School Has Started

Ok, so I had a picture, but I think maybe my kids erased it (big sigh). Anyhow, school has started. Even though it was supposed to be their longest summer, it sure felt like it flew by. Maybe because there was so much I wanted to do with them, but didn't get to. Oh well, we'll plan for next summer. They were glad to go back and get into the swing of things.

Can We Do It All?

I knew the schedule was gonna be jam packed, but we couldn't miss any of it. So here goes.

First up (as we are trying to recuperate from Micah's B-Day celebrations), Tyler had a hike this morning. He's accomplishing so much in scouts, we didn't want to keep him from going on this hike. Randy joined them, seeing as at the moment, it is only Tyler who seems to be attending 11 year old scouts.

There were some monk seals on the beach. They had just had a baby.

Only in Hawaii can you go on a hike like this.

Nice view.

After the hike, we all rushed over to Aunty Tasha's funeral. Aunty Tasha passed away from breast cancer. We were very sad to see her go, but glad that she is not suffering any more. I think because the kids knew her from church and school, they really did not want to miss the funeral. We all got dressed and headed over there. The services were great. The talks given were uplifting. She was a great example of keeping the faith no matter what happens to you.

After the funeral, we headed home for a 2 hour rest, then got ready for some swimming. Randy and I were exhausted by this point, but this was our annual ward pool party to end summer and we knew the kids did not want to miss out.

Kara and Micah. It's so nice that they can swim now. We don't have to worry too much about them.

Leigh and Dez.

Can you tell they are 13.

Micah was trying to hide in the water so that I wouldn't get his picture. I was too quick for him.

Geronimo!!
Tyler and his friends getting ready to race.

There's Micah, not afraid of the deep side.

It was a fun day, but boy am I tired. It has been quite the week! I think the kids are ready to go back to school -------------- at least I am.

A Zootacular Birthday!

Micah turned 7 today. All he wanted to do was go to the zoo with his family and best friend. So after getting things ready, we headed out.

It was hot!!

First up ---- monkeys!

Reptile house ---- always a favorite.

I can't remember what this thing is called --- I know it's not an alligator or crocodile, but some sort of cousin to it.

Group shot.
Wishing well.

More animals.



Why am I pushing a stroller? No, I did not have the baby yet. I rented a stroller to carry our food and drinks in. Pretty soon, I'll have my own stroller to carry our stuff in.

Tyler and dad.

Micah and his best bud, pretending to be some kind of animal.

Trying to fit in the crevices.

This baboon came right up to the window where the kids were. It was kind of funny.

Trying to get some shade --- did I mention it was hot!

Cold treat break!

Souvenir pennies for all!

Keiki Zoo ----- always a lot of fun!

Petting the goats.

We usually let the kids pick where they want to eat. Micah decided on McDonald's. I asked him a few times if he was sure and he said, "YUP!" I guess when you're 7 and you don't go to McD's very often, it is a treat.

Happy meals --- yay!

Micah had requested a red velvet cake.

Happy Birthday Micah!!!! We had such a fun and awesome day. The best is of course is when your child tells you it was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!

The USS Missouri

This month for Cub Scouts the theme was celebrating our freedom. I usually like to do a big activity for the month centered around the theme. So I set up a field trip to the USS Missouri. One of the great benefits of living in Hawai is that there is actually a lot of American history here due to the strong military presence. I thought taking the boys to see a real battleship would help make history seem real. If you've never gone, I highly recommend that you do.

(WARNING: Lot's of pictures)

Those are some big guns.

This was our tour guide, explaining about the bomb that he's pointing to.

This is the spot where the treaty to end WWII was signed. Just the information alone that the tour guides share with you is neat.

A replica of the ship.

Looking out to the side where Japanese tried to attack the Missouri.

The boys lining up.

Mess hall.

REALLY close quarters. Makes you appreciate the sacrifice those soldiers went through for us.

Micah at the controls ----- just don't press that "red" button.

View from the top.

The USS Arizona can be seen. The memorial of where the war started and the ship where it ended.

Done with the tour. Man was it hot!

The kids were famished by the time it was lunch.

End of the day. It was a lot of work to set up the tour, but I tell you what made it worth it. Driving home, one of the boys in the van said, "That was a lot of fun. Will we do more stuff like that Sis. Sasaki?" That put a big smile on my face. Yes, we will!