Po 'alima...Circle around the Island

My entry for our tour around the Big Island is going to be a little different than my usual posts. Since I was not the only one of my clan seeing the island solo, I thought I'd draw upon the ideas of my fellow adventures who took the Circle Island tour with me on Friday, Po 'alima.

So, hold onto your paddle...don't let a big wave flip your outrigger over without reading some of our collective observations (in no particular order) of the Big Island...dun-dun-daaaaa!

~ Hawaii could be called the "Big Kahuna" of islands...it was the first island the earliest Polynesians discovered using some very astounding navigational techniques using the wind, currents, and the brilliant night sky. I would have been lost in a heart beat.

~ How on earth they ever found a safe landing spot is beyond our comprehension. The cliffs along the island plunge easily 200 feet into a raging Pacific ocean.

~ Hanging out at the beach is not as important as fishing. If you think you're going to put your big toe into this water, reread #2 above.

~ The land on the big island takes on many forms. Oceans meet steep cliffs which turn into rainforests, deserts, and savannahs. Snow capped mountains preside over sweeping plains that cowboys still ride. It may be big, but don't use that as an excuse for the variation in terrain. I challenge you to give me a state in our country that has such diversity. We were amazed.

~ I've discovered my pacific island spirit place akin to Montana...drive along the coastline near Kailua-Kona to Waiema and you'll find heaven, "paradise" style.

~ Minimal population. Blink and you might miss a person. There are about 171,000 people living on the island. Yep. Sign me up for a house there!

~ We could drive 65mph for almost an hour without making any turns. I was finally free of "island" fever.

~ We're in Hawaii and we're wearing lots of layers. For 6 days I didn't put on my usual tank top and shorts. Instead, jackets, jeans, and long-sleeved shirts were the stylish items.

~ Fireplaces could really be used. Nothing takes the chill from the air better than a good ole cracklin' log.

~ Sugar cane fields, macadamia nut farms, coffee, vineyards, wineries,and cattle ranches all seem to blend in seamlessly and flourish on this beautiful island. All this under the watchful eyes of three of the world's most active volcanoes.

Po 'aha...Exploring around KMC

We awoke from our slumbers refreshed on Po 'aha (Thursday) mornin'. With a 4 bedroom cottage complete with kitchenette, two bathroom with jet tub, and fireplace, we certainly felt like our accommodations during our stay were much more impressive than we had even dreamed of. I had signed us up for the tour package, but had allowed for our first full day to be at our own pace and enjoyment of the area around the Kilauea Military Camp.

Mom, HH, LD, and I had set out the evening before to make sure that we were well stocked with eggs and hash, fruit, and coffee for 1st breakfast on the Big Island. We enjoyed our feast and chatted about what our day should hold.

Hiking is an obvious family favorite. With bellies full and nerves awakened with the caffeine, we set off towards the Jagger Museum, an observatory and research station with killer views of the crater. With singing, admiring of the foliage (or lack there of) we traveled the little over a mile distance along the Crater Rim Trail (the section we didn't walk the day before).



If I can say anything about this area it is the extreme differences in plant growth, temperature, terrain, and stage of renewal. This portion of the Crater Rim felt more like the dessert terrain of Arizona around Flagstaff than it did a pacific island mountain. The sun beat down but we were triumphant. The tradewinds were kind and the pesky VOG left us with clear skies to enjoying sweeping views of the snowcapped volcano, Mauna Kea and the very decieving heights of Mauna Loa (13,667 ft). We returned from our hike with a new appreciation for the amount of activity that was occurring within the earth's surface and to calm our nerves, we headed where any person would go...

the bowling alley. Yes. KMC has an adorable 5 lane charming bowling alley and after a great game we then headed to the mini-private theater for a showing of what is destined to be a classic...Beverly Hills Chihuahua. By days end, we watched our pair of Nene-Nenes and headed to dinner and a mean game of Bingo. Our table was one of the luckiest with all of us winning coffee mugs from KMC. You may think Bingo is for kids, but try it now. Just don't let the devil come out of you as you try to clamor for the first one to shout, "Bingo!!!". Remember...it's a game.

With our prizes in our hands, stars a blaze in a clear night sky, and the stillness of the camp, we headed home to enjoy another fireside chat.

1st Impressions

Big Island Dreams...Arrival Day

Ever since arriving to Oahu, I've been dreaming of heading off the island to see more. OK. So I am easily distracted and once I feel like seeing something I search for what lies beyond the river bend. In my case, I look forward to island hopping in order to keep me from feeling the classic signs of island fever. So, once my parents made their plans to come and visit us here in Paradise, I began planning our trip to the Big Island, Hawaii. After more than four months of planning, my dream to head off to explore another island in the chain was to become a reality.

As we began our descent into Hilo, large cliffs dropped into the waiting endless waves crashing along the shoreline. It was pretty clear that we were no longer in a booming metropolis, but would experience a slow island pace with buildings that were no higher than two or three levels. The land, or 'aina, was the spotlight on this island. A care and close watch on what Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, could create over thousands of years. The baggage claim is akin to what a rural airport may have once been. The plane may have been full, but the crowds non-existent. It was as if we had landed on foreign land that had been left untouched.

We were greeted by a friendly employee of the Kilauea Military Camp, who would drive us up to the National Park to our lodging. The voyage through Hilo would have been missed if I had blinked three times. Mostly rural and comprised mostly of houses, it is hard to know where the people were employed. Although, don't get me wrong...I reinirate that this is not the chaos of Oahu with crowded interstates and endless shopping malls.

Approaching the land of the Volcanoes National park, we couldn't help but giggle at the signs warning us of the poor air quality. Have three active volcanoes? Let our clan come and stay a while right under the plume. Got gas? Well, point our clan in that direction and we'll be sure to marvel at the beauty of Pele's waste (sulphur crystals) that line the openings of the sulphur banks. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and we were thrilled to be in the vicinity of nature's destruction, rebirth, and renewal. Honestly, I've never felt more in awe of God's creative powers or more willing to flee for fear that the earth would tremble under my feet.



KMC is adorable. Set right out of the early 1940s, the lobby was not as thrilling as the stained glass of Kilauea erupting. Nestled comfortably at 4096 ft, the air was cool and crisp. We couldn't check into our cottage until 3 in the afternoon, so, we headed for lunch in the cafe and then for an exploration of the camp facilities.

Once we had LD down for a nap and grandma and popop happily relaxing in our cottage, HH, HS, and I took a hike around the crater rim road. Our first glimpse into Kilauea's caldera and view of the explosive steam vent rising out of Halema' uma' u' crater was what mars must look like. The crater floor was void of green and steam rose from cracks in the floor. I shudder to think how many feet the side of the crater rim equaled. All that saved us from plummeting down a very steep cliff was a visible reminder that humans were not in charge of the earth around this area.



The steam vent field filled with steam coming out in various locations was surreal. It is obvious that Pele is at work, busily creating and building frustration and then releasing it via earth cracks. We didn't see many tourists, but the ones we did earned the "Darwin award" for their stupidity in standing as near to the steam vents as humanly possible. I guess no matter how many signs one places up, people will do what the want. We finally arrived at the visitor's center where HS picked up a Junior Ranger packet and swore that he would return with it completed.

We headed back to KMC via the Sulphur banks, which smelled of boiled eggs mixed with some bad gas. I couldn't help myself. I made jokes about the two men in my life the entire way through that portion of the hike. On reflection, this hike was probably one of my favorite that we would take. We marveled at the prehistoric ferns, unfamiliar birds songs high in the canopy of the 'ohi 'a lehua trees, and were in awe of being in the precense of a volcano.



By the time we returned, Nene were enjoying a nibble before they settled in for the night and we sat down to have dinner, relax with a nice cold Mehana Red Volcano brewed locally in Hilo, and chat around the fire. I was officially in heaven. Fire. Family. Finally away.

They're Here!

Sunday afternoon we greeted my parents in the arrival area of Honolulu International with leis and hugs. We are thrilled to have our first visitors to our little piece of Aloha. HS made a sign and held it proudly shouting "Aloha" to everyone who came through the doors and peering as hard as he could for his beloved Granma (who he has decided should be called 'Tutu') and Popop.

He raced to deliver the ceremonial lei for Popop and then proclaimed, "let's start our adventure!"

So, start it we have...Wii games, history walk along Hickam AFB, drive through Hospital Point, and dinners on the lanai. Ahhhh...day 1 has already been fantastic. It's great to have them share in our world.

Aloha.

Gettin' Ready

Oh my goodness is there an energy hanging and pulsating around my house right now that says, "yee-haw! We've got a visitors comin'!"

The countdown began long ago for my parents' arrival to our neck of the pacific. We've been relaying how many days left to go for at least the past two weeks. HS can give you the exact days without hesitation. We're pumped! Only two days left!

Gotta go clean so more, stock the pantry, and plan some more little hidden treats for them! Sunday is almost here and boy, howdy, are we going to have some fun when they get here!

Yippeeeeeeee!!! We're having some companyyyyyyyy!!!

Ka'ena Point Trail

Keep your sense of proportion by regularly, preferably daily, visiting the natural world.

~Catlin Matthews

Hikin' on the Edge

Imagine if you will driving until you run out of concrete and then walking 2.5 miles to the very tip of something much more beautiful than you ever imagined. If you can imagine that, then you can visualize the hike we did with the Cub Scout Pack on Sunday afternoon. HH and I drove the Cat bus as far as we could with concrete, then got out and packed LD, water, and plenty of snacks for highly anticipated hike. I don't think any of my clan went to this hike dragging feet. We had been counting down to the big pack hike all week and praying that rain would stay away and allow us to have a drier trail than usual.

The Ka'ena Point Nature Reserve trail is a long hike for kiddos. It is 2.5 miles in and of course another 2.5 back to the car. HH and I planned to hike as long as HS and LD were entertained and happy. Would they make it all the way we wondered as we studied all we could about the hike in preparation for helping point out little tidbits along the way. We certainly rooted that they would since this hike would take us along the edge of the very isolated northwestern tip of Oahu, where by the end of the very dry terrained trail we could stand and marvel at the merging of two sides of the island into one beautiful convergence at the tip of the mountain range. It was also at this point that we were suppose to be able to glimpse Laysan Albatross flying in the sky as they soared on the tradewinds and then came down to nest while monk seals basked in the heat of the sun on the rocks.

We began the hike with at least 20 or pumped up hikers. With seaspray hanging around us from the 15-20 foot waves pummeling the shoreline, we were kept in awe of the strength of the water. On our left we were flanked by the mountain range which reminded me of the foothills of Colorado while the right hand side was reminiscent of Northern California near Mendocino and Fort Bragg (the retirement fever swelled again to find a house around that area after this hike!). LD spent the majority of her time kicking her feet, babbling to me, and peering out at the activity from her enclosed little sunshade on the backpack. The sun on this trail was brutal since there was no shade, simply full exposure to the elements. I think she was continually slathered with factor 50 the entire hike.

HS enjoyed watching and discussing the weather patterns with his den leader and fellow Tiger Cubs. They scanned the sky and proudly stated no rain was in sight. Future Al Rokers in the making they are! He kept his eyeballs peeled for leaves to do a rubbing at the end of the hike, and scanned the horizon for whale spouts. You can only imagine the imagination and discussion from the mouths of very eager to hike boys ranging in age from 6-10. Overall, I was tickled pink to watch them scurry down the trail as they ricocheted off of oneanother's excitement and machismo. I, however, did not enjoy the sprint down the trail. With a 25lb little girl on my back and terrain that mirrored whatever off-roader had traveled down it during the last muddy ick, the difficulty level of this hike is not for the faint at heart.

We stopped in a beautiful spot overlooking a little lagoon and and what appeared at one time to be a natural bridge, but time and surf had weathered away the connector piece. This restbit was what we all needed to continue charging ahead to our final destination. The nature preserve of Ka'ena point. It was clear when we entered this very protected area as staying on the pathway was obvious with ropeway and signs. I don't know what posesses some people to disregard signs. When I learned of what Ka'ena point historically signified to the Hawaiians, I would not have dared place my little toe over the trail.

Hawaiian legend tells that this area was the "jumping off" site for souls departing this life. Evidence of steep drop offs along the trail would allow me to place my full trust that they did believe that this was a place to "cross" into the other world. However, I had no desire to test the theory.

Once we reached the lighthouse at the point, and I use that term loosely, the lighthouse is nothing more than a very rusted piece of metal shaped like a helicopter, I did feel like we had reached the end of the world. Again, I can see why the early Hawaiians used this as a place to depart the current life...they had no idea of the lands that existed beyond the very sharp rocks leading to a tiny point where waves converged from three different angles. Nearly pure white rocks that transitioned quickly into pitch-black lava, which then dropped into the ocean, cover some sections of the beach. It was along one of these lava rock sections that we noticed the rather lethargic endangered monk seal taking a snooze. The coves that lined this area were beautiful, but again, with an entrance to the spirt world and sharks galore (the whole tip is said to be a veritable shark hang out) and highly unpredictable currents, no one ventured in to test the coolness of the water.

With our goal reached, we hung out, took pictures, marveled at the Albatross flying over our heads, and I had to pinch myself that I had actually made it to the remotest area of the island and I adored it. Feeling the call of nature and the rapid settling in of exhaustion after packing LD, we were ready to go.

The hike back was akin to a death march. My legs were rubbery, LD was snoring, and HS was complaining that he had gotten his shoes muddy, while HH wondered what I could possibly be taking another picture of. Hiking along a piece of the trail, I could have sworn that we hadn't passed by the enormous mud whole that actually made the "SLLLLOOOOPPPP" sound as you tried to navigate without sliding into the monstrosity of the whole. I'm never going to be seen again I kept thinking as I teetered along holding on to whatever bush twig I could get my fingers around.

By the time we reached the car, the sun was beginning to set and the feeling that we had all accomplished a great pack hike was evident by the sighs of relief as we took off our hiking shoes. This was indeed a fantastic time hiking. Without a doubt, it is now my favorite one that we've done on the island. As the cat bus headed back home, I glanced in the side mirror as the edge of Oahu grew faint in the sunset and I thanked God that this day was made for hikin' on the edge of two beautiful worlds.

Nor'easter...Hawaiian Style

For those near and dear to us living on the East coast and suffering low temperatures and the icky freezing rain that I so despise this winter, this post is for you. I didn't want y'all to think that life in Hawaii was always a balmy 82 degrees with excellent trade winds. Hey, our 'winter' can get pretty brutal, too. Rainstorms, Kona winds, thunderstorms (that knock out all our power over the island), and now...wind warnings that cancel school. Yes, cancel school.

The island was a buzz beginning mid-week over a weather system that was going to wreck havoc on our little island living. Heavy rain, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and I don't know what else...geckos falling from the sky maybe? All I know is that much like in Virginia when ice threatens, temperatures fall, and then the rain drops begin, schools close. The same can be said here.

Everyone braced for the incoming storm. We pulled our flower pots away from harms way. We brought in our flags, our lanai pillows, and battened down anything that may have decided to take wing in the gusts of doom. Schools closed. Government offices closed. The postmaster declared a day of waiting to deliver our mail (I thought their motto was "through snow and rain and gloom of night you mail will be delivered alright" guess that was only for the West. The military was business as usual (that should have told everyone something...) Anyhoo. Back to the story.

We prepared. We waited. The wind began to howl a faint cry around the neighborhood and then went poof. Yeah. That's right. Poof. No wind gusts even remotely equaling 60 mph. No rain making roads flood. Nothing. Except for kids out of school (the public schools had just returned after 3 weeks being off...no wonder they rank near the bottom of the state's in education) and running merrily around as if the looming doom of windstorms never existed.

Yep. You may have your Nor'easters, but I'll take the Hawaiian style anyday. Sun...sun...sun mixed with a little bit of a passing rain squall.

Kapa'ele'ele Ko'a & Keaniani Kilo Trail

I posted about this hike already, but wanted to showcase special moments from it.

He Welo Hela Mauna

My family has always loved to hike. Now, as a little mommy of two, I understand why it was that my parents decided that hiking and camping would be a part of our world. I can sum it up in three words: free, bonding, and fun. Thus, I found myself on Saturday gearing up for a hike in the mountains of Oahu with picnic items, maps, hats, sunscreen, and bug spray...may I underscore the need for bug spray.

Hiking is certainly a trait that optimizes my clan. HH and I have always enjoyed exploring trails and campgrounds around where we've been stationed and even those that are on the road to one of our destinations. When HS was born, people tried to tell us our hiking days were over. What? Over? I don't think so. So, we bought our first backpack in Japan and continued to use it until he grew out of that one and we had to buy another one. HS has always enjoyed hiking and exploring for bugs, little trail markers, whatever. So, when LD joined our clan, her first hike was at 4 months. Why wait? She adores it, too. Now seeing the trail from viewing it over my shoulder, she taps my arms and cheeks and says "WHOA!" and "WOW!" and chatters on down the trail. Whoever thinks you can't hike with kids hasn't tried in my mind.

Thus, as the Hawaiians say it is a welohela mauna, mountain climbers. Ok...so we aren't the kind of mountain climbers that scale Mount Everest. I'm not that crazy. However, we are the type that enjoys getting out into nature, away from the chaos of city living, and doing something that doesn't cost a thing. Well, hiking is just the activity then for us!

On Saturday, we headed to Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park (Kahana State Park) nestled in the Kahana valley and then wrapping around the beautiful Kahana Bay on the Windward side of Oahu. About mid-way between Kane'ohe and La'ie. The coastline along this side of the island is stunningly beautiful. We met up with our DF (dear friends) for the Ko'a & Kilo trail, a 1.2 mile loop trail that would allow us to enjoy views of the bay and also two cultural sites: Kapa'ele'ele Ko'a (fishing shrine) and Keaniani Kilo (look out).

The trail was pretty muddy, but the energy was high as we pressed on through various vegetation. That's one thing that I've noticed on all our hikes that we've done so far on Oahu. The amazing merge of all different vegetation in a seamless way. You can begin in a scrubland, travel through a rainforest, and then wind your way into magnificent pine forests (the ones on this trail looked like weeping willow trees only with pine needles...absolutely breathtaking to be among a grove of them).

Our hike was a blast. LD kicked her heels and chatted with me as she stared at everything like it would be her last (a trait I adore in the young...curiosity, wonder, and excitement meld together and produce the greatest facial expressions!) HS chatted with his friends as they looked for the perfect hiking sticks, pig tracks, and whatever else their boyhood whims took them. DFs, HH, and I just enjoyed being out and about. Times spent with their family are always relaxed.

Once our picnicking was done, the boys were exhausted from the hike, and the rain clouds rolled in (just after we had finished the hike and lunch), we stopped along the route home for what every good mountain climber needs...a shaved ice. This one, from Uncle Bobo's Hawaii BBQ. Yummy!

So, this he welo hela mauna member is pleased with this outing. It achieved what we had wanted. A pleasant day out enjoying the beauty of Hawaii with friends. Next week...a hike on Papali Loop trail with the Boy Scout pack!

Excitement Reigns

It has finally happened. The moment that HS had been waiting for since he went to his first den meeting. Dun...dun-dun-da...dunnnnnnn....He is now an official little Tiger Cub. Dues have been paid. Beads are being earned. Uniform is in hand.

Heading home from school, HS said, "Mommy. You went the wrong way. This is not the way home."

"Nope. It's not. I'm heading somewhere else first." I said, trying hard not to give away the surprise.

"Ahhhhh....we're probably going to the commissary." He grumbled. Not so fond of the grocery store anymore, but boy did I have to resist the urge to say anything.

"Mommy...I would love to play with my Lego's. I'm tired. Can we go home?!?" he continued to whine as he pouted in the backseat.

"I'm sure you're going to enjoy this outing. Now hush and quit whining." I responded as I tried to merge into a very packed H1 heading into downtown Honolulu.

HS didn't say much on our way to the Boy Scout hut. He had really wanted to head home. However, as I turned off of the Pali Highway his eyes spotted the sign...a small little plaque with the Boy Scout emblem. Home went out the window. He was clutching the door to see out the window.

"Mommmmmyyyy!!!! It's the kingdom of Boy Scouts!!! It's the HUT!" he gasped. At this point no whining, no pouting. Just pure adrenaline rush. He was approaching the sanctum sanctorum of Boy Scouts. The place where all uniforms, badges, patches, books, flashlights, and cookie cutters come from for all of the boys on Oahu...the Aloha Council for the Boy Scouts of America.

The shop was a veritable treasure trove. I tried hard not to marvel and gawk as I walked in the big doors and a wall dedicated to all the Eagle Scouts from the Aloha Council loomed over the great hall. The shop itself is a wonder and tribute to all things camping and anything and everything that could ever be related to a Cub Scout/Boy Scout. They even had cookie cutters, scrapbooking paper, thank you notes, and bumper stickers! It's a wonder that we made it out with only the uniform and a flashlight thrown in because it looked so cool hanging from his belt.

HS immediately was drawn in to the vortex. While I stood in amazement holding LD, he went running on full steam towards the uniform section and proudly began telling me what he needed:

"I need those shorts...that shirt...yep, that's the one! I also need one of those handkerchiefs like what poppop uses for my neck. WOW! They have the socks, too!!!" I swear he didn't stop for air! As he tried on his uniform he continued to relay how cool it was that he was here. Right now.

"I thought you wanted to go home..." I taunted. "What!!!?!? And miss this?!?!? No way!" he laughed as he stepped out proudly clutching his new uniform and all the patches for it and headed toward the books full of what every boy scout dreams of...badges, patches, and more badges.

Excitement. A feeling that reigns and trumps going home...even if that's where you thought you should be going...

Scullery Princess

In need of help? Got dishes to put away? Piles of laundry to fold? How about a spot that needs a little scrubbing on the floor? Well, those have always been my jobs around the house. I don't like the title of "maid". I've decided "Scullery Queen" sounds much better. LD is certainly our little princess, and boy what a hoot she is when there is laundry to be folded or dishes to be put away. Now don't go getting the idea I'm putting my little girl to work...she's putting herself to work!


There is no problem with her hearing...if she even hears the dishwasher door squeak open she will make a mad crawling dash over to the kitchen and get herself in place to "help." She really does make a great little helper...always with a smile and a giggle thrown in for good measure, she hands over the spoons and forks with her chubby hand saying "k" as you take them from her. She adores it. I am going to enjoy the extra help with no prodding as long as I can. One day, she'll decide, "hmmm...why exactly am I the only one in the house cleaning?!?!" Then it will be all over.



Laundry is a constant in our house. Same as any other I am sure. I haven't been able to witness it yet, but I swear our clothes mate when they are in the hamper because a once small pile grows into a monstrosity within a day or two. The washer and dryer are constantly being used. So, the laundry baskets have become LD's favorite hang-out. I swear she watches for any motion towards the laundry room...when she detects it, she'll come racing as fast as she can crawl to "assist" in the folding endeavor. Usually, you can get her to hand items to you, but that's not nearly as fun as trying on clothing or getting it into a pile on the floor and then pretending to sleep on them like a pillow (suspend the notion that they are already clean....). Laundry folding has taken on a whole new dimension with LD. Thank goodness for comedy breaks that she provides during what is usually a rather mundane household chore.

So, it looks like I have an assistant now with my household chores. She is indeed a hoot to watch. Her vocabulary is increasing, "uh-oh", "k?", "whoa!", as she continues to reign in our clan as princess...even in the scullery.

Phone Book vs Google

Today as we were trying to locate a few stores on the island the big debate came across the kitchen island...to google or to flip....what is that you say?

Well, "in the ole days," I would have chosen to flip through the phone book in search of the address and phone. Now, not so much. Especially when faced with three different phone books that take way too much time to flip through when you are dealing with two kids, places to go, and frustration over locating the right phone book to look through in the 1st place. The phone books on Oahu are akin to the Encyclopedia Britannica collection. They are huge, massive, and hard to find anything in.

HH wanted to flip. I said, I'm googling. He then proceeded to get a glimmer of competition fire in his eyes.

"I bet I can find the information first" he taunted.

Them there are fighting words. I couldn't help myself. The challenge was set and accepted. I settled down next to him with laptop charged. HS did the countdown and the race began.

Guess who one for the fastest seek and find? Hmmmm...what do you think...I was already talking on the phone to the store and mapquesting long before HH ever even got to the right section.

Bye-bye huge phone books. You're not cluttering my shelf space anymore!

Deja Blue

The sounds of the Air Forces' premier show group, Tops in Blue, was what any good Air Force brat will recall when you ask them about growing up in the "blue". A year couldn't go by without enjoying a show put on at a hanger, open field, or theater. In the 18 years of AF bratness, this was an event that got us all dancing and singing. At my last one, my family stood with tears as we knew that it would be the last time we would watch Tops in Blue with papa, an active duty Colonel.

Enter the world of the Navy. As most of you know, HH joined the service after we married and I will proudly admit that it has been the best thing he could have ever done for himself. The military fits him like a well worn glove. I had my doubts in the beginning, but he has proven time and time again, that the military lifestyle now pulsates through his veins (sometimes even more so than mine! I don't know how that's possible! ;)!).

This is the first time in his career that we have be stationed so close to the Air Force. Imagine my excitement when I noticed a flier up at the AAFES right before Christmas announcing that Tops in Blue was coming. My eyes lit up like stage lights and music pulsated throughout my body making me want to jump and shout for joy. It was a childhood love that I could finally showcase to my kids.

"Are you sure darlin' you want to take HS? It is the night before he heads back to school?" HH inquired after I all but blurted out the details of the show.

"I've got to take him and LD! We can't miss it!!! We may pay for it the next mornin' with him rolling out of bed like a slug, but we'll manage!" I declare.

The evening of the show was magnificent. Billowy clouds dissipated and rain held off while the Freedom tower glowed with lights and sound. It was a great place to hold the Tops in Blue. We sat on our lawn chairs, ate dinner, chatted with friends, and then....the lights went out...a deep voice boomed....

"are you ready for....Tops in Blue?!!!?" Screams, cheers, clapping as the audience went wild...you'd think we were at a rock concert, not a military show.

The show did not disappoint. With songs that went back through the decades, I found myself once again singing with the members and moving my feet to the rhythm of the drum. Only thing that was cooler than when I was a child? I got to watch the excitment unfold through my children's eyes. HS's wild dancing to Flashdance and Men in Black...LD's wide eyes and screams of glee as she clapped her chubby hands together while marveling at the lights and sound.

I have done it. I've passed along a meaningful time honored tradition from my childhood onto my kids. They're hooked. HS is even wondering when they will preform next and has been sure to mention how disappointed he'll be if he doesn't go (not a chance of that...we'll be there!) and if he has to wait a year (well...they'll probably be back same time next year).

Awwww...."deja blue" is right.....I've been touched once more by the Air Force gods...and I've been a very bad Navy wife over the past couple of days since seeing the performance...I have a certain song stuck in my head...give an Air Force Brat some time to fondly remember those days of standing and clapping next to my dad in his uniform while a whole crowd sung....

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun.
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At'em boys, give 'er the gun!
Down we dive spouting our flame from under
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame! Hey!
Nothing'll stop the US Air Force!

Snorkeling...in January?!?!

As I stir from my slumbers, HH's leans over and whispers, "coffee's going to be ready in a minute...get your bathing suit on and wake-up LD..."

Wait a minute. It's January. Bathing suit? Coffee ready? It's only 0700. It's the first Saturday in January. I must be dreaming. Is it possible that even if I pinch myself it is still a dream? Last winter we were experiencing the polar ice cap winds of Newport. This year, we are ringing in the New Year with visits to the beach. Without jacket. Without jeans. Just a good ole beach day with towel and cover-up.

So, it is true. We enjoyed a wonderful morning snorkeling, playing in the sand, and yes...just so I'm not totally rubbing it in that we live in 80 degree weather, it was very blustery with very nice whitecaps rolling in. That didn't stop the view of the fish though in Hanauma Bay, one of my favorite spots to snorkel. We planned on meeting our DF's (dear friends) for a morning on the beach and glad we are to have had the opportunity to experience the sand, surf, and snorkeling of Hanauma Bay with them.

HS is a fish. He just doesn't know it yet. He adores running into the water and feeling it all around him. Then, as he has done since he was born, he rushes onto the sand and covers himself in it. He does not seem to have the sand hate pulsating in his veins like I do...thank God for him since he still utters the Navy Seal idea. As for LD...well. I'd love to tell you that she hates the feel of sand and water, but nope. She's a beach babe. The more her little chubby toes feel the water gushing through the sand, the happier she is. Don't try to take her away before she is ready. She'll scream bloody murder.

Ahhh..snorkeling. Where else can I be at peace in the water...quit laughing mom. I know....I hate large bodies of water...please explain to me why I'm now a very happy and dedicated Navy wife?!?!? I guess it must be that when I've got those goggles on and I'm gliding with my fins, for a minute...Ok...a split second...I can concentrate on the beauty that exists below the water's surface. Chompers?!?! Well, it helps to be in an area that their enormously fat bodies can't navigate easily...after all, I wouldn't taste good anyway. :)

My HH saved our day...get to the beach early and you're sure to have a parking spot at Hanauma Bay. Wait until 1130 when we left the parking lot and well...you'd be just s*** out of luck. A big sign stating "parking lot full" and security guards waving people away greeted those who decided to catch a couple more zzz's. Thankfully, the pinch I gave myself worked. It may be January, but the beach still bekons. No parkas necessary.

After exiting and watching the faces of those who wouldn't get to swim the fish of Hanauma Bay since they were too late to get a spot, we headed to Kona Brewing company and enjoyed tasting the local brews over laughter, chatter, and plans for our next Hawaiian adventure.

Note to self...0700 is not early.

Should I pinch myself yet?

Massive Cleaning

All the preparations for Christmas are quickly fulfilled...the tree comes out of the box and is put together proudly. Ornaments are unwrapped and grace the tree while twinkling lights are wrapped around. Garland is strung, stockings are hung, and viola! Christmas season is alive and well in our house.

We enjoy it. We marvel at the tree a glow with cups of eggnog and believe it to be the "best" of all trees we've decorated. The shopping extravaganza comes to an end and the wrapping and primping of each bow makes magic come alive as hopes that "my list" will turn into reality in the minds of a little boy and girl. Christmas Eve with toasts and smiles, flashes of the camera capture the moment well. Christmas day and the kids are eager to tear into the carefully tied bows and packages. Full from turkey and stuffing, we sit and admire the tree some more as we congratulate the success of another Christmas spent together.

New Year's Eve and the champagne pops as resolutions and horn blowing mix together. Football madness and parade pageantry overtake us on New Year's Day as the tree still graces the living room. Then...

the dreaded....

the despised...

the only thing that a type-A person dreads more than sorting toys...

the Christmas clean-up ....

What took only moments or a few hours to set-up sends our heads reeling as we try to place all the Christmas back into the bins carefully and safely to make it for next year. All the memories of Christmas' past and those just created flow by. Sadness overwhelms as a headache pounds.

I hate the clean-up stage of Christmas.

It always takes forever, is polar opposite in generating those feel good moments of Christmas (aka...I said, leave the lights alone! No!!!! Don't touch that ornament...it'll roll off the table!!! Could you just help me lift the box and move it during the massive clean-up.

Exhaustion. Frustration. Nastiness.

That's what we get on a massive day of cleaning from the holidays. But, by the time night falls, a glass of wine, a clean house, bundled up ornaments, carefully stacked bins, and bags for donation reward us for a day that may have been exhausting, but obviously, productive.

Note: No children or husbands were harmed in the massive cleaning efforts for this year ;) Although HH barely escaped without a scratch...thankfully, he listened to my desperation and cries for help!

Ushering in the New Year...

Karate style.




HS's dojo (HH's dojo, too, now that he has joined) begins each New Year with a practice on the beach at 0800 for an hour, followed by a dip in the water. So, bright and early on New Year's day, we headed to downtown Honolulu to the Ala Moana Beach park. There was not a worry that we wouldn't be able to find where the practice was taking place. What a phenomenal site...over 200 students, senpai's, and senseis all out on the sand in a huge circle following the commands given by the lead sensei. I've been thrilled with this dojo's camaraderie and enthusiasm for such a great sport that disciplines not only the body but the mind, too.

HS led the pack in the above picture and snapped his punches and blocks with clarity. I foresee a competition or tournament in his future for this year. Meanwhile, HH wore his white belt with pride and enjoyed not being on the sidelines cheering on HS anymore, but right in the thick of the training alongside of HS.

LD and I watched, cheered, and marveled at the sight and are pumped to witness the learning and growth of our two Karate members during 2009!

Mahalo and Aloha

Ringing in the New Year is always bitter sweet for me. It's a time that I find reflecting on what was, what I had hoped, and what wasn't. This year as we donned our party hats I flashed back to holding LD as a 4-week old during a fantastic lobsta dinner that only New England can provide with my parents playing games and giggling with HS as he danced around in a pointed party hat. I fought back the tears as I realized that this year has indeed been an emotional rollercoaster. But I think I've survived.

As the final "Happy New Year" shout escaped from my HS' lips, blank stares of "what are we doing?" from LD, and toasts of champagne with HH marked our celebration of the close of 2008 and the arrival of 2009 (even though it was only 7:30 New Year's Eve), I find that closing my eyes and breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly came easily...

as I said a fond...

Mahalo 2008...thanks for providing some memorable moments~

~1st Smiles and Giggles from LD
~1st Grade for HS
~Brand new military home in Hawaii
~Farewell to charming Newport (haven't cried that hard in a long time!)
~Giggling with my mom at one of the many trips to Christmas Tree Shop
~Enjoying LD and HS bond over funny faces
~Williamsburg with my parents before moving to Hawaii
~Moving moments with my mom...thank God for her!
~Snorkeling...for the 1st time ever in Turtle cove

and a hopeful...

Aloha 2009...may you inspire me to:

~run harder, paddle longer, and snorkel further from the beach (gotta conquer that fear of Jaws lurking)
~scrapbook HS and LD's baby books
~practice my Nihongo
~explore the facets of Hawaii that I've ignored
~enjoy every moment I can with HS and LD
~live everyday to its fullest potential

Happy New Year to you and yours. May you be touched each day with something special, something memorable, and feed your soul with love, faith, and friendships. When you're in need of some warmth, our hale is always open.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!