Operation Purple

Hailey had the unique opportunity to go to camp here on Oahu at a place called Camp Erdman YMCA. For two weeks out of the year they hold what is called "Operation Purple" for military families (their children). It is 6 days of non-stop fun! These are all pictures she took while she was there. She had so much fun, and created a TON of new friends and memories. We missed her terribly (this was the first time I had no contact with her for almost a week!) I was able to send her e-mails, and see pictures the camp took, but she was not allowed to call or write back. Among the many activities they had planned, her favorites were the archery, the swimming, and Military Appreciation Day. They had all the different divisions in the military come out and do different things with the kids. These are almost all the pictures she got to take. (they weren't allowed to take their cameras on everything) I am so glad she got to do this. It will be something she will always have to remember as a little "Independence" she had while she was here in Hawaii.

This is when we got home. As you can see she is very tired, I am glad she had fun but I sure did miss my pumpkin:0)

I got a NEW job!!

Notice the NEW is capitalized because let's face it, we already are Mom's, wives, caddies, housekeepers, playmates, referees, etc., etc., etc. But, after going through our finances and discovering that we will lose COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) moving back to the mainland, and having to use a HUGE chunk of our savings for the move (the military re-emberses you after you pay out of pocket first). We decided that if I got a job, we could save as much as possible, plus the bonus is I can transfer..so are you ready to hear where? I got a job BACK at Chili's:) I am actually really excited about it. I knew I had the experience, but I was worried about my availability. They didn't seem to have a problem with it, and were so "honored" (as they put it) to have someone with so much experience on their staff!! I feel very blessed for this to happen and hopefully it will ease our minds when the move and all that goes with it comes along:)
So...let the re-training begin! My Mom is also coming out for 10 days on Father's Day and unfortunately, I think that just falls into play when the training starts, but with a little luck, and wishing~we should still have a great time, with what time we will have together! Have a great week everyone:)

Beach, Beach, & More Beach Fun!!

I combined all of these pictures into one group. We went to the different beaches that we like here on the island while Grandma was here, and I think it was well worth it! She got to see turtles at some, and AMAZING views and scenery at the others. We definitely had a great time with her being here, and we will miss her now that she is gone. The kids thought she was here to stay! Too cute; here are just a few of the wonderful pictures we captured from her visit.

Graduations Galore!

I decided to combine all the graduations in one post, so please bere with me this will be a long post. Hailey's was first, and simply the best!! She graduated 5th grade, and had a very special graduation, with a slide show, and a singing celebration from the kids. They gave them diplomas, and each of them made their own leis out of tea leaves. In Hawaii, it is tradition to give a lei as a sort of good gesture at your accomplishment; the more leis, the more love and good wishes you have received. I was so proud of her, it actually brought tears to my eyes to see her so grown up. She was anxious about going up in front of everyone and receiving her diploma, but I think she is glad she did. Here are some pictures from her big event...

After Hailey's graduation, we took her out to breakfast before we had to be at the twins' preschool graduation song/certificate presentation. Here are some pictures from that event.

Finally, last but definitely not least, my Joshua graduated for the 2nd and final time from Kindergarten. (His b-day is in November, so we held him back on purpose last year.) His teacher did a slide show of the class throughout the year, and made copies for each of the kids. It totally brought tears to my eyes!! He was VERY excited to leave Kindergarten behind, and he actually thought he starts 1st grade tomorrow! Too cute, we sadly had to tell him not until August, but at least he is happy about school!

Maui Trip

David and I were fortunate enough to go to Maui for a couple of days while Grandma was here, and it was so much fun! Of course it went by too fast, but I will have to say my favorite part was R~E~L~A~X~I~N~G :) David went snorkeling for a few hours, and I got to catch up on a really good book laying out on the beach. We did A LOT in the time we had, but I wouldn't change that for sure. David's favorite was the Haleakala summit. We went up to just over 9,700 feet to watch the sunrise. We had to get up at 2a.m. to get on the bus for the tour, but I have to say it is a MUST if you have never done it before. You never view the sunrise the same way again. The next day we went out for an adventure by driving the "Road to Hana". It was interesting to say the least. The road sometimes STOPPED being a two lane road, and you just prayed that you weren't going to get slammed into by oncoming cars..it was CRAZY!!! But the scenery was beautiful; so lush and vibrant, all the colors and the waterfalls, very enchanting. Here a just a few photos (I took over 200) from our great vacation.

Remember 2A.M.~no laughing at my glasses!!

Honolulu Screamer

David, Grandma, Hailey and Josh all got to go on a "screaming" fast boat ride along the harbor in Honolulu last Saturday. While they were waiting, they went sight seeing around downtown. They said the boat ride was very fast and the best part for Josh was that they got soaking wet! Here are some pictures from their adventure!