Who's Spoiling Who?

Utter the word Grandma around our house and you're bound to hear squeals, giggles, and a look of "where is she..." as the kiddos run to the phone or over to the computer in hopes that Grandma will be there (must be a sign that I'm either on the phone or skyping my parents on an almost daily basis). Imagine that same excitement when they just think Grandma's "in the box" versus the sound of jubilation when she's in our HOUSE...for a MONTH.

Visits from my parents are highly anticipated events...we spend the other eleven months of the year jealous that other friends have a constant stream of house guests. So, when they visit, the whole world seems to be a brighter, happier, and much louder place to live. I can think of nothing better. The kiddos are thrilled, I adore the outings and the company, and my darlin' loves that there is another man in the house to offset the balance of estrogen and talk military over the constant stream of the latest reality show. It is always fun to see the moments that my mom spends with the kiddos. She has made a lasting impression on them and I think she'd say that they've done the same for her.



The month we had Grandma and PopPop visiting us in our corner of Paradise flew by. We were thrilled to have them come and then were devastated when they had to go. The countdown for next year's visit has officially begun! Grandma's are always thought to be the ones to "spoil" their grand kids rotten, but sometimes, it's hard to tell who is spoiling since the laughter, hugs, and chats are endless...




LD has changed a great deal from our time visiting during the summer. She is a steady chatterbox and found Grandma to be awesome at being her "jumping the waves" partner.













Grandma and PopPop were able to witness and participate in two special Cub Scout events. One, was HS recieving his "Light of Christ" medal from the Bishop of Honolulu, Bishop Silva. HS worked his tail off on a workbook for three months and then had to meet with the Parish Priest to discuss what he learned during the program before he could earn the medal. Needless to say, having Grandma and PopPop there during the mass made him feel even prouder of his accomplishments.

The second Cub Scout event they were able to enjoy was the Blue & Gold dinner. They clapped and teared up along with the rest of us as the boys were given their Wolf patch.

I don't know about you, but feeding ducks is always more fun with Grandma!!! The ducks at Ho`omaluhia Botanical Gardens are fun to watch waddle up in their battlion formation and lobby for the best vantage point to enjoy bread, but when they saw that we had a grandma with us they must have called even more reinforcements...we were surrounded by happy well fed ducks and the kids couldn't get enough of them!

LD and HS enjoyed putting out the inside prefab Fort and then were encouraged by Grandma to pull out the comforters and blankets they used for their bed and build a comforter fort. Nothin' better than having a Pow-Wow under the blankets with all your closest friends and Grandma!



While visiting the Big Island, the kiddos enjoyed many hikes with Grandma. On many, they stopped for a few moments and marveled at God's amazing handiwork.








We had a great time having an impromtu photo shoot at Ko'olina Lagoons. After digging in the sand, swimming with Grandma in the lagoon, and then having a snack, LD was ready to stand by Grandma and mirror whatever she was doing!













Waimea Valley gives everyone a chance to breathe in the beauty of Hawaii and enjoy a waterfall at the end of the hike!

Sand-sational Times

Oahu, "The Gathering Place" provides some amazing outings where you can enjoy the sand, surf, and sun. Each is very different and as we live here, some are becoming steadfast favorites. While Grandma and Poppop have been visiting us, we've had a fantastic time putting on our bathing suites, loading up the cat bus with beach gear, and hitting the sand with gusto...We tried hard to not feel too guilty about enjoying ourselves while family on the mainland braced for more heavy snows and plummenting temperatures. In Hawaii, or winters provide the perfect 75 degree weather to enjoy even the "coldest" winter days. When you get tired of the harsh realities of winter, come on over and thaw out for awhile on one of these beaches (or just imagine yourself on one!).

Ko'olina Lagoons, Leeward, Oahu

There are just some days that the call of the ocean is so strong that you want to jump in and embrace the seas. On those days, Ko'olina Lagoons are the perfect choice. These man made lagoons offer some protection for the often strong-willed seas and provide shelter from being battled by them. For kids, this is a perfect spot...calm, soft sand, and so much beauty that it's hard to leave and return back home.























Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu

Calm and peaceful in the summer, watch out during the winter months as the waves here can reach upwards of 30 feet. This beach is not for the faint at heart who want to merely tippy toe along the waters edge. The winter waters bring deadly riptides. We enjoyed relaxing (as you can see my mom doing), building sandcastles, and taking in the vibes from the surfers who can take on the spectacular water swells and provide us with thrills and spills galore!

Laniakea Beach, North Shore Oahu

"Turtle Beach, North Shore, Oahu" holds a special place in our hearts as being the first beach we enjoyed after moving to Oahu. I was thrilled to be able to enjoy an hour exploring the tidepools and rocky shore as we marveled at the surfers with my parents. It's calm water in the summer lends itself to being one of the most beautiful spots to snorkel and the graceful Honu (green sea turtles) who live in these waters will swim along as you take in the beauty found under the sea. However, in the winter mind the surf advisories since it has a wicked underow much like all the other North Shore beaches and just enjoy basking in the Hawaiian sun along with the Honu.

Turtle Bay Resort, North Shore, Oahu

HH and I were able to have a romantic overnight stay at the Turtle Bay Resort. We enjoyed the panoramic views of the mighty Pacific Ocean and were entranced by the spouting of whales before they slapped the surface with their mighty tails. Snorkeling was amazing in the sheltered cove while outside of that cozy outcropping of rock and coral, surfers showcased their skill in the crushing whitecaps and constantly churning foamy sea.

Kailua Beach, Windward, Oahu

Pop-pop scored major hug points by helping build the coolest sandfort ever at Kailua Beach. They used loads of coconuts that were strewn along the beach and several pieces of pine boughs that were nestled among the white sands. HS still babbles on about if they had more time they could have extended and made a "sister" fort for LD.

LD's latest love at the beach is airplane flights. She loves being tossed above the water and then giggles hysterically as her chubby toes make a spash. Kailua Beach provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying moments in the air above the crystal clear blue Hawaiian water.

Lanikai Beach, Windward, Oahu

The water is exceptionally clear and blue and two beautiful, offshore island known as the Mokuluas, add to the tropical atmosphere of this area. You can't help but want to run along the fine sand and let the tradewinds blow through your hair as you squeal with delight! Our biggest problem though has not been finding parking spots (although I hear that can be very difficult) but having sand and not just water lapping at expensive homes along the water...we usually turn around and head back to Kailua Beach Park.

Hickam Beach, Southwest Oahu

Grandma found the jewels that I have discovered about this beach...two grandkids and an easy peasy outing after HS's busy 2nd grade days. The ambiance here is quite different than found at other places on the island. With fighter jets, tankers, and commerical airlines taking off in the distance while paddle boarders and sailboats explore the inlet, this is one of those places that is right around the corner from our house and ready to take stress away. Who says paradise can't be found on a military base?

Nomadic Beach, Pearl Harbor Oahu

The waves at this beach ebb and flow as long as the water is timed just right. Its seclusion and private land surrounding this beach are just right for relaxing and enjoying your Hawaiian visit. Island birds sing sweetly as grassy knolls and shady reading spots ensure the ultimate Hawaiian experience! This is certainly luxury at its finest!