My Best Birthday EVER

I reeeeaaaallly, really, reaaally wanted to go camping for my birthday, and it almost didn't happen.  Rain was on the forecast for Saturday, and we were debating whether or not to go through with it.  We had already made plans to go with my friend Nicole who I share a birthday with and her family, and Jessica and her family.  Her son Mason and Elysse are good friends.  Well, everyone else was willing to risk the rain, so we went.   And we had the BEST time!  And, yes, there was no rain. ;)

The girls are such troopers.  We packed our car FULL of all our camping and beach gear, then everyone crammed in.  You can't see it here, but they are literally sitting on top of each other, with gear at their feet.  Soul in his spacious car seat, on the other hand, couldn't be happier!

 

 

 Last sunset of my 33rd year

 Woke up to a rainbow over the ocean on my birthday.  Really, what more could you ask for?!?

Sharing birthdays with my very good friend, Nicole.

 Elysse and Mason

 Okay, so to top off an awesome birthday, I took a total of 3 naps on the beach -- two when Soul fell asleep on me.  I swear my birthday was 36 hours long.

 Isn't this a cool shot of Kezia?!  Although not taken at the same time, Friday night we went crab hunting.  It was so fun!  We found over a hundred sand crabs and had fun chasing them and screaming when they were big. 

 Kezia and Ivy making a sand home.

 The look of sandy satisfaction.

 Hanging out -- literally.

 Leslie and Justin came by for a bit.  Here's Ivy and Tabitha  -- well, at least their heads!

 Elysse and Mason

 Elysse's birthday gift.

 s'mores!

 Nate picked up a coconut cake for me.  How thoughtful!  There was an astronomer on the beach who invited us over to look at Saturn through his scope.  We also played a few rounds of bocci ball.  I was surrounded by all the things I loved the most : family, friends, beach, and camping.  I couldn't have been happier.  34 is going to be a great year!

 The girls' annual concert at the bandstand was the day after Grandma's wedding this year.  Ka-POW!!  They were fantastic.  Kezia has been taking ukulele and hula from the halau this year, but chose to just dance at the concert. 

The girls have improved immensely in their hula.  Kezia is so confident and graceful;  Ivy seems like she "got it" this year and is all smiles, and Elysse has beautiful, graceful hands.

Elysse is the whiter girl in the front left.

 Ivy is right in the middle front.

 Kezia is 1 1/2 girls from the left. 

 The whole halau

April Fools Day

dff

Happy April Fool's Day!

Soul gave everyone at preschool a good scare when he came in with red marks all over 

 

and a sign posted to his back that read:

His teacher turned white and told me he MAY NOT be there, and she is sorry, but we HAVE TO leave.  I explained that I put a sign on him to warn the other parents (ha ha -- acting as a dumb parent ;)  and then turned the sign around that read, "APRIL FOOLS!!"  She thought it was hiLARious and we all had a good laugh.

March Fun

Visiting the art gallery with the girls

Flying kites with Daddy on Sunday.  Ivy's kite got loose, skipped across the ocean to the bay in the background.  There happened to be a family there playing and caught Ivy's kite.  She was so happy to have it back!

This is a really cool math game that Ivy and I played.  It's like scrabble but with math equations.  Ivy was so good!  I think I found a hidden talent. 

Elysse's other preschool: Alyssa (just came that day) Mason, Hanalei, and Noah.  The moms and I take turns hosting.  It is a great experience for her.

Kezia's friends performed in Willie Wonka and we went to support them.

Elysse and Soul at Tutu and Me

Elysse and Soul go to Tutu and Me -- a great preschool that has rotating stations for the kids to choose from.  I go with them, and it usually involves Elysse being patient while Mom chases Soul away from destroying puzzles, paints, and playdough.  We love it, and especially their cool fieldtrips!  This time we went to the Bishop Museum to see their "Giant Bug" display

Miniature Golf!

We went to Jungle River miniature golf -- thank you, LivingSocial!! -- We had a lot of fun.  The girls were WILD and it was a crazy chaotic rolling of golf balls and golf clubs as we all went at the same time -- no taking turns!  

Hole in One!!

Happy 5th birthday, Elysse!

 Elysse, 5 years old

 Singing happy birthday at preschool

5 things I love about Elysse:
1. The funny things she says
2. Her empathy for others
3. Her desire to do what's right
4. Hugs and kisses
5. Her love for her mommy and daddy

Day #5: Last day with Grandma and Grandpa Hicken

On our last day, Mom, Elysse, Soul and I went on a walk down the bike path and stopped at a tire swing on the beach.  Dad stayed home to finish up some much needed projects.  It was so helpful!

 Then we went to Shark's Cove to search for hermit crabs, eels and fish.  It was ccccold and windy, but we had a blast.  Grandpa especially loved seeing the waterlife!

 Can you see all of us there?

 Grandma and Kezia collecting shells

 What seems to be a tradition now:  Getting ice cream at Scoop of Paradise before Grandma and Grandpa leave

Saying goodbye.  I gave Mom the pendant she's wearing for an early Mother's Day gift.  It was made by a friend of mine (Amy Hart) and is a bird's nest in silver and pearl.  To me, it symbolizes a mother's love, and I'm grateful for the mom I have!