Baby Queens Beach - 12-29-12

The kids standing in front of Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku's monument.  Duke was a native Hawaiian olympic swimmer and surfer. 

On Saturday we made plans to hang out with Diane, Danny, and Keoni.  Jim trained Diane and her long-time boyfriend Danny to work for Roma Designs while in Hawaii.  Diane has a little boy named Keoni, so before they were done working, we all made plans to hang out together, let the kids play, and have some fun.  

Meeting Keoni

Look who's not afraid of the water anymore!

Our plan came into effect on Saturday the 29th of December.   The aim for Saturday was to meet at Baby Queens Beach, have a picnic lunch, swim, play, visit, AND teach the youngsters to surf!  Diane and Danny's roommate, Bill, brought his old-school all-wood boards to Baby Queens so he could help teach Tralee and Keoni to surf on the ankle-busters there.  Bill is an islander and super nice.

Bill teaching Tralee to surf

Tralee and Keoni hit it off right away.  Hunter tagged along joyfully as well.  The kids played in the sand, in the water, and eventually the time came for Bill to take them out to surf.  I watched as Tralee attempted several times to catch a wave, with the help of Bill, and wipe-out.  I was so proud as I saw my little betty jump right back on, and try again.  After several attempts, my baby girl rode her a wave!  She charged it ALL THE WAY IN!!  In fact, she just about took out another surfer as she cruised her way in.  She never made it to standing position, but sure had fun riding a wave on a real surf board.

New buddies

Tralee catching her first wave of the day

After Tralee and Keoni finished their surfing lessons from Bill, Jim took a go at it.  He wasn't a total Barney, and actually stood up and rode in some minty mushburgers.  I was proud of my whole family as I remained a gaper on the sand, snapping pics of my crew! 

Playing in the water

Diane's mother also joined us on the beach after a bit, and brought with her some yummy Philippine  food.  Seriously yummy!  It was so fun to hang out with new friends native to the island.  They were so friendly and inviting.  Diane's mom introduced herself with a hug and kiss, and told my kids to call her grandma as well.  Every time we saw each other after this, we were also greeted with a hug.  So friendly!

Just playing in the waves

We met another islander at the beach who was playing with her beautiful granddaughter.  After exchanging pleasantries she looked at Hunter and asked, "He was breast fed for a while, right?"  When I replied, "Yes." She said, "I can tell by the way his body looks.  He's healthy and strong -- a breastfed baby."  That made me laugh, and I wondered if there really was a different "look" between breastfed and non-breastfed toddlers.  We continued talking about babies, breastfeeding--specifically how long each of her children and grandchildren were on the boob, and my own experiences with my wee-ones.  As a strong advocate for breastfeeding, I wasn't at all taken aback by all the lactation talk.  It was actually nice to see that little grandbaby of hers, crawl up to her mommy and have a little snack.  It made me miss the days when my bambinos did the same.  

Going right in!

I got a little off-topic there.  The main point of our day at Baby Queens was that we all really enjoyed ourselves whether it be through cruisin' on a wave, playin' in water, or meeting new friends and advocates!

Hunter almost in over his head!

Christmas in Hawaii - 2012

It's Christmas in Hawaii.  The temperature is 72.  It's Christmas, and it's bright and gay, and Santa does the hula for you.  

We heard the above song SEVERAL times while in Hawaii.  Jim heard it the most on his way to and from work.  He heard it so much, he'll still break out in song at the mention of Hawaii, or Santa, or Christmas.

When talking to Tralee and Hunter about Christmas this year, we explained that their BIG present would be going to Hawaii.  We told them that we would give each other a few small gifts, and that Santa would bring a few things he knew we could take home with us.  They seemed more than okay with those plans.

Besides all the Santa talk, we wanted to reiterate what the true meaning of Christmas was all about.  I think Tralee got it, as she made up the following song:

"The true meaning of Christmas isn't about presents.

The true meaning of Christmas is about Jesus and giving and love."

(repeat)

The night before Christmas

Kids on Christmas Eve . . . Tralee seems to be in a dangerous spot.  We moved them to the pull-out bed after this was taken.

Christmas morning brought with it all sorts of magic trimmed with happy smiles, excitement, and traditions.  Santa found us across the ocean, and brought with him gifts and a letter explaining that there were a few more packages waiting back home in Idaho.  I managed to make my Nana's Christmas Crepes and give a nod to her Quiche in my scrambled egg creation.  Jim said they were the best scrambled eggs he's ever had, so it must have worked out.

Hunter asked for a ball and slippers from Santa

Tralee asked for some slippers, a Ukulele, and a Jack-in-the-Box.  The only problem was she decided she wanted a jack-in-the-box two days before Christmas.  Santa had to REALLY scramble and then promise to deliver it to Idaho, instead of Hawaii.

Kids in the morning, waiting for us to give the the okay to start opening presents.

SO EXCITED!

We were excited too!!

Opening their stockings

His face!  Magical!!

Jim reading the letter from Santa

Seriously!  That face! 

Wearing his new slippers

After presents were played with, brunch eaten, and Christmas movies watched, we slipped into our suites --  of the swim variety -- and walked across the street to the beach.  We built sandcastles, played, swam, and even saw a mermaid!

Tralee the mermaid

A few hours later we washed the sand out of our crevices, got dressed, and made our way up to the sundeck to watch the Christmas sunset.

The view of Diamond Head from the deck

Hunter was sad Tralee pushed the elevator button before he could.  Silly boy!

While up on the roof with my family I felt truly blessed.  Our Christmas was full of beauty, magic, and love, and we could truly feel the spirit of our loving Heavenly Father and His Son.  I think Tralee would agree that we felt the true meaning of Christmas -- even in a place where Santa does the hula for you.

12-10-12

On Monday the babes and I got lost on the streets of Waikiki after doing a couple loads of laundry. We eventually saw a sign for a free trolley ride, and hopped on. The trolley drove us to some store where they wanted us to buy something. I didn't buy anything, but realized we were close to the Costco where Jim was working! So, the kids and I made our way over there and had an impromptu lunch date with Daddy! Hooray!



 

 



The kids were pretty pooped after all of our adventures, and slept/rested the rest of the afternoon.