Children's Discovery Center

Rainy days in Hawaii are few and far between but they do occur more often in the winter time.  This is in no way, me complaining about the weather here on the island.  But sometimes it can be unexpected.  My neighbor had invited us on an outdoor outing.  When the rain began to pour and we quickly refocused and found a great indoor activity for the boys.  We have been to several discovery centers across the US and Ty always has a great time.  Money well spent.  After dragging my crying child out of the center, we grabbed our packed lunch and walked to the adjacent park/ocean view.  You truly are never really far from the waters edge here.  It surprises me how well some of this beautiful places are hidden.  The boys pulled out their bikes and rode around since the rain had stopped.  Not to mention, I had promised Ty a bike ride today.....and going home without it wouldn't have been pretty.  Kudos to my neighbor for making a raining day shine.  

Little Mechanic

Pit crew training

They call me the Fireman...

Jack, Ty and Me

Carter, Jack, Ty and me

Hang Loose 

My Two Boys

I'm trying to keep my camera as close to me as possible.  Considering how fast these two boys are growing.  I sometime wish that the shear act of taking the photo would freeze them in time.  I know that this will never be the case but a mother can dream.  I say this and in the same token, I can't wait to see what kind of people they turn out to be.  Troy will be 4 months next week and has already rolled over on several occasions.  We will be starting solid foods soon.  My sister-in-law is convincing me to try him out on poi.  Mainly, because she likes chunkier babies and poi will thicken him up some more.  Ty is still smitten with his little brother and loves to give him hugs and kisses.  Ty will be turning three next month.  He is still very active and keeps me on my toes.  Naps our no longer part of our days....I was sad to see them go but was getting frustrated when he wouldn't go to bed until 10:30 at night.  I believe they call this a catch 22.   

My New Bicycle

I recently bought Ty his first "real" bike.  I had wanted to get him this as his birthday gift but couldn't hold him off.  Our generous neighbors offered to let Ty try out their son's bike to see how Ty did on it.  He did great.  Problem was....he didn't want to go back to his trike.  He was always asking to go outside a ride the neighbors bike.  After about a week of this, I knew that I wouldn't last a whole month more listening to the whining.  The first week he was so excited and was telling everyone...I mean everyone about his new bike.  I am glad to hear the excitement in his voice.  He is a little nervous about falling but with the other neighborhood boys zooming around him, I know that he won't be far behind. 

Makapuu Lighthouse Hike

I decided to explore the island and play tourist for the day.  I took my nieces for a two mile hike on the Eastern shores of Oahu.  The views were incredible.....the best I've seen so far.  My nieces had never been...nor their family or Henry for that matter.  We had a great time and could see at least half of the island from the top.  That following weekend we went again with my brother in law and family....Ty and Troy went as well.  Ty did really great considering the amount of time it took us and the distance.  The humpback whales are migrating through Hawaii and this lookout is a perfect place to spot them.  We saw 4-5 whales the second trip up the mountain.  

Brandy, Chanel & Brianna

Makapuu Lighthouse

Rabbit Island and Turtle Island

Kokohead 

Don't forget me Mom!

How could I ever forget the first born.  He makes it impossible.  He is still very much infatuated with his little brother but has started to compete for attention.  I am trying to capture Troy's baby years in pictures as much as Ty's.  Which anybody with two knows, that's hard to accomplish.  Ty has started to stand in front of the camera....when its focused on Troy.  I have to laugh and get Ty to smile or put him in the photo.   

Look Mom!

Next NBA Star

3 Months and counting

I can't believe that my baby is already 3 months old.  I have had to move him out of the 0-3 months clothes and into the 3-6 months.  He is defiantly chunkier than Ty was at this age.  He has been sleeping through the night since he was 2 months.  I never thought that this was possible b/c Ty didn't do this until he was 6 months old.  We have been truly blessed with two wonderful children.  With that being said, I am losing a certain amount of my sanity each day to these boys.  I hope that, God willing, I will survive.  Throughout this adventure has grown a greater appreciation and understanding of my own mother's sacrifices and craziness.

Grandma & Troy

Ringing in the New Year!

The New Year is always brought in with a Bang in Hawaii.  The streets are littered with firework paper and the air is so thick with smoke you need a mask just to breathe.  I call this literally burning your money.  But its fun while it lasts.  Troy spent the night upstairs with grandma away from the pyromaniacs downstairs.  Ty was freaked out by the noise but we finally got him to enjoy the sparklers.  I was surprised b/c Ty stayed up until we left the party and slept in the next day.  We had a great time ringing in the New Year with family.