I/AAAAAAAAASU/a5jMxRf9Z5M/s1600/DSCN1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb0GTEtrndg/ThFPYqHlp-I/AAAAAAAAASU/a5jMxRf9Z5M/s320/DSCN1305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making plans for the Green Room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GO1u58DGr_w/ThFPeD7sLtI/AAAAAAAAASY/pBbOo55X5RU/s1600/DSCN1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GO1u58DGr_w/ThFPeD7sLtI/AAAAAAAAASY/pBbOo55X5RU/s320/DSCN1307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the soup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpvqQBNKNPw/ThFPjpFcTPI/AAAAAAAAASc/Ao8LjMgMyBM/s1600/DSCN1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpvqQBNKNPw/ThFPjpFcTPI/AAAAAAAAASc/Ao8LjMgMyBM/s400/DSCN1310.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This break is not for the weak.</td></tr>
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I know I still owe you the official response to the blog photo challenge, but I need another day to figure it out. Be patient and cross your fingers for a happy ending.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-14937245468186668972011-07-01T22:24:00.000-07:002011-07-01T22:24:17.835-07:00Photo Challenge BlogCan you figure out what is happening in this picture? It is one of two options.<br />
<br />
Answer to be posted soon...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7uYYY9nWK0/Tg6qkatc6tI/AAAAAAAAAR8/X6I4OyjZQK4/s1600/phoneinrice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7uYYY9nWK0/Tg6qkatc6tI/AAAAAAAAAR8/X6I4OyjZQK4/s400/phoneinrice.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-39277639109737390662011-06-27T00:40:00.000-07:002011-06-27T00:40:02.469-07:00Sand Bucket ListOkay, I think I finally have enough content to merit a blog post. I've had to accumulate material for this whole week to keep the reading exciting. I just can't keep telling tales of the playground, Tag's turtle trapping, and my yoga classes. But those activities continue, and I'm getting much better at my one-armed sideways tree pose, I swear. It's probably not really called that, but, om, whatever. Anyway, here is an overview of the newsworthy stuff:<br />
<br />
We're building a pinata for Alice's 2nd birthday-- it's coming up on July 15th. Right now we call the pinata-in-progress the dinosaur egg because it's just a large balloon with two coatings of paper mache. Today I successfully sealed up a major fissure caused by some heat-related balloon expansion. It was touch-and-go there for a little while, but the egg looks almost normal again. We've been getting all kinds of crafty lately because the kids' weekly gymnastics classes happen right next to a Ben Franklin store. There is a lot of pipe cleaner artwork hanging about the place. We even made shrinky-dink pirates in our toaster oven this morning. Maybe that makes you think about how you are under utilizing your own toaster oven. Did your bagel come out and say "Ahoy, Matey" and wield a sword? Probably not. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BWV0jce86c/TggvKm3zeNI/AAAAAAAAARw/k9HUFbb0yww/s1600/DSCN1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BWV0jce86c/TggvKm3zeNI/AAAAAAAAARw/k9HUFbb0yww/s320/DSCN1230.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good egg.</td></tr>
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In other news, I sustained my second beach-related injury but nothing nearly as impressive as a staph infection. The funny thing is I was taking a long walk and I was actually caught up in thinking about the perfection of the setting, and feeling a sense of peace and gratitude for this whole Hawaii experience. It was nice to have a quiet break from the kids and to be at the ocean without any responsibilities. And then... Ouch! I stepped right on a bee. It has been a while since I've been stung, and let me be the first to inform you that salt water doesn't do diddly to salve the pain. Ice, on the other hand (or foot, as the case may be), does work wonders. My swollen and itching foot hampered our ability to go on major excursions this weekend, and so did my indulgence in wine later that night.<br />
<br />
Friday was special because Tag and I got a chance to go out again while the kids went to My Gym for Parents' Night Out. We ate at a little Italian place called Baci and were excited that our bottle of Chianti came from the place we stayed in Italy (Greve! The town name must be announced with gusto to honor the way our family friend Fred said it during our visit). Like last time we finished the night with a trip to the beach, but opted to sit and listen to the waves instead of taking a walk (bee sting + pasta dinner + desserts + wine = too encumbered for movement). The kids were totally hyped up when we retrieved them at 9:00 pm, and the change in routine altered their inner clocks causing "mass confusion and delay" (I'm quoting Thomas the Tank Engine with that one, so you can get a sense of my most recent intellectual stimulation). The next morning was not pretty for any of us, especially because the kids woke up before 6:00 am.<br />
<br />
Our big adventure today was a trip to Georgia's house. She is a retired zoologist, and has lots of turtles and tortoises in her yard. She gave us a guided tour and then hosted us for appetizers and iced tea on her pontoon boat in the canal behind her home. It was all very lovely until Benjamin-- on his wild appetizer rampage-- barfed up the watermelon slices and crackers and brie because his rapid chowing temporarily got the better of him. This led Tag and I to quickly address the situation with as little "to-do" as possible, because Benjamin seemed totally fine afterwards. We laughed really hard during the car ride home, thinking about our question for Miss Manners: "What is the proper way to handle a child spitting up while aboard a moored vessel-- hoist them over the edge aiming the ralph in the canal, or a swift bile catch in a cocktail napkin?"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYYbA2OWcp0/TggvQFzScXI/AAAAAAAAAR0/q9wzyq1jAIA/s1600/DSCN1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYYbA2OWcp0/TggvQFzScXI/AAAAAAAAAR0/q9wzyq1jAIA/s400/DSCN1233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia shows off a turtle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVC_Qif26aQ/TggvU0cK6yI/AAAAAAAAAR4/A27A4n-39hc/s1600/DSCN1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVC_Qif26aQ/TggvU0cK6yI/AAAAAAAAAR4/A27A4n-39hc/s400/DSCN1234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji pets a baby turtle and Alice hunts for her own to hold. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aaJXuAIzjT8/Tggu0Mzz8HI/AAAAAAAAARs/2diNL77qJHc/s1600/alicemommyrooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aaJXuAIzjT8/Tggu0Mzz8HI/AAAAAAAAARs/2diNL77qJHc/s400/alicemommyrooster.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait! That's not a turtle!<br />
Alice and I pet Buttercup, the chilled out rooster.</td></tr>
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Now that the end of June is getting closer we are becoming more aware that our trip to Hawaii will eventually come to an end (on July 31st, to be exact). It seems like we've been here for a while, and it also feels like time slips by so quickly. With just five weeks left on Oahu we decided we need to get more serious about our outings to be sure we see and do all of the things we want to "accomplish." Tag and I discussed this the other day and thought a list might be in order. This documentation is intended to hold us accountable to pursuing these adventures... and to share them all with you via the blog. You get to see the pretty pictures, but don't need to wipe up the barf after the appetizers. A delightful way to travel with toddlers.<br />
<br />
Things left to do:<br />
(1) Stroll through Honolulu's Chinatown and eat some dim sum<br />
(2) Visit Pearl Harbor<br />
(3) See July 4th fireworks from the beach<br />
(4) Check out the Waikiki Aquarium<br />
(5) Go the Childrens' Discovery Center<br />
(6) Hike in Kaena Point State Park to look for albatross and monk seals<br />
(7) Visit the Kualoa Ranch in <i>Kaaawa</i> to go for horse rides. Sounds like <i>fuuun</i>, huh?<br />
<br />
We are open to your suggestions if our list is lacking a must-do experience. Let us know... we'd hate to disappoint! Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-34331346712960388222011-06-20T00:39:00.000-07:002011-06-20T00:39:23.506-07:00Fathers' Day RetrospectiveWe had an awesome time today celebrating Tag (also known as "dada" by some in our bunch). Benjamin agreed with me that Tag is the best dad around, and then Benji insisted that he was part of the selection process. When I dug into the details and asked when he made his choice between all of the available fatherly options he said, "on Saturday." Benji is fond of mixing fact and fiction, but he had one thing straight-- we got a great pick for Dad in this family. We had to show our appreciation in style. The best way to share our Fathers' Day island adventures is with pictures because they tell a much better story than I can manage at this point. Fathers' Day wiped this mama out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikhNOpRDKJE/Tf7vyPE1TwI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/BSbfrUqJUxY/s1600/DSCN1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikhNOpRDKJE/Tf7vyPE1TwI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/BSbfrUqJUxY/s320/DSCN1152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My somewhat fictional caption to this photo:<br />
"Dad, in honor of your special day let's knock out a half-dozen malasadas."<br />
"Sounds like a deal to me, Son."<br />
Note the hot family van in the background. Jealous of how hip we are, yet?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhFSnumqOmQ/Tf7v4amDJaI/AAAAAAAAARA/oXvDMYViDNo/s1600/DSCN1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhFSnumqOmQ/Tf7v4amDJaI/AAAAAAAAARA/oXvDMYViDNo/s320/DSCN1157.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's 9:00am. Time for some father and son bonding time under the shears at SuperCuts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMvMklFWGws/Tf7v-M97BpI/AAAAAAAAARE/F4kTRPqYrik/s1600/DSCN1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMvMklFWGws/Tf7v-M97BpI/AAAAAAAAARE/F4kTRPqYrik/s320/DSCN1164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole family took a tractor-pulled wagon tour of Kahuku Farms on the north shore. This 3rd generation farm has 100+ acres of tropical fruits and a yummy farm stand for lunch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dodI5J_dyr8/Tf7wDtDgdSI/AAAAAAAAARI/7xFHhNS_sc4/s1600/DSCN1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dodI5J_dyr8/Tf7wDtDgdSI/AAAAAAAAARI/7xFHhNS_sc4/s400/DSCN1171.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us riding through the bananas. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJu2joS7EV8/Tf7wI_unLkI/AAAAAAAAARM/Zj0w2vm1rhk/s1600/DSCN1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJu2joS7EV8/Tf7wI_unLkI/AAAAAAAAARM/Zj0w2vm1rhk/s320/DSCN1178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids play ball with Tag in the field behind the farm stand. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzrZ0oXTE7w/Tf7wOE9a94I/AAAAAAAAARQ/5stEJ02QaJI/s1600/DSCN1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzrZ0oXTE7w/Tf7wOE9a94I/AAAAAAAAARQ/5stEJ02QaJI/s640/DSCN1180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benjamin found some "headlights."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFcs5-9n6L8/Tf7wUPOMtEI/AAAAAAAAARU/MmYMWI4ptgU/s1600/DSCN1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFcs5-9n6L8/Tf7wUPOMtEI/AAAAAAAAARU/MmYMWI4ptgU/s400/DSCN1192.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids fell asleep on the ride back from the farm, so Tag and I decided to continue driving past Kailua to the east side to check it out. As you can see, this was not a bad idea. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8sCa8FpJmU/Tf7wZMt-FAI/AAAAAAAAARY/emFy-roMCHM/s1600/DSCN1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8sCa8FpJmU/Tf7wZMt-FAI/AAAAAAAAARY/emFy-roMCHM/s640/DSCN1218.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the kiddos woke up we took an impromptu family hike up to Makapu'u Point, the easternmost point of Oahu. The path was steep but paved, so if you were small enough to ride in a stroller you could hitch a ride. If you were large enough to push a stroller, well... you got to work off the lilikoi ice cream from the farm stand. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvfuM6qBD9g/Tf7wq-OyvJI/AAAAAAAAARk/o6iO_0Z3zB0/s1600/DSCN1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvfuM6qBD9g/Tf7wq-OyvJI/AAAAAAAAARk/o6iO_0Z3zB0/s320/DSCN1223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag helping the littlest hiker get to the lookout cage at the tippy top of the mountain. The binky really completes her rugged look. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKT0aDprSQw/Tf7wgBfi2EI/AAAAAAAAARc/m42F82OGbfA/s1600/DSCN1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKT0aDprSQw/Tf7wgBfi2EI/AAAAAAAAARc/m42F82OGbfA/s320/DSCN1219.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view towards the lighthouse. Water, water everywhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avsJm8uB6oc/Tf7wlT7senI/AAAAAAAAARg/HneR4Kt_NsU/s1600/DSCN1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avsJm8uB6oc/Tf7wlT7senI/AAAAAAAAARg/HneR4Kt_NsU/s400/DSCN1222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards Kailua.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz-z3mP3S64/Tf719MRbHpI/AAAAAAAAARo/EukU8p609Rw/s1600/alicelychee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz-z3mP3S64/Tf719MRbHpI/AAAAAAAAARo/EukU8p609Rw/s400/alicelychee.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice and I ate a big pile of cold lychee at the top of the mountain. Yum. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-90244071751308637222011-06-16T18:53:00.000-07:002011-06-16T23:30:52.184-07:00Horses & DolphinsKings, horses and dolphins... oh my!<br />
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We celebrated King Kamehameha Day this past weekend with a trip to Honolulu for the annual parade, which features many traditional Pa'u horseback riders. The riders represent each of the Hawaiian islands, and include a Queen and Princesses for each location. You may not be aware that King Kam is responsible for uniting the Hawaiian kingdom in 1810, and is the only royal figure to have an official holiday in the United States. Plus, if you're lucky he may be hanging out in your pocket (if you happen to have the state quarter from Hawaii).<br />
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Tag and I are amused with the fact that we spent much longer on the parade <i>route </i>than at the actual parade itself. We chose a viewing spot in Waikiki that was next to a beach. This was a great move because the kids could play in the sand while we waited. This was also a bad move because we were at the tail end of the parade's marching tour of Oahu and most of the participants had lost steam by the time they reached us. While the marching bands did the marching part of their routine, that was about it. One of the classic "bugs" in the VW Club lineup was literally being pushed by four people in order to make it across the finish line. Nonetheless, the kids loved their first parade experience. Benji and Alice enjoyed seeing so many Pa'u horses. Tag and I enjoyed laughing about how our one hour parade plan turned into an epic viewing and waiting experience, requiring us to make punchy jokes to keep ourselves from deflating. Tag rose to the occasion and had me cry-laughing at some moments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6-5-Gb4oEY/TfqsbDqcqoI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/XEcWDYWsl4E/s1600/parade+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6-5-Gb4oEY/TfqsbDqcqoI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/XEcWDYWsl4E/s320/parade+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pa'u riders wearing traditional outfits.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ2NT47bON0/Tfqszx9jPKI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/gV4t1llXKz0/s1600/IZshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ2NT47bON0/Tfqszx9jPKI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/gV4t1llXKz0/s320/IZshirt.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag's comment: "Do you think that shirt belonged to Iz?" </td></tr>
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After the weekend parade excitement our week began with all the usual stuff. And then today we petted dolphins. Yes! It was awesome! Our neighbors both work for Dolphin Quest on Oahu-- Gregg is a vet who specializes on marine mammals and Julie is the Director and lead dolphin trainer there. Julie invited us to come today and gave us a private session with Lono, the biggest of the five dolphins on site. We had the pleasure of feeding, petting and making hand signals for Lono to do tricks for us. Benji was fantastic at making the hand motions, and was only mildly startled when Lono snorted on command after he tickled his snout. The whole experience was a super special gift from Julie. Their family has been a real representation of the spirit of aloha ever since we've been here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfxi5gXrq-U/Tfqq0Ux6AtI/AAAAAAAAAQU/WsAVVTtsEg4/s1600/DSC_5775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qfxi5gXrq-U/Tfqq0Ux6AtI/AAAAAAAAAQU/WsAVVTtsEg4/s320/DSC_5775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie introduces us to Lono (meaning "God of Peace and Prosperity"), and we pet him from the dock. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJE7sjalb7A/Tfqq3QV0bkI/AAAAAAAAAQY/bifAX7dBZHA/s1600/DSC_5779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJE7sjalb7A/Tfqq3QV0bkI/AAAAAAAAAQY/bifAX7dBZHA/s400/DSC_5779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie shows the kids how to feed a dolphin. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fw1iooKntgk/Tfqq6pv8voI/AAAAAAAAAQc/d-eoJwWtDYo/s1600/DSC_5784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fw1iooKntgk/Tfqq6pv8voI/AAAAAAAAAQc/d-eoJwWtDYo/s320/DSC_5784.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lono does a big jump for us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7LBmRUONqo/Tfqq-T1UavI/AAAAAAAAAQg/uPySkfKkTfc/s1600/DSC_5792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7LBmRUONqo/Tfqq-T1UavI/AAAAAAAAAQg/uPySkfKkTfc/s400/DSC_5792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He comes back and Benji raises his hand with a command. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caHwpVNXzFs/TfqrBnZHSaI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ZvJeR5fBxDw/s1600/DSC_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caHwpVNXzFs/TfqrBnZHSaI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ZvJeR5fBxDw/s320/DSC_5793.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lono follows his command and waves his tail. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZO1GfnHVFU/TfqrFcrPjBI/AAAAAAAAAQo/V1J_SR4c-4k/s1600/DSC_5796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZO1GfnHVFU/TfqrFcrPjBI/AAAAAAAAAQo/V1J_SR4c-4k/s640/DSC_5796.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lono shows us his belly button (or, "piko" in Hawaiian)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rg-v6pU6OaA/TfqrIZgTnTI/AAAAAAAAAQs/UvykXjMoPl4/s1600/DSC_5798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rg-v6pU6OaA/TfqrIZgTnTI/AAAAAAAAAQs/UvykXjMoPl4/s320/DSC_5798.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another trick from Lono.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQyzpry-AjU/TfqrLRaSw7I/AAAAAAAAAQw/-B3FAg1P86A/s1600/DSC_5809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQyzpry-AjU/TfqrLRaSw7I/AAAAAAAAAQw/-B3FAg1P86A/s400/DSC_5809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lastly, Lono jumped onto the dock for us to take some final photos and say good-bye.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-21835577291391437512011-06-11T00:31:00.000-07:002011-06-11T00:31:49.942-07:00Malasadas!The other day while I was driving Benji somewhere he announced something funny that I've never heard him say before, and it was so out of context I had to laugh out loud. <br />
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"It's donut time. I can feel it in my bones."<br />
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I immediately guessed this was something he heard from my dad while he was here, so we started talking about Benji's beloved grandpa J.D. and his inordinate fondness for donuts. When someone makes a proclamation like Benji's, my heritage compels me to honor his heartfelt need for some fried dough. That afternoon I began researching our options, knowing that in Hawaii the most esteemed "local" donut is a malasada, emerging on the scene in the late 1800's when Portuguese laborers came to work the plantations. I discovered a place called Agnes' Portuguese Bake Shop, checked out the address, and figured I'd save the trip for some special occasion.<br />
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And then today happened. Tag and I were discussing our plans at 7:00 am. He mentioned that he needed to find a hardware store to get some turtle marking supplies (sounds crude, I know). We hadn't noticed a hardware store in Kailua yet, so we had to look one up and map it online. And lo and behold... it is directly across the street from dear Agnes. Seeing as it was still very early and we had all just been bumbling around in our pajamas and hadn't made it to the kitchen... Well, you know what happened. I drew a line between two dots that were destined to be connected. We kicked off our day with warm malasadas right from the fryer, and then bought a circular file at the hardware store. Viola!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMp0r-ZJDjo/TfMWIoGCuII/AAAAAAAAAQE/lQqDVMvO7Zs/s1600/DSCN1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMp0r-ZJDjo/TfMWIoGCuII/AAAAAAAAAQE/lQqDVMvO7Zs/s320/DSCN1076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold! The malasada. Partially eaten to show texture. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylAxrG-jNhw/TfMVpo4UjGI/AAAAAAAAAP4/J0d4z9IAeGE/s1600/DSCN1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylAxrG-jNhw/TfMVpo4UjGI/AAAAAAAAAP4/J0d4z9IAeGE/s320/DSCN1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's donut time. I can feel it in my mouth. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IYV5gw_wts/TfMVup-HchI/AAAAAAAAAP8/IFlckExUj4g/s1600/DSCN1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IYV5gw_wts/TfMVup-HchI/AAAAAAAAAP8/IFlckExUj4g/s320/DSCN1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No time for smiling for photos. There was work to be done here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKy5AVmOEOE/TfMVzmqJ8pI/AAAAAAAAAQA/AP_LJNyXSpc/s1600/DSCN1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKy5AVmOEOE/TfMVzmqJ8pI/AAAAAAAAAQA/AP_LJNyXSpc/s320/DSCN1075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agnes' handiwork.</td></tr>
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So the next time you see me you might want to say... "It's donut time. I can feel it in my bones." I have a track record for success with this genre of wish fulfillment. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji and Tyler using the lawn sprinklers to irrigate themselves after a PB&J and fresh pineapple lunch date. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-81543402462015381052011-06-10T01:01:00.000-07:002011-06-15T23:22:03.610-07:00The Week in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAqPqx44NTA/TfHI2zwdWUI/AAAAAAAAAPU/EgZX8oG_uZs/s1600/DSCN1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAqPqx44NTA/TfHI2zwdWUI/AAAAAAAAAPU/EgZX8oG_uZs/s320/DSCN1052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Some things have happened since I last reported on the Hula Press. You may recall a large storm from the previous post... well that led to some mild flooding of one side of our bedroom later that night and that was pretty exciting. It involved moving some bags and piles of things, mopping puddles up with towels, and speculating about peak depth (2 inches by the wall). We also had another quick trip to the ER because Tag caught a staph infection in his foot (that sh*t is after us!). Fortunately we knew the signs this time around and he went in right away, thus avoiding the IV antibiotics and appendage butchering that I had the pleasure of experiencing on Maui. Now Tag has ten days of pills and a much happier foot. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Pardon my negative blog post introduction but I have to lead with inclement weather and bodily harm, because that is what sells. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, the week was also full of plenty of pleasantness, and even some new love (romance sells, too). Benjamin has developed a deep fondness for our neighbor's daughter, Tyler. She is six years old and seems to genuinely enjoy hanging out with Benji, despite the age gap. They go on lizard hunts, make forts in the back of Gregg's pickup truck, eat popsicles, play chase and ride bikes. We hear her name all day, every day. "Do you think Tyler wants to play now?" "Is Tyler home?" "Why is Tyler not home?" It can even be hard to go to the beach because Benji hates to miss any opportunity to be with his first crush. He works very hard to impress her with various physical stunts and not-true stories, most of which are amusing to witness. In romantic pursuit Benji has equal doses of earnest dorkiness and blind bravado. I recognize these traits because I fell for them twelve years ago. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Speaking of my love, Tag caught piles of turtles today (for real-- there are about 25 of them). But they were not the RIGHT turtles. Nonetheless, they are all hanging out in buckets in our yard because they are still worth gathering samples from for other scientific reasons. In other research-related news, Tyler's chubby bulldog managed to dig through Tag's traps and eat some rotten chicken bait yesterday. After being forced to sleep al fresco for a night, Lei Lei fortunately showed no signs of stomach trouble. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Today's adventures involved a trip to the beach. The highlight was capturing Alice's signature stunt on film. She has perfected her form, and amuses many a beach walker with her circus trick. The kids also found a lovely sand castle to explore and destroy, which made for some good entertainment before leaving the beach to go to the farmers' market. I must say that having cocoa as one of the area's crops makes me even more compelled to show my support for local farmers. Purchasing gourmet chocolate bars never felt so justified. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yf4w1EXNgHw/TfHJZOdqNbI/AAAAAAAAAPY/HvOu8EcalBo/s1600/DSCN1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yf4w1EXNgHw/TfHJZOdqNbI/AAAAAAAAAPY/HvOu8EcalBo/s320/DSCN1022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the beach that is 100 steps from our house, looking towards the right.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our beach view to the left side. It was a windy day so there were lots of kite surfers getting out on the water. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I see right in front of me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RI1dXr37IpA/TfHJxm5w_hI/AAAAAAAAAPo/lKGdy5G3Yuo/s1600/DSCN1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RI1dXr37IpA/TfHJxm5w_hI/AAAAAAAAAPo/lKGdy5G3Yuo/s640/DSCN1035.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice performs her trick. This move is inspired by a photo Tag's grandpa Engstrom doing the same thing with one of his kids (but in the front yard!).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outrigger canoes on the water. Kite surfer in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice leaps into the pit, and Benji checks out the tunnel. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning off the sand is part of the fun, too. </td></tr>
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</div><div>Regarding correspondence... we got two lovely pieces of mail yesterday at 267 South Kalaheo Avenue (by the way Kailua's zip code is 96734, just in case you want to send mail to a loved one here). One letter from Grandma Engstrom with the news from Paw Paw, IL. Plus we got a list of highly amusing Hawaii remembrances from Mr. Tommy Spofford (featuring sea urchin spines, sea sickness, and food poisoning, oh my!). We got two not-so-friendly letters, too. One from the Franchise Tax Board regarding their recent discovery of our unintentional underpayment in 2008 (has no one told California that it is now 2011 and we should leave the past behind us?) and one insurance notice about Alice's hospital visit (apparently repairing nursemaid's elbow with a tug and twist is worth $1,800 of surgical time). These two pieces of mail prompted Tag to ask, "remind me... why did we set up the mail forwarding?" Too many more letters like that and we might just have to change our identities and stay here for the long haul... </div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-16890676308496673262011-06-05T00:33:00.000-07:002011-06-09T23:19:29.696-07:00Thunder and lightening, without any strikes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHMn9P1i8Lc/TestQPGiRhI/AAAAAAAAAPE/zdWk-3sIzvQ/s1600/DSCN0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHMn9P1i8Lc/TestQPGiRhI/AAAAAAAAAPE/zdWk-3sIzvQ/s400/DSCN0880.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice shows off her new Crocs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>We've had some amazing storms here the past couple of days. At one point the thunder was roaring so loudly last night I could feel the house and bed shaking. It was wild, yet the kids slept through all of it. The wet weather has forced us to get creative with how we use our time with the kids. Yesterday we did some craft projects-- making some bracelets with glow-in-the dark beads. Thank goodness they glow because more than a couple of them escaped the "workspace" (also known as our king sized bed). You can only imagine how far beads can travel when a 30-pound princess decides to interrupt the activity with some wild leaping across the mattress. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SojWDInhYUE/TestKZHtKhI/AAAAAAAAAPA/snLMWqLDQT4/s1600/DSCN0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SojWDInhYUE/TestKZHtKhI/AAAAAAAAAPA/snLMWqLDQT4/s400/DSCN0877.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing legos on the multi-functional workspace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>On a whim we decided that we should go bowling after dinner last night, just so the kids could move around a bit and we could leave our tiny house for a while. Benjamin was very enthusiastic about the whole experience, and especially thrilled about his rental bowling shoes. It must be some of his Midwestern DNA shining through. Our form and our scores were pathetic, but we had fun nonetheless. I have learned that one round is plenty when you're relying on tidal forces to attract a barely moving bowling ball towards the pins. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duHqcH9TSZQ/TestWDZXOmI/AAAAAAAAAPI/eIdqnwLubXE/s1600/DSCN0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duHqcH9TSZQ/TestWDZXOmI/AAAAAAAAAPI/eIdqnwLubXE/s320/DSCN0890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out, Gutters... here comes your Boss. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice moves, nice tush. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykGGEiqOyAc/TestZVX0HCI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/avnIT0Rzcbo/s1600/DSCN0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykGGEiqOyAc/TestZVX0HCI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/avnIT0Rzcbo/s320/DSCN0970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see those two pins trembling? Alice gets on the score board with some help from Daddy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Today we ventured out during the wet morning to see a free magic show at the Kailua Library. Alice seemed interested for the first part of the show, but then turned her attention to raiding the table of magic-themed books before any of the other audience members. Benjamin was enthralled with the act and kept trying very earnestly to be picked as the magician's special assistant. Sadly this never happened, but we did enjoy seeing many birds, silk scarves, and flowers emerge from boxes, hats, and velvet bags. My favorite was the rabbit named Oreo who popped out of a cooking pot. While I could unscramble many of the other illusions, the bunny's appearance really mystified me! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Once again it is starting to thunder this evening and the lights just flicked off for a second. I am enjoying the sounds of the storm and the flashes of lightening, made all the more real because half of our house is a wall of sliding glass windows. It will certainly make the sunny days ahead seem even warmer and more special. I was beginning to take the whole perfect weather thing for granted. </div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-77875242686526813422011-06-01T00:30:00.000-07:002011-06-01T00:30:12.287-07:00Memorial DayOur nine steps for having a memorable Memorial Day:<br />
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Step 1: Start the day with a fantastic brunch with the Jensen-Burian family at their lovely home in the mountains near Kailua. Tag's friend Brenda is an Associate Dean at Hawaii Pacific University and a big reason why we were able to make our trip here possible. We sat on the patio for several hours, soaking up some sun and gobbling up everything from scrambled eggs to waffles, Portuguese sausage and fruit salad.<br />
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<i>Side note: Our brunch contribution was a coffee cake creation from FoodNetwork.com, courtesy of Paula Dean. It involved five ingredients and was warm, gooey, nutty goodness. Check it out: </i><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/ultimate-coffee-cake-recipe/index.html"><i>Ultimate Coffee Cake</i></a><i> (with a name like that and 300+ positive reviews, how can you go wrong?). Tag and I were amused by the process and contents the whole time we assembled it (a rigorous five minutes).</i><br />
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Step 2: Nap, of course. The kids slept while Tag and I chilled out and then figured out our plans for the rest of the day. At this point the leftovers of the coffee cake went missing. I can't say anything more about that, but it makes you wonder doesn't it?<br />
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Step 3: Pack up the kids, some animal crackers, and catch a bus from Kailua to Honolulu. Bus rides are great adventures with Benjamin. He was thrilled to be in the tallest passenger vehicle on the road, climbing the mountains, traversing the tunnels, and navigating busy downtown streets. <br />
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Step 4: Depart bus at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. Ala Moana is a four-story outdoor shopping extravaganza. I think this place rivals the scale of Mall of America in Minnesota, with a more international clientele and the added bonus of warm, fresh air. Our main goal was to hit the Apple store and replace Tag's defunct iPhone (phone in pocket + turtle trapping on a wet day = no ringing). We also bought each of the kids a new pair of summer shoes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bheBlvlYww/TeXaXyIJ3rI/AAAAAAAAAOk/cDN6f7syL2g/s1600/koipondalamoana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bheBlvlYww/TeXaXyIJ3rI/AAAAAAAAAOk/cDN6f7syL2g/s320/koipondalamoana.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the very first picture Tag took with his new iPhone 4. The kids and I were watching and feeding the koi in the middle of the mall while we waited for him. The koi loved the animal crackers! Benji is modeling his new sandals.<br />
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</tbody></table>Step 5: Eat a quick dinner in the "Food Court of Too Many Options," and then head across the street to the Ala Moana Beach Park. Our primary goal for coming to Honolulu on Memorial Day was to attend the Lantern Floating Ceremony that evening. Forty-thousand other people thought this would be a good way to spend the holiday, too. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The ceremony was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">led by</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Her Holiness Keishu Shinso</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, the spiritual head of the Buddhist</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> path called </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Shinnyo-en</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. The lighted lanterns floating in the ocean remember those who gave their lives in conflict, allow for reflection on the memories of loved ones and dedicate prayers for a peaceful and harmonious future.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIdimXLlMyw/TeXdkUkdZ3I/AAAAAAAAAOo/HNW2DWOxC_s/s1600/crowdlanternfloat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIdimXLlMyw/TeXdkUkdZ3I/AAAAAAAAAOo/HNW2DWOxC_s/s320/crowdlanternfloat.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd gathered for the event. We were pretty close to the stage compared to others along the far sides of the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pJMm5Uc2LJ0/TeXdq0e0UWI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ONNq7MQwvrQ/s1600/kandkidsalamoanabeach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pJMm5Uc2LJ0/TeXdq0e0UWI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ONNq7MQwvrQ/s320/kandkidsalamoanabeach.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching Japanese-style musicians and hula performances before sunset. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opM113wiR9Q/TeXdumCg2JI/AAAAAAAAAOw/6TEecdqrXww/s1600/tagselfportrait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opM113wiR9Q/TeXdumCg2JI/AAAAAAAAAOw/6TEecdqrXww/s320/tagselfportrait.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag and Alice take a self portrait with the new phone, and Brenda is captured in the background, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kf1rwz-trhA/TeXd2ofc4lI/AAAAAAAAAO0/nrcQbQCIZDg/s1600/lanterns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kf1rwz-trhA/TeXd2ofc4lI/AAAAAAAAAO0/nrcQbQCIZDg/s640/lanterns.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of lanterns floating in the sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Step 6: Return to the Ala Moana Center and give kids their first Bubble Teas (watermelon and coconut) to quench their thirst. Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan, but quickly spread to other Asian countries and Chinatowns around the globe. I'm a fan and thought it was time to share the fun of munching on chewy tapioca pearls while drinking a sweet blended beverage. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ely1AJpqEo8/TeXfZBza1LI/AAAAAAAAAO4/J131fSifYhs/s1600/bubbletea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ely1AJpqEo8/TeXfZBza1LI/AAAAAAAAAO4/J131fSifYhs/s320/bubbletea.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice sucking up a tapioca "bubble" through her extra wide straw. She LOVED this. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Step 7: Pass time waiting for the last bus by visiting the Lego Store. Yes, a whole store dedicated to legos, and it was full-on awesome. This made the end of the night way cool for the little ones because we bought a couple of special lego kits for our well-behaved ceremony attendees. <div><br />
</div><div>Step 8: Hang out with a hippy Hawaiian surfer dude at the bus stop and "talk story," as the locals would say. Benjamin's unending questions kept the young guy amused for the whole 30-minute ride back to Kailua. He had friends in Chico (really not all that surprising considering his demographic: college-aged outdoorsy hippy), and he made it seem like we had an instant karmic connection (very flattering). He was a nice UH dropout to spend a bus ride with. Alice rode with Tag, surveying the scene inside and beyond the number 57.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ_FxFRxbsg/TeXhfJIej3I/AAAAAAAAAO8/3AYzcC13QCs/s1600/alicetagonbus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ_FxFRxbsg/TeXhfJIej3I/AAAAAAAAAO8/3AYzcC13QCs/s320/alicetagonbus.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on the seat is not advised. We know this because Alice introduced her nose to the handle in front of her after losing her balance. A parenting tip: reduce the face-planting-into-seat-handle problem by making your child assume the proper sitting position and avoiding mass transit after 9:30 pm. Just a thought. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Step 9: Get home, brush teeth and go to bed. Really, that's all we did and it felt great. </div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-39442812827205250152011-05-29T00:07:00.000-07:002011-05-29T00:07:28.691-07:00Spicing things upThis week was an example of our "typical" Oahu routine. Our new reality involves the following activities: mornings at the YMCA with me trying a random assortment of exercise programs and the kids at "play school"; the kids each take a weekly gymnastics class at a place called My Gym; daily afternoon naps; many visits to the beach for swimming and sand-related artwork; and, of course Tag makes time for turtle catching. This week's theme was <i>tropical fruit salsa</i>. I got on a kick mid-week and prepared a fresh mango salsa to serve with our grilled pork, and then made a kickin' pineapple salsa as an encore the next night. The farmers' market mangoes were enormous and the best I've ever tasted. <br />
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Turtle trapping this week did not involve any of the desired variety, but Tag did manage to capture a very large snapping turtle-- the first that has ever been caught and recorded on the islands. That meant we had an unexpected trip to the Bishop Museum in Honolulu to drop it off for their, um... collection. So, RIP our snappy friend. It was great knowing you for a day.<br />
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On Friday night Tag and I dropped the kids off at My Gym for their monthly Parents' Night Out. That meant that Benji and Alice got to enjoy pizza and play time for three hours while Tag and I could relish in a quiet, leisurely, multi-course meal. I decided to go with all of the Yelp recommendations and made reservations at a Moroccan restaurant called Casablanca. The setting and seasonings reminded us a lot of Turkey, so we felt instantly happy. Plus there was the added bonus of sitting on the floor and eating with our hands. The place was BYOB, so we complimented the cuisine with a six-pack of Guinness (classy!). Following dinner we hit Kailua beach for a nighttime stroll under the stars-- the perfect place to think out loud about all kinds of things. No personal decisions can feel too big or important when facing the ocean and the nighttime sky. <br />
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While the babysitting was great for all of us while it lasted, it totally threw off our bedtime rituals and the kids went to sleep super late. They still woke up at their normal time (crack of dawn), which made me and Tag sad/grumpy/mentally slow. The only way to fight off our tiredness was to make the morning special in some way that involved high-octane coffee. Once again we headed out-- this time with the whole crew-- and tried Cinnamon's breakfast spot. Chocolate milk for the little people and Kona coffee for the zombie parents. Review: five stars and eight thumbs up.<br />
<br />
PS: Benji's gymnastics teachers asked all of the kids to answer two questions during circle time this week: (1) What is your name? (2) What is your favorite restaurant? ... There were of course a whole string of "McDonald's" and "Applebees." Until Benji, whose reply to the latter question was "my house." How sad (and funny) is that? This morning I was bound and determined to order that child a stack of pancakes that would make a lasting impression. Hence our order at Cinnamon's-- their special red velvet pancakes with white chocolate syrup. This dish should also be known as "flattened birthday cake with runny frosting" that should never be appropriate at 8:00 am for those under the age of four.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZSICJst_0A/TeHsrQJ930I/AAAAAAAAAOY/8_PpocVOlaQ/s1600/benjitagbreakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZSICJst_0A/TeHsrQJ930I/AAAAAAAAAOY/8_PpocVOlaQ/s400/benjitagbreakfast.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag and Benji at Cinnamon's this morning. Notice the tall chocolate milk. Notice the full coffee. Notice the joy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0O2tw0dBsIc/TeHstyAS1dI/AAAAAAAAAOc/L1hMeS6i94w/s1600/alicepancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0O2tw0dBsIc/TeHstyAS1dI/AAAAAAAAAOc/L1hMeS6i94w/s320/alicepancake.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is a guava chiffon pancake in a barely perceptible disguise as a breakfast item. Alice ate the whipped cream, scooped up the syrup with her fingers, and then finally decided to have a few small bites of the pancake. <br />
I swear we normally feed her hard boiled eggs and fruit in the morning. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EAk6uuhYGJM/TeHswLkr0AI/AAAAAAAAAOg/XrZHI2kXE1A/s1600/benjimonkeybars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EAk6uuhYGJM/TeHswLkr0AI/AAAAAAAAAOg/XrZHI2kXE1A/s400/benjimonkeybars.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tag discovered an awesome new playground with the kids this afternoon while I took a walk on the beach. This is photo documentation of Benji's first successful journey across monkey bars. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-79711880166594613552011-05-21T23:24:00.000-07:002011-05-21T23:24:37.523-07:00Strange food in paradise<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skjLoY8a_rI/Tdih9vtkNBI/AAAAAAAAANo/HQks4MsmnlE/s1600/DSCN0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skjLoY8a_rI/Tdih9vtkNBI/AAAAAAAAANo/HQks4MsmnlE/s400/DSCN0850.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slice of Oahu's north shore. </td></tr>
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We decided to start the weekend off with an adventure around the north shore of Oahu. We did not consult a map or any travel guides before our departure. Instead, we packed our bathing suits, headed west on the coastal road and assumed we'd discover the right things at the right times. Oddly enough, I think we did. We could never have predicted what we'd find to eat, that's for sure.<br />
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Benjamin was intent on finding a swimming beach, which was a little hard considering we were traversing the famous big wave surfing areas. About an hour and a half into our journey we decided it was time to forage for some food because Alice had woken up from her nap. We'd already been passing a large array of roadside vendors. As connoisseurs and regular patrons of the Chico taco truck scene, Tag and I are fully committed to food vendors operating out of vehicles, tents or any other kind of impermanent structures. The more misspellings in the hand-painted menu, the better. <br />
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We pulled over at the next row of tents we passed and went straight for their offerings. Tag picked up an entire Okinawan Sweet Potato Haupia Pie, despite having no idea what that was. They had him at Pie. I decided we needed some plate lunches from the Pasteles stand. Similarly, I had no idea what pasteles were and what they were plated with. Even after eating one I still had no idea what it was and had to Google it on my iPhone to find out.<br />
<br />
Here is what I learned... At the turn of the 20th century there was a collapse in the Puerto Rican sugar cane industry and a subsequent immigaration of Puerto Rican workers to support Hawaii's ramped up production. With this new ethnic group came the arrival of the pastel-- a dough-wrapped, fried meat package that seems to involve some veggies and a generous helping of grease. Hawaiians love it, and now the $6 pasteles plates are served with a side of spanish rice and macaroni salad (would you like a starch with your starch?). <br />
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After scoring these delicacies we tried to picnic in the park but got rained on almost as soon as we sat down. Thus, we moved to the back of Missy Kia and the kids loved the ambiance there even more. "We're eating in the trunk!" After our lunch adventure we made our next stop at the Turtle Bay resort area and swam at their sheltered beach for a while. I took a long walk along the shoreline, and met a special sunbather along the way (see photos below). Our trip back to Kailua brought us across Dole's pineapple plantation and on all three big highways (H-1, H-2, and H-3). Interestingly, the remnants of our pie didn't even melt in the warm car. Hmm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Moljs3dGZFA/Tdiio8CznfI/AAAAAAAAANs/Ra5cQaRK3BU/s1600/DSCN0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Moljs3dGZFA/Tdiio8CznfI/AAAAAAAAANs/Ra5cQaRK3BU/s320/DSCN0815.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I opened the plate lunch I told Tag, "I don't know what this greasy turd is made of, but it tastes pretty good." He laughed, and then insisted that I use that as my caption for the photo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJz4IzBej5o/TdiitwlZetI/AAAAAAAAANw/FLvZX3_owx8/s1600/DSCN0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJz4IzBej5o/TdiitwlZetI/AAAAAAAAANw/FLvZX3_owx8/s320/DSCN0816.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why don't more people picnic in their cars? Good old fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUJLB8A2WQM/TdiizD2d3KI/AAAAAAAAAN0/2WO_bhSYSKQ/s1600/DSCN0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUJLB8A2WQM/TdiizD2d3KI/AAAAAAAAAN0/2WO_bhSYSKQ/s320/DSCN0818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay... here's the pie (yes, it's square). The bottom layer is crust; the middle layer is made with purple sweet potatoes; and the top layer is coconut. This all sounds weird, but we we all loved it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2etQbixDOiM/Tdii5KKkekI/AAAAAAAAAN4/17PF9Fb7eE8/s1600/DSCN0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2etQbixDOiM/Tdii5KKkekI/AAAAAAAAAN4/17PF9Fb7eE8/s320/DSCN0834.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benj catching some air at the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0vu6trcCPI/TdilvGsbfiI/AAAAAAAAAOU/MUvIDWuUTug/s1600/DSCN0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0vu6trcCPI/TdilvGsbfiI/AAAAAAAAAOU/MUvIDWuUTug/s320/DSCN0832.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Launching Alice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zouR-iTCNnw/Tdii-QoymBI/AAAAAAAAAN8/TtdFI1U05mw/s1600/DSCN0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zouR-iTCNnw/Tdii-QoymBI/AAAAAAAAAN8/TtdFI1U05mw/s400/DSCN0848.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, Daddy, we love it when you throw us around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8371_3GkyBU/TdijFjlyOLI/AAAAAAAAAOA/2dw5MhC12Sc/s1600/DSCN0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8371_3GkyBU/TdijFjlyOLI/AAAAAAAAAOA/2dw5MhC12Sc/s320/DSCN0852.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scene of my walk (the second time around when I remembered to bring a camera).</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fc1UBLyA7Sk/TdijYbX1GSI/AAAAAAAAAOI/5AzTmO5oij0/s1600/DSCN0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fc1UBLyA7Sk/TdijYbX1GSI/AAAAAAAAAOI/5AzTmO5oij0/s400/DSCN0855.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snoozing monk seal sunbathing on the beach. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWXouE5vBX0/Tdijd1JHJyI/AAAAAAAAAOM/QZMroiR-pJc/s1600/DSCN0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWXouE5vBX0/Tdijd1JHJyI/AAAAAAAAAOM/QZMroiR-pJc/s320/DSCN0857.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The seal looks like a log, but every now and then it would twitch and roll a bit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjQb9vMGXGs/TdilTVK7xOI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/cMd2m2ZaHa4/s1600/DSCN0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjQb9vMGXGs/TdilTVK7xOI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/cMd2m2ZaHa4/s320/DSCN0872.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots and lots of Dole pineapples.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-75355348840945272142011-05-21T00:50:00.000-07:002011-05-21T22:05:33.607-07:00A is for Alice<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atntN3fC5B8/TddUvRJ1O6I/AAAAAAAAANg/p2UecZTfsvM/s1600/aliceballpit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atntN3fC5B8/TddUvRJ1O6I/AAAAAAAAANg/p2UecZTfsvM/s400/aliceballpit.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice and her big blue eyes. She likes lolling in the ball pit during her new gymnastics class. </td></tr>
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</i><br />
<i>"A" you're Adorable, "B" you're so Beautiful, and "C" you're a Cutie full of Charms! </i><br />
<br />
My grandpa McGinn used to sing that song to me when I was little, and all of it applies to my sweet Alice, my favorite "A." Now that I've already listed out Benjamin's talents and characteristic habits, it is time to cover the traits and temptations of our terrific toddler (who happens to be talking to herself in her crib right now instead of sleeping)...<br />
<ol><li>In a Nutshell: Alice is funny and mischievous, and a total charmer. Sometimes she practices her sly and silly expressions, just so they are ready to go when needed. She is very big and strong for her age, and not afraid of throwing her weight around (the girl can tackle!). She absolutely worships Benjamin, following his every move even when it is ill advised. Case in point: she put gummy worms on her frozen yogurt tonight just because he did ("I want worm"). </li>
<li>Favorite Things to Say: "By self" (meaning "I must do this by myself, so don't mess with me because if you do I will yell BY SELF even louder"), "Memi" (meaning "Benji"), "I like that" (usually pronounced in a very loud voice so all people can be aware of her preferences), and "Baby Ah-ya" (meaning "Baby Alice," which is her proper name as far as she is concerned because she uses it whenever she is asked by someone)</li>
<li>Wake Up Time: Somewhere between 5:45 and 6:15 am. It is a time of day when not even the sun wants to be up, but little Miss Alice is happy as a clam, strutting around the house looking for books to read and messes to make. She now departs her crib with a dismount, and sometimes makes a morning announcement. Yesterday she said, "Daddy, I have poop." Meaning get off your duff and change my diaper. </li>
<li>Favorite Things to Play: Alice loves to color and play with Play Doh. She's getting pretty talented with legos, but her approach is all about dumping them and then picking them up one by one and putting them back in the bulk yogurt container. That activity fits in with her love of cleaning things, especially scrubbing. We think she gets this interest in tidiness from her Aunt Beth. Alice really has a special place in her heart for Elmo, so she's a big fan of his movies and iPad apps. She can navigate a touch screen better than most adults. </li>
<li>Different than Benjamin: Alice tends to be more of an extrovert. She is never shy in groups of kids, and doesn't mind grabbing center stage. We went to Pajama Story Time one evening at the Kailua Library and Alice promptly scooted herself right at the feet of the librarians to see the books up close, eschewing the standard semicircle of the other kids there to listen. She yelled out "I like that book, Daddy!" many times when they read <i>The Napping House</i> and then totally hammed it up during the dance breaks. It was her uncontrollable enthusiasm taking over, and we were laughing too hard to stop it.</li>
<li>Strange Habits: Alice likes to put on socks. If there is an available pair in sight, regardless of the owner, she will sit down and take the time to try them on. Alice also likes eating salad, and this seems kind of weird for a toddler. Bring on the lettuce, bring on the spinach... she is game. When you talk about doing some exercise or stretches Alice will start walking around on her hands and feet, with her head hanging upside down looking backwards. That is her take on getting fit. She is also a big fan of tissues. Blowing her own nose and throwing away the kleenex is lots of fun. </li>
<li>Sleeping Pose: She must sleep on her tummy with her tush propped in the air, her fingers twirling her hair, binky in mouth, and tucked under the knitted blanket from Grandma Engstrom. </li>
<li>Chubbiest Parts: Alice has all kinds of cheeks. Her copious facial cheeks are utterly kissable, while her bottom is perfectly round like two plums. Her thighs are pudgy with her baby fat (she still has a pinch and a roll there!) and I could squeeze them a hundred times a day. Other than that, she has been stretching out a lot lately-- going for the long rather than wide look. </li>
<li>Biggest Challenge: Alice is very strong willed, and can get insistent to the point of causing herself harm (suggested reading: previous post about visit to the ER with nursemaid's elbow). While seeing the sunrise on a tropical island sounds romantic, the vibe of that experience is shot when it is a daily gig. The early riser thing could go the way of the Hawaiian Honeycreeper, as far as I'm concerned. </li>
<li>Future Predictions: I expect Alice to be cracking me up for many years to come. She is confident and adaptable, and quite a performer. I think she'll do something that involves being social and setting others at ease. Based on her trek up Haleakala, Tag thinks she may be a mountaineer. Of course, no matter what she does she'll continue to be Adorable, Beautiful, and Charming, too... </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2x1n-1Epxs/TddqRmlHy1I/AAAAAAAAANk/jaKLtMEPjns/s1600/DSCN0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2x1n-1Epxs/TddqRmlHy1I/AAAAAAAAANk/jaKLtMEPjns/s640/DSCN0749.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice showing off her "Alice in Hulaland" shirt. </td></tr>
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</div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-16389694327323391782011-05-20T01:19:00.000-07:002011-05-20T01:19:44.544-07:00Top Ten for Mr. ImaginationI've been thinking about making a blog post that captures some of the every day, every moment behaviors of the kids so I can have all of the little things recorded alongside all of the big day trips, beach adventures and family stories that have comprised my blog so far. Something along the lines of a Top Ten for each child that sums up their personality, silly quirks, favorite sayings, and most crazy-making habits.<br />
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Of course, I'm a sucker for making lists. So forcing myself to record my thoughts in this way is like forcing myself to try an OnoPop at the farmers' market-- no real challenge, it's just going to happen. I've been informally mulling these ideas over the past few weeks knowing that they'd someday come in handy for some blogging content. By the way, I had a salted watermelon cream popsicle from the OnoPop stand today and it was fab-u-lous.<br />
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Let's start with the oldest child, my darling Benjamin (who sometimes likes to call me Darling Mudder, especially when asking me for something). These are the things that help to define who he is right now:<br />
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<ol><li>Best Short Description: Benji is Mr. Imagination, constantly coming up with scenarios and new uses for found objects. He is a steady stream of questions these days, which can be charming and exhausting at the same time. He tends to be very obedient for other people (teachers, other parents, etc.). He's eager to follow directions in group classes and comes off like a labrador puppy that is eager to please. He could color and dance away an hour, and then wrestle, climb and swim away the next two. </li>
<li>Favorite Toys: legos that become trucks; sticks; palm fronds; coconuts; pretend cameras and walkie-talkies. He often walks around the yard pointing/waving sticks and makes a sound like "waah waaah waaachoo," and we have no idea what that is all about. </li>
<li>Favorite Thing to Say: "Whoppens if?" (what happens if... and then fill in the blank with some obscure and/or unlikely event). </li>
<li>Food Preferences: Benji loves macaroni and cheese, ice cream (and all of its frozen relatives), and cookies of any persuasion. He hates onions, celery and fresh herbs. </li>
<li>What Makes Him Feel Special: He likes to talk and reminisce about when he was a baby. He also loves doing anything that Alice is not yet allowed to do. </li>
<li>What Makes Him Scared: Benjamin seems terrified of disappointing other people and gets very worried if he's told that he needs to apologize to someone outside of our immediate family. When he knocked some mangoes off of our neighbor's tree he was petrified and started crying when I told him he would need to say sorry to Norbert for ruining the unripe fruit. </li>
<li>Things He Likes to Talk About: Benji is fascinated with policemen, firemen, and superheroes. He is also very interested in rocket boots and flying aircraft. He spends a lot of his day thinking about these important people and things. </li>
<li>Most Lovable Characteristics: Benjamin is game for any adventure. He is not a complainer when we go for long walks, eat strange foods, or travel without anything to entertain him to pass the time. He is protective of Alice, and stays by her side when she needs him. Of all of his physical features, I think his cute little round tush is my favorite-- perfect filler for his spiderman underoos. </li>
<li>Ways Drives Us Crazy: The endless questions can be tiring, because sometimes you just can't keep making up answers. We're also doing a lot of refereeing these days. Benjamin has been fighting more with Alice now that she asserts her opinion and can ruin his projects with one stomp of her chubby legs. Bedtime has also become a bigger challenge... he can find all kinds of reasons to emerge from his bedroom between 8:30 and 10:00 pm. Tonight it's the suffering caused by mosquito bites. </li>
<li>If I Could Predict the Future: I would guess that Benji will be a big guy with a tough exterior, but shy and sensitive in his core. While he might play rugby, I would not at all be surprised if he was also a bookworm and tapped into his creative energies in some way. Regardless of the fashion preferences of his generation, I am sure he will be wearing rocket boots. </li>
</ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xek9DC_xQxk/TdYgWFJleuI/AAAAAAAAANU/JW8EDkzMi4g/s1600/DSCN0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xek9DC_xQxk/TdYgWFJleuI/AAAAAAAAANU/JW8EDkzMi4g/s320/DSCN0801.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji met his favorite book character, Arthur, at the Honolulu Book and Music Festival on Sunday. We have been reading the whole Arthur Adventure series from the big shelf at the Kailua library.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkb_02Mgvy0/TdYgbXeQYZI/AAAAAAAAANY/ed08hgiZwAI/s1600/DSCN0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkb_02Mgvy0/TdYgbXeQYZI/AAAAAAAAANY/ed08hgiZwAI/s640/DSCN0806.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Clifford's ears in preparation for the big meeting...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqsKwJqOlfc/TdYggVGE_LI/AAAAAAAAANc/P4OVyg2NF8c/s1600/DSCN0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqsKwJqOlfc/TdYggVGE_LI/AAAAAAAAANc/P4OVyg2NF8c/s320/DSCN0812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He later asked Tag... "why did Clifford have a zipper on his back, and walk on only two hands?" Perceptive little guy. <br />
We told him the pavement was hot, so he needed to protect his front paws... and sometimes its so warm in Hawaii he needs to shed his fur. </td></tr>
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</div>Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-86525883945498201002011-05-14T23:09:00.000-07:002011-05-14T23:09:25.783-07:00Unexpected milestones<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T475vQABy14/Tc9oBpwG28I/AAAAAAAAANQ/hlz1A88-BIg/s1600/flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T475vQABy14/Tc9oBpwG28I/AAAAAAAAANQ/hlz1A88-BIg/s320/flower.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many pretty blooms at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden.</td></tr>
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Today was a momentous day of "firsts" that I am very proud to report to all of you.<br />
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It all began yesterday afternoon when Benji, Tag and I were laying in bed together. We happened to be talking about Benjamin's binky. Most of you know that he has been a staunch supporter of frequent pacifier use since the age of 3 weeks. Over the past year we've really cut down on his addiction, limiting binky use to sleeping times and moments of extreme distress (over-tired, bored-in-car, losing side of sibling rivalry, bad boo-boo, etc.). You can imagine that extreme distress can happen quite often if you let it.<br />
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Anyway, yesterday I casually introduced the idea that <i>some</i> day Benji could leave out his pacifiers at night and they would be picked up by a fairy who would deliver them to a new baby, and she would leave some special present behind in exchange for the binky bounty (this method of bribery and deception was lovingly stolen from other parents we know). I <i>never</i> thought he'd bite on this, but he asked many follow-up questions to learn more. As Tag and I elaborated on the scenario we added some colorful details. It was not just <i>any</i> fairy... it would be Tinkerbell. And, yes, he could request a fire truck and a squirt gun as part of the loot. He was so excited that he immediately grabbed his Benjamin rainbow license plate from Hawaii and put it by the window so Tink could find our house. We're pretty sure Benj has a thing for Tinkerbell, by the way.<br />
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We waited until night time to see if he'd really go for this scheme. By 8:00 pm we were convinced that Benji meant business, and I quickly left the house for some special errands. Let me just say this... Long's was like a fairy jackpot and this morning was like a mini Christmas. Benji woke up before 6:00 and asked right away if Tinkerbell came. All of his binkies had vanished, but in their place he scored a water-shooting porpoise and seal, some lego sets with pieces that make what we're calling a fire truck, a Japanese snack called yan yan, and a Wall-E coloring book-- all packaged in a glittery Tinkerbell bag that was the coup de grace from the drug store. The binky-free transition today has been a breeze. What have we learned? Deception is not always a bad thing, especially when parenting an addicted toddler with a fairy crush.<br />
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With all of this going on I know you are shocked to hear that today included another unexpected milestone. We went on a day trip to visit the 400+ acre Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, thinking that we'd take the walking tour to look at some tropical plants and visit their lake. The real goal was to scope the place for turtle habitat, because some of Tag's contacts suggested this location as a trapping site. It turns out that the walking tour was not a good fit for little children, but we learned of a substitute activity that would be an even better fit for our needs. The Botanical Garden lets you do catch-and-release fishing at the lake, and supplies kids with bamboo rods and some bait (otherwise known as cheerios). And, well... you guessed it... Benji caught his first fish (actually, his first three fish)! Tag also got permission to place traps around the edges of the lake, so the whole family scored some wins.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQD6XxFF8Hk/Tc9n_eQ4DDI/AAAAAAAAANM/II0AI7M2HKU/s1600/fishing+scene.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQD6XxFF8Hk/Tc9n_eQ4DDI/AAAAAAAAANM/II0AI7M2HKU/s400/fishing+scene.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji's first fishing outing. There were about 25 fish bopping around within view, which helped minimize the waiting game.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DrC108bU0k/Tc9n9DMqdSI/AAAAAAAAANI/JWkfJvUFdIQ/s1600/firstfish2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DrC108bU0k/Tc9n9DMqdSI/AAAAAAAAANI/JWkfJvUFdIQ/s320/firstfish2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zy5qFuBNb8/Tc9n6n-WdNI/AAAAAAAAANE/tkxBqvWxDrU/s1600/firstfish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zy5qFuBNb8/Tc9n6n-WdNI/AAAAAAAAANE/tkxBqvWxDrU/s320/firstfish.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beast that fell for a cheerio on a hook.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjT-yjM-bI/Tc9n4qhASfI/AAAAAAAAANA/XDrKYc4ulW0/s1600/alicemommy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjT-yjM-bI/Tc9n4qhASfI/AAAAAAAAANA/XDrKYc4ulW0/s320/alicemommy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We managed the bag of bait. I had to keep Alice from helping herself to stale cheerios. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-13976961795447233062011-05-13T17:53:00.000-07:002011-05-13T17:53:51.961-07:00Soul searching<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Note: This news is about a half a day old, because Google's Blogger system was down for repairs last night. I wrote the post and then had no way to share it, which made me sad for all five of my regular readers who use this blog as a lifeline to the aloha spirit. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">In all seriousness, I'm very excited because my blog statistics inform me that I've actually had almost 1,000 pageviews. That makes me feel loved, and very interesting. So without further delay... onto my latest post:</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal">Our whole house shuts down between 1:00 and 3:00 pm for napping and quiet time. There is really no way to avoid the restfulness because there is usually a sleeping person in every room (two bedrooms, plus a living room attached to the kitchen). I will really miss this post-lunch routine when we’re all back in the real world. On days when both kids fall asleep and stay that way, it is a great time to read, write and/or follow major league baseball games (if you’re so inclined).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would also be a great time to do some soul searching, but let’s be honest… introspection takes way more energy than reading and I can’t say I’ve worked up to it yet. This post finds a whole other kinda soul… but more on that later. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After the family siesta we decided to head out to the walking path along the marsh that borders Kailua to scope out some turtle trapping sites. Tag has been spending his time here so far working on some writing, making a presentation at Hawaii Pacific University, catching up with grad students back in Chico, and meeting with local experts on Oahu. It was time to get outside and start envisioning where to initiate the field work. We imagined all kinds of turtle hiding spots while walking along, and determined that Tag will need to borrow Gregg’s kayak to set and revisit the traps each day. Gregg owns our house and has lots of good outdoor gear, too. We like this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The adventure did not end with the marsh, because our next stop was the Thursday night Kailua Farmers’ Market. Bingo. There was so much culinary awesomeness in one location my Mazzei Food Radar (MFR) went into hyper-drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly noted our coordinates, mentally calculated the remaining number of Thursdays in our trip, and gave myself a sense of bliss and serenity by knowing that I will have a chance to try all of the offerings over time as long as we come to the market each week. Due to the reliability of the MFR (tested and refined over generations), I promise you that we will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My first stop was the farm stand that had a line snaking through the stall to get to the two registers. No kidding. I love a produce destination that draws a crowd, and not one to be dissuaded by the hubbub I grabbed a basket and joined the queue. Twenty-five dollars later I had scored cucumbers, red peppers, tomatoes, corn, papayas, Thai basil, Chinese parsley (cilantro), spinach, romaine, kale and zucchini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a total bargain in Hawaii, and that was just the beginning. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our next priority was dinner. We whetted our appetites with sushi sliders—ahi tuna served on top of eggplant and kale tempura. For the main course Tag opted for the surprisingly authentic burrito stand (of course). After walking by all of the vendors a couple of times, I just had to go for the Soul food. Crazy choice in Hawaii, I know, but the panko-crusted fried chicken had my name on it. Add the cornbread, black-eyed peas and cilantro-laced coleslaw and I was sold. Full-on yumminess. I made Tag promise he will eat there next week, because I need someone else to share in the taste bud joy. Meanwhile, I’ll be hitting the Raw Food bar for some funky, soul-less vegan creation that is the yin to the yang of the dinner I ate this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vorVYZBHRqw/Tc3Ov9Iz_UI/AAAAAAAAAMc/8Dz1rcsuKYE/s1600/DSCN0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vorVYZBHRqw/Tc3Ov9Iz_UI/AAAAAAAAAMc/8Dz1rcsuKYE/s320/DSCN0765.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing is so exhausting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgzV59UXTpI/Tc3O1RUwtyI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Lklya0FKkbg/s1600/DSCN0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgzV59UXTpI/Tc3O1RUwtyI/AAAAAAAAAMg/Lklya0FKkbg/s320/DSCN0767.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where Alice wanted to finish her nap. Now that you've seen the couch, you've also seen about 40% of our living room. Cozy living in Kailua!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-js8e7UG1iOY/Tc3O6WQmQnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/peZ1IN3TvxU/s1600/DSCN0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-js8e7UG1iOY/Tc3O6WQmQnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/peZ1IN3TvxU/s400/DSCN0768.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scoping out the marsh for trapping sights. We want us some ugly turtles! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7c0DHOeHcE0/Tc3O_JFksKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/2sec1frX2xs/s1600/DSCN0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7c0DHOeHcE0/Tc3O_JFksKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/2sec1frX2xs/s320/DSCN0775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another rock caught mid-flight. <br />
This means one of two things: I am an adept photographer, OR my kids throw a lot of rocks. Hmm. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz7Gw1DNR5A/Tc3PEQyiyVI/AAAAAAAAAMs/k4EHLe0nanI/s1600/DSCN0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz7Gw1DNR5A/Tc3PEQyiyVI/AAAAAAAAAMs/k4EHLe0nanI/s320/DSCN0781.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's girl hitching a ride.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6dKwf12Zao/Tc3PLV1RwSI/AAAAAAAAAMw/g6YVLZmtUo0/s1600/DSCN0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6dKwf12Zao/Tc3PLV1RwSI/AAAAAAAAAMw/g6YVLZmtUo0/s400/DSCN0784.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi sliders at the farmers' market. Alice asks with irritation, "Why the wait?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4WnsU7oCes/Tc3PbG6hVzI/AAAAAAAAAM0/hUcEWk0ayzk/s1600/DSCN0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4WnsU7oCes/Tc3PbG6hVzI/AAAAAAAAAM0/hUcEWk0ayzk/s320/DSCN0786.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical flowers. Love the colors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vStqYldZqJY/Tc3PoK9b7OI/AAAAAAAAAM4/4N0YWFP-t2A/s1600/DSCN0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vStqYldZqJY/Tc3PoK9b7OI/AAAAAAAAAM4/4N0YWFP-t2A/s320/DSCN0789.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am dainty while eating loaded nachos. See? </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">One final note: There is no reason for me to ever know if 1,000 pageviews is really pathetic, because I know nothing about blog stats and it is better that way. </span><br />
Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8356165860405686845.post-18899527247884331822011-05-08T23:38:00.000-07:002011-05-08T23:38:34.235-07:00Hits and Misses<b>HIT: Our trip to the Honolulu Zoo yesterday.</b> There were not any crowds and the weather was perfect for visiting-- overcast without any rain, so we never got hot while walking around. We bought a family membership so we can go back regularly. It's only 20 minutes away and in addition to the animals, the playground there is lovely. We had the pleasure of witnessing the gibbons making their calls while doing some crazy acrobatics. The sounds were out of this world-- rich, deep tones and beats that echoed like music across the park. All four of us were mesmerized, while the rest of the visitors migrated in our direction to see what could possibly be making those wild noises.<br />
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<b>MISS: Backing into the palm tree in our driveway and breaking Missy Kia's tail light.</b> Flush. That was the sound of $100 dollars going down the toilet known as the "random and inexplicably expensive auto parts" supplier on the internet.<br />
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<b>HIT: Joining the local YMCA to get fit and sing like the Village People on a regular basis.</b> We signed up so the kids could resume swimming lessons and I can take advantage of workouts with free day care. Benji and Alice are totally jazzed about their play room and the prospect of playmates, and I'm excited to try some new exercise options. I showed up for my first yoga class a couple of days ago, and after laying out my mat discovered it was "power yoga"... for 90 minutes. Yikes. Needless to say, I am sore in the oddest places right now. I followed that up with my first Zumba class this morning. I was shaking it on Mama's Day, let me tell you.<br />
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<b>MISS: Keiki Hula.</b> Our other adventure at the family gym was not so positive. We tried to bring the kids to "Keiki Hula," which we pictured to be a toddler-filled room full of cute music, hip and arm motions, and parental amusement. Not so. When the teacher arrived she brusquely ordered Benjamin "off the floor! off the floor!" because he was not five years old and not a girl. We knew he was younger than the rest and not wearing the same hula practice skirt, but naively thought this would not be an issue. Tag took to calling the teacher "Aunty on a Mission," because we soon observed that she is a one woman hula commando striving to save the vanishing island arts with a handful of young girls in the Kailua YMCA.<br />
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<b>HIT: Mother's Day dinner at Zippy's, a small chain of Hawaiian diners.</b> This place has always intrigued us because it was listed on the "Z" page of Benjamin's Hawaiian alphabet book that we bought on his first trip to Kauai at 9 months. Tag ate their signature loco moco dish with chili, in addition to the standard rice, burger patty and fried eggs. We took a picture, but I'll spare you because frankly it was not a photogenic meal. Alice and Benji were thrilled with the packs of crayons and draw-on placemat, chocolate milk with straws, noodles for dinner, and the jello/pudding desserts that came with the meal. What is not to like about that nutritious and delicious experience? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaxtGV-d284/TceH5sMECII/AAAAAAAAAMA/sQEmhjH0uE4/s1600/DSCN0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaxtGV-d284/TceH5sMECII/AAAAAAAAAMA/sQEmhjH0uE4/s400/DSCN0723.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can we join you? Our parents are driving us crazy with their rules. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle: Hi, my name is Rusty.<br />
Benjamin: I'm Benji, and this is baby Alice.<br />
Turtle: I like being quiet, calm and peaceful.<br />
Benjamin: We don't.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imitating the monkeys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good place to play! I love the benches in the shade of the tropical trees.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFLUeSAnOcg/TceIRglS_mI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/-FCCOZ1Cx4E/s1600/DSCN0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFLUeSAnOcg/TceIRglS_mI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/-FCCOZ1Cx4E/s320/DSCN0754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing some love in our yard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yd8OFTnmYA/TceIaPRyFzI/AAAAAAAAAMU/vOlv6OUSRTA/s1600/DSCN0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yd8OFTnmYA/TceIaPRyFzI/AAAAAAAAAMU/vOlv6OUSRTA/s400/DSCN0761.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another day, another palm frond. And... our cottage in the background. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gi_-m_Ty2ws/TceIeBfWkQI/AAAAAAAAAMY/BF6ImHwI0Xw/s1600/benjizippys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gi_-m_Ty2ws/TceIeBfWkQI/AAAAAAAAAMY/BF6ImHwI0Xw/s320/benjizippys.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living the life at Zippy's.</td></tr>
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PS-- Childrens' wardrobe kindly provided by Alex Marshall Studios.Kristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11562155476008125142noreply@blogger.com0