Spring Break

Uncle Ryan came to stay with us during spring break and the boys were so excited to have him around. He was able to spend many days on the beach as well as experience some activities he has never done before. On one day we took him to Iao Valley for a beautiful picnic hike through the green lush mountains.

On Thursday we had our Relief Society Birthday Celebration. Three great dances were performed. We had Poi Ball dancing, a Native American dance, and a Tongan dance. We have some great talent in our ward. I was part of the Poi Ball dance. We practiced for about a month. Although we were still were not perfect, we had a lot of fun learning the dance.

Friday was our busiest day. First, Brendan and Dylan visited our local fire station.

Next we went on a whale watch. We saw some amazing whales but I was only able to photograph a tail. It was windy, can you tell?

Straight from the whale watch we went to a scout eagle ceremony. It was a Tongan who earned his eagle so they went all out. We are still not used to all the Tongan food so some of us just stuck to the salad and pig but as you can see Dylan thoroughly enjoyed his dessert.Saturday we took a hike to twin falls. We found a rope swing for those that dared enough to jump in the cold water. Let's just say I held Jacob. I am not sure why Jordan brought his guitar on a hike but he kept us entertained.

Toothless Boy

1 2 3 4 5 6

Dylan turned 6 and the next day he lost his 6th tooth. It wouldn't seem too bad except that none of the 6 teeth have fully come in yet. We have had to adjust his lunches to peanut butter sandwiches and chicken nuggets (anything soft or bite size pieces). I can't believe he has lost so many all at the same time-that is why I call him my toothless boy.

Finally 6!

Dylan had been counting down the days until his 6th birthday since right after he turned 5. He was so excited when it actually arrived. We celebrated by having a friend birthday party at a new, mini Chucky Cheese, Sharkey's. I have to say it was well worth the money to not have to clean up afterward. Since he had a friend birthday we had a mini family birthday on the Sunday before his birthday. Since I was not able to find a pinata, I decided to make one. It wasn't a good idea to start one the night before because it needed more time to dry. It started out as a soccer ball but Richard decided to duck tape it so it wouldn't fall apart very easily. It ended up looking like a ball of trash but oh well, no one cared, they just wanted the candy.

Dylan requested a chocolate cake with strawberries for the family party.
On the actual day of his birthday, the excitement of the day had worn off. It was his third party. He did however enjoy his presents and the cake he asked for (lemon cake with lemon slices and his name written on it).
Love the picture of cousin Ethan with an armful of tickets he won at Sharkey's.

Out and about with Jake

This morning I was getting gas at the gas station while playing pick-a-boo with Jacob in the rear view car mirror. I finished, and went to grab my keys that I always put in my pocket when I get gas. I couldn't find them so I looked inside the car and found them in the ignition with the car still on. Yeah, I had an idiot moment. I'm very glad no damage was done.

After taking pictures for a school yearbook, Jake and I hung out in our backyard while I took pictures of him and his awesome shoes I got on clearance for 9.99. (I love being at a store at the right time.) He found a basketball, a soccer ball, and golf balls. Ever since he learned how to catch, he loves anything he can throw. He kept going for the basketball even though it was so big for him that he would tumble over it most of the time as he was trying to pick it up. Such a boy.

I luv mi mom

I came home from a long night of meetings at church, and Dylan walks up to me with the sweetest picture.

Do I have the greatest kids or what!

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.