Tsunami Evacuation Plan

We got the warning around 5AM-an 8.8 earthquake in Chile may cause a tsunami to the islands.

Richard was up (yes he has a sleeping problem) so he headed to Safeway to get some milk, diapers, and food for Jacob as well as some gas for his car. He already had to wait 20min. for gas at that early hour. We decided we would probably be ok where we were but figured to be safe we would head to the mountains aka Richard's parents house.

Here is our evacuation plan:

Bring developed pictures up to the top floor
Grab camera
Bring Jacob's supplies including pack n play
Leave

In hindsight, I would have brought our important documents that I left upstairs.

This was part of a long line of cars parked along side the road leading up the mountain right in front of Richard's parents house. The line got longer as it got closer to tsunami time -11AM. The reason this warning was such a big deal was that in the 1960's Chile had a 8.3 earthquake that caused a tsunami. It hit the Big Island and cost the lives of 61 people. Since this earthquake was a little bigger, there was no reason for us not to think the tsunami would come again.

We watched the ocean and the news all morning. A little activity took place in the ocean about 11:30 but no big waves. We didn't have the all clear for awhile though, and since many roads were closed we just hung out. We were glad nothing major happened and if nothing else it was a good reminder to be prepared.

Playing catch

Playing a little catch with Jacob today. He learned to catch the ball for the first time and was so thrilled every time he caught it. So many fun firsts. I am so glad I put aside my laundry to play with Jacob and enjoy another one of his firsts.

Earning Webelos and other stuff

At our pack meeting today, Brendan earned his Webelos badge along with several other badges and a belt loop. He is well on his way to earning all 20 Activity badges.

Brendan isn't the only one in the family to earn an award tonight. I earned another mother's pin to add to my collection. I am sure my ribbon necklace will be filled up with pins once my boys are done with scouts. I can only hope:)

Lovin' the Guitar

Jordan has become a great multitasker with his guitar. Here he is watching tv and texting while playing his guitar. He can also be seen going to Scouts with his guitar, playing pool with his guitar...

He continues to learn by taking lessons and learning on his own. I love his passion and can't wait to see his talent improve.

Uh-Oh!

Jacob's said his first word and I think it is perfect Uh-Oh. He started to say it yesterday and continued to use it for the rest of the day as he knocked over the vacuum, threw things down the stairs...

He had the whole family saying Uh-Oh as we tried to get him to repeat it over and over again.

Jacob turns 1!

My baby turned one and I can't believe it has already been a year since he was born.

Look at this picture of Jacob, taken a few hours after he was born. My 9+ pound baby with all that dark hair. It is amazing all that he has accomplished in one short year. I enjoy the changes as they happen but looking back it all happened too fast.




At his one year checkup, Jacob is now 20lbs 12oz and 31 inches long. Walking and busier than ever. We can't get him to hardly sit still except if it is to eat but even that doesn't last very long.







I had been thinking about having a pirate party for him for awhile and I enjoyed thinking of all the details that would make it fun (although after this party I decided I would never want to be a party planner- way too stressful). Richard helped write the invitation. Too bad we forgot to put that it was at Captains Quarters. Oh well, since it was only a family party it wasn't that big of a deal.

Homemade goodness from left to right:

Treasure Hunt with ten clues hidden around the house
Jacob banner (I saw something similar and couldn't wait to do it)
Pirate bunting. I love how much they add to the decor. I want to make one for all occasions.
Treasure hunt goody bags. I made each guest their own pirate bandanna with an eye patch, earring, swedish fish, gummy worms, chocolate money, and rock gems.
Birthday shirt for the 1 yr old
Beer (the root kind) labeled with everyone's name.
Pirate cupcake toppers
Not pictured: red and black beanbags (recovered blue ones from Brendan's Blue's Clue birthday when he was three).



Played put the flag on the X. Jacob got to do it with his eyes open. He had no idea what he was doing but as a mom and party planner, I was going to have him give it a try.

I knew I wanted bean bags for the party because Jake could throw one but wasn't quite sure what kind of game I was going to do- so I just winged it. I think trying to throw them into the 3 different size bowls was the perfect solution. Jake had to put each one in his mouth before he threw it. But what's a little germs between family.

The girls had a blast dressing up (way more than the boys). I love, love this photo and they literally posed themselves.

I didn't include the picture where everyone is singing to him and he is looking around wondering why is everyone singing and looking at me. There was so much chaos at this point with all the kids surrounding him wanting him to blow out the candle. He doesn't know how to blow out a candle and before I could help him he grabbed the flame. He really did not burn his finger but I am sure it hurt and of course it was all very shocking to him. He didn't dig into the cake. I tried by putting frosting in his mouth to entice him. He finally got into the frosting but not really the cake. He must of liked the frosting though because he kept licking his hands then his arms.

After cake he had to have a bath. There was so much going on I almost forgot about opening presents. He was so tired at this point (an hour past his bedtime) not to mention that he had fallen on his head, kinda burnt his finger, and hit his head on a table, but he seemed content sitting on grandma's lap as she helped him open presents. I went a little crazy with the pirate theme even buying him pirate presents. I couldn't help it they were so cute! Soon after Jake went to bed, guests left and I feel asleep on the couch. It was a long day but I would do anything for this little boy.

Lanai

Richard wanted to have a little getaway before tax season starting. He found great rates at a hotel we have been wanting to go to and he called and told me "I booked us a room for two days and we can't get a refund so we are going." I can't complain it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to and it is only a ferry ride away.

Once we got there, a shuttle took us up to the mountains where it was cooler until we found our way to the lodge where we were staying. It looked so pretty and colonial but also Hawaiian at the same time. I loved walking in and seeing the fireplaces and all the cozy nooks and crannies. It is nice to be able to use a fireplace every once in awhile when you live in Hawaii.

They had so many activities at the resort and most of them were free. We did pay for horseback riding-too bad they made us wear those silly helmets for a walking tour.

Some of our activities:

Lawn bowling

18 hole put put golf

Bike ride to Lanai City - a really strenuous ride through very heavy city traffic. jk the city is pretty close to the hotel and the ride around the city will maybe take all of 3 minutes if that. We did stop at a few little shops, one where I bought a sun hat, and one that was called Richard's Market-we had to stop there. It was such a nice bike ride and yes, you have to wear helmets for that too.

Croquet

Walking around the beautiful grounds. There was so much to see.

Inside the Lodge we played pool and played dominoes in the library. I even did a little jumping on the bed. I haven't done that since I was a kid.

Loved every minute of it. Thanks Honey for making me go!