Camping at Ho'omaluhia

It's been a long while since we had gone on a real camping trip (longer than over night) and all the while the girls have been asking when we are going to go again.

A couple of weeks ago Nate and I planned on camping this last weekend. But I didn't tell anyone because it seems like something ALWAYS comes up, and I didn't want to get anyones hopes up. Friday I packed up as quickly as I could, and when Nate finished his work and said we were good to go, I was soooo excited!!!! We packed everything into the car, and when the girls returned home from school we wisked them in the car as well. They were so surprised. All the way there they were saying how funny it was that they thought today was a regular day and then all of a sudden they were camping!

On our way to Ho'omaluhia. This place is amazing. It is true to its name, which means place of peace and refuge. You cannot come here and not be amazed at God's creations.

What I love most about camping is it's all about family. All other cares take a backseat. With so much going on with our businesses right now, it is high time our family gets the attention it deserves. I loved it! The girls found some friends to play with while we put up the tent. We cooked up some hot dogs and went to sleep Friday night. Saturday we hiked down to the pond at caught fish. I mean, we were pulling them out of the water like a greedy kid pulls candy out of a halloween basket! We lost count of how many we had each caught. I love this picture of Kezia: I was just taking photos of her fishing and happened to take one at the moment she felt her rod jerk. What a great shot!

And Ivy got the biggest fish of the day.

Sunday we went to Stake conference and then fed the ducks. We went into the banyan grove to swing on the vines, but this time most of the vines we had swung on on past trips had burrowed themselves into the soil! We did find one swing, which was super fun until it snapped, sending Elysse into a branch (no worries-- she's alright). On the way back to the campsite we stopped at our friend Nicole's campsite who happened to be camping there as well. We had a great time having dinner with them over the campfire.

Monday we played Kick the Can before heading home. It was a blast. I hope we get to go again real soon.

Happy 4th Birthday, Elysse!

Having been exposed to so many fun birthdays (Ivy's rock star party, Kezia's cat party, friends' pinata and bouncy castle parties), Elysse had some big ideas for welcoming in her fourth year. Luckily we were able to convince her that ice skating would make a great party. Actually, what really sold her was getting pizza at the ice skating rink. (Really, if you want a Burgoyne to do anything, just add food into the bargain.)

We got together with some of her friends at the beach in the morning and had lasagna (requested) and strawberry cheesecake cupcakes at night. The next day we skated as a family and had a great time.

Happy Birthday, Elysse!

Here are 4 great things about Elysse:

1. She is responsible and independent. She can do things all by herself.

2. She is learning her letters and numbers, and can write beautifully.

3. She loves to dance. At preschool, she takes center stage during the songs at circle time.

4. She is a caring big sister to Soul.