Nick's preschool graduation - July 2009

I lucked out at picking a great pre-school for Nick, Kama A'ina Kids Ala Lani when we first moved to Maui. He loved every minute of it. So glad they had a plane as part of their play ground equipment when we checked it out. This is the reason Nick picked the preschool. He didn't know all the wonderful friends and teachers he would meet and all the great things he would learn. He still sings some of the Hawaiian songs that he learned while attending preschool there. We are lucky enough to have Maiyah attend the same pre-school now.

Walking down the aisle
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Notice the barefeet. Not just Nick but all the kids. Shoes or "slippers" are always removed when they go inside.



Nick's class singing for the audience. His teacher helping them along. Tears in my eyes during the whole ceremony and this was just pre-school...




Receiving his diploma from Auntie Ladonna!



All serious! Then the celebration began...flower and candy lei's for everyone and food and fun for all.



His teacher Auntie Yolanda. She was an awesome teacher, I don't think Nick will ever forget her.




Uncle Conny, Auntie Yolanda's son who helped out with the class all the time. Nick is still waiting to go fishing or camping with Auntie and Uncle.






Nick with 2 of his friends from class. Cole and Jovita. Cole now goes to elementry school with Nick.




Maiyah and Nick celebrating together. Maiyah looking at what a goof her brother is. Maiyah had been at the preschool for about a month before graduation. She got to participate in the ceremony too.







Finally the family! Lovin life in Maui!

Why I haven't posted in a while!

The Wilson's (my older sister and family) came to visit in June. Lets just say that all the kids were on cloud 10 and all the adults also enjoyed themselves. Nick and Maiyah sure do miss their cousins. We went to many beaches, hiked, and played non-stop. Although we never made it to a waterfall due to a couple of unexpected stops on the way and finally the road being closed due to the rain and mudslides. NEXT TIME! We can't wait to see the Wilson's at Christmas.







Then began the house projects; paiting the living room and remodeling the kitchen. We are starting to see the end of the kitchen remodel. Cabinets almost all refinishe (4 more to go) new countertops in, and painting almost done. Need to decide on the flooring and backsplash. Okay so maybe we are only 50 % done.












Mike's parents are here right now for a 2 week visit. Break from the projects. Back to work when they leave. I have many more pictures to post of our summer activities.

Maiyah is 2!

You will soon see by the pictures that it was all about babies this year for her birthday. Yes she is a girl but she is in love with babies and I mean in LOVE with them. She requests that I hunt them down when shoping "there is a baby mommy, get the baby mommy, I want the baby mommy" Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of her with cake, hmm except for maybe on our phones. She had cupcakes with her friends at daycare and again a big ice cream sundae when we went out to eat on her birthday.

Mike is still amazed at how much she loves her babies, doesn't want her to be too girlie :) NO worries she also loves trains, throwing the ball, wrestling with big brother and daddy, and this girl has some awesome dance moves. Her favorite song to dance to is "Move it" from Madagascar (the second movie I think). Request the song daily, again and again. She will give you the biggest smile and hug when she sees you coming, talks up a storm, and is always on the move. She continues to be VERY independent and wants to do everything on her own, "I do it, I do it". You have to let her at least try before she will then ask for help. She is very friendly and loving towards others and I think her number one fan is her brother.

Enjoy the baby obsession...

Random photos, catching up!

My cheeseball, or should I say spaghetti face little girl. Notice Patches is ready and waiting by her side for clean-up duty.



Keiki (kids) festival. Nick is in the blue shirt dancing on stage to the music.


Maiyah and daddy waiting in line for the next game to play at the keiki fesival.


Nick showing off the flowers that he helped me pick from our yard. They are gorgeous!

Pulmaria trees in our front yard too. They smell wonderful.



Easter morning. It was pretty low key this year.

"Shoup" Noodles in Colorado

"Shoup" Noodles (not sure if I am spelling that right) are a family tradition that my sisters and I grew up as well as many of my cousins. They are a German dish, pretty much, dumplings with onions, potatoes, and cream with pears and/or peaches poured over the top when served. MMMMMmmmmm GOOD! As my sisters and I would say....Shoup Noodles to the rescue. Our kids now call them snakes, "I want snakes for dinner". The tradition continues...although I haven't made them without my mom or sister. May have to give them a try myself soon. Nick is requesting them.




Maiyah and Sammy are the newest dough rollers of the bunch. They sure picked it up fast!




Nate likes to make his long and skinny.




Nick likes to make his pirate style...A' MA'TE'



Jake is an old pro by now!




Let the feast begin....the little ones love them as much as.....





the big kids...although the big kids always wonder what happened to the meat? No need when your belly is full of dough. Hmmmm might be making some "snakes" this weekend for Nick and Maiyah. And Mike too :)

Nick's 5th Birthday, 3-30-04

I still can't believe but my little boy is turning into a very big child, 5 already and starting kindergarten July 30th!

We celebrated his birthday in Colorado Springs when we were there visiting back in March. It was great to have friends and family join us for his birthday party.




First bowling...



Then some wrestling fun!



Then Pizza...




Then the birthday boy got to blow out his candle...then cake...



Maiyah really enjoyed the cake part...




Sammy did too!




Then came the presents...



And more presents...how are we going to get these all on the plane! Nick will find a way.



Then a final goodbye to friends and family. Holding on to Abi's until the last minute. --Nick's girlfriends since a baby. They were together in every room at the Child Development Center on Peterson Airforce Base. Nick still plans on marrying Abi!