Spring in our Step!

Happy Easter to you and yours! High time to do a catch up, we have multiple holidays, events and visits to rehash. Settle in, here is the rundown on the past 2 months and the accompanying photos.

The kids are doing great. Preston continues to do well in Kindergarten. The school hosted a curriculum fair to display various projects which highlight the learning points the kids have master to move forward. We were so proud of Pres. He has learned so much this year. His teacher Ms Ducote passes on such great feedback, so pleased enjoys school so far. Pres's swimming is fantastic! We went snorkeling 2 times this past week. We were in the ocean, with plenty of current, plenty of sea life, coral and reef all around and depths in excess of 10'. He did amazing! Stayed by my side the entire time. Snorkel mask and fins with no issue. Made for a wonderful time. Really neat to do a grown up thing with him. His comfort level in the water makes all the viewing a great time. To see and hear his reactions to all the fish and a turtle was so rewarding. His sass and bossiness is still at the forefront but most of it is pretty creative. Glad for his little brain to work so well and quick but will be constant effort to remind him that he is the child and needs to listen. We will get there. Just part of the deal, right?

Meanwhile, Alexa is doing everything she can to catch up. In the past 2 months she has mastered crawling, going upstairs, standing up while holding onto things, scooting about the furniture and just yesterday she stood up and then let go. Moving so fast for us, not sure what the rush is. Her first tooth broke through, bottom right. It's neighbor is right behind, any day now. Happy girl though. Always has a smile on hand for us.

The Halsteds just left after being in Hawaii for 6 weeks. Was great to have them here, always nice to have family around. If we could convince the fam to move here we would never leave. Anyhow we spent lots of time showing sites and introducing them to yummy food. Just a great time. We even got to celebrate St Pattys with a corned beef feast. They hosted us over on the Big Island for a long weekend. It was our first hop there and well worth it. We fully intend to go back and spend more time with the Volcanoes. Preston spent his Spring Break with them and was treated to gardening and lots of beach time. Lucky duck! We are all missing them and thankful for the visit.

Easter was being talked about in the house for the past month. Preston has been discussing the need for decorations for the bunny and how we could help him. His Auntie Mandi went overboard last year and decorated every inch of her house for him. I can only imagine that we were a let down. Anyway we did 3 types of eggs, lollipops, paper chains and banners. The Bunny decorated accordingly and Pres seemed to be pleased. Additionally, since we didn't cook the eggs that Pres decorated the Bunny hid eggs in the house to make up for not setting out the fancy eggs with the baskets. Lots of fun this morning, a bit too early but still fun. Karley welcomed sweets back into her life and Reg gladly drank pop. No more meatless Fridays...woot woot! The family also made their way to Easter brunch and egg hunt at a restaurant downtown. Good times spent together.

Wierd Science

A few weeks ago Preston's school had a science fair. As with all things school related, he was very excited to attend. His kindergarten even prepared a project. They had made three posters that identified living things, non-living things and things made of matter. Really neat to see the efforts made by the class. Preston was quick to point out the pictures he provided to the poster (magazine cut outs) and the labels he wrote. We then made our rounds to view the various exhibits. I was very impressed, and a little surprised, with how interested Preston was in hearing the hypothesis, observations and conclusions for EVERY project. Additionally, if there was a hands-on exhibit he was right in the action wanting to learn about it. Fun night out.

We figured while Pres was showing interest we would ride the wave. We have started doing home experiments on the weekends. Heck, a budding scientist???!!! Of course we will take it. Reg and I enjoy the playing around as much as Pres does and so far we have learned a bit along the way. Pres is even keeping a little journal, very formal, right?!  I have put up pictures of our first 2 experiments; Volcanic Gas and Lava in a Cup. Next up is an electro magnet...stay tuned!

We have also made our first visit to the beach this year! Over the long weekend provided by MLK Jr, we went to North Shore to see the big waves, made it into Waikiki to take an evening stroll along the water front and finally a day trip to Bellows. This was Alexa's first visit partaking in the sand play, feet dipping and suiting up complete with sunscreen. She did well in spite of being over tired and not wanting to nap on the beach. At some point I will convince her how awesome it is to nap in the warmth while listening to the waves. Preston was keyed up to boogie board, build a sand community and goof around. Preston is swimming so well which makes for great fun for all! We are so blessed to be able to beach it in January.

Both kiddos are doing great. Pres got his 2nd quarter report card, showing improvement in near all areas. We continue to work on his listening, challenging for such a smart kid. He is constantly correcting us or questioning something. Keeps us on our toes. His reading and math amaze us. Just proud of him...constantly remind him that smart girls are better than pretty girls, to use his powers for good and to be a contributing member of society. Crossing our fingers it all makes an impression. A big milestone coming up, the 100th day of school. Celebration tomorrow at school. Preston completed a project and decorated a hat for the occasion.

Alexa changes everyday. A happy and healthy little girl. She is a great addition to our little family. Working on crawling and clapping. Loves her solids and is quite the chatter box. She and Pres get along great. Both the men in the house dote over her something fierce. She makes is very easy for us to love her.

Regan got his first sports injury. He landed wrong and sprained his ankle while playing Gator Ball (some kind of soccer/basketball hybrid) at PT. He wanted to let it heal itself but I forced an ER visit on him. He is doing well and has therapy in his future.

We are looking towards a visit from the Halsteds in February and a little island hopping. Otherwise it is just business as usual here in paradise.

So long 2012!

Wow, the past 2 months flew by! Before I knew it we were into the new year and I was wading through loads of pics. One day I will make this blogging thing a bit more regular.

November included a visit from the Borellas, always a fun time. My dad got sick but he still kept up with nerf wars, sight seeing and all the outings we drug him on. It was nice having family here. It is the only thing that paradise lacks

My parents left shortly after Thanksgiving. They were only home 2 days before we found out my Uncle Greg had passed away. He had a massive heart attack while he slept. It was very unexpected. Alexa and I were on hand to attend the memorial service. Testament to what a great man he was that he filled the chapel. Friends from high school through the present and the entire family were there. We celebrated his life with his Son & Daughter. He will be missed. Not a family gathering without having my Uncles on hand. I worry about Bruce, rare to see him without Greg. Every family has a comedian, we had Greg. Funniest guy I know, my brother and cousin Ian play a close second. Safe to say they have his sense of humor. We learned to swim in his pool, he taught us to play pool and cards. The massive turn out at his service made for quite the storytelling session. I learned about what a giving and charitable man Greg was, humbled that I never knew as he was not one to brag. Not sure that it has set in as I am very removed being in Hawaii. Pretty sure that I will still look for him every time we visit California.

A week and a half after coming back from California we left for Christmas vacation. This year was Halsted Christmas. 3 out of 4 boys and their families were on hand for festivities. So fun to be with the whole group. The SoCarolina Halsteds are just as far from WA as we are so it was a treat to spend so much time with them. We bunked together in a condo near Ron & Thanne. Lots of extra space in the basement for the kiddos to rough house. We were lucky enough to celebrate Alexa's Baptism with the whole family. Thanks to Uncle Dan and Aunt Laura for participating, ideal candidates for Godparents. We also got to spend loads of time with the Benavidez and Dentler families. The boys are all growing so fast. Hilarious to see them all together. Great trip all around, next time we will be ensuring everyone is properly dosed with vitamins on the front end. Not sure anyone got out of being sick this go round.

We are home and facing reality in the New Year. Pres is back to school and is so smart. That boy outwits me on a regular basis. Be forewarned he is amped about his new tablet and will likely skpe you if he has your contact info. Alexa doing well, onto solid foods and is just starting to get herself onto all fours. She is moving faster than Pres so we may be in trouble. Before we know it they both will be asking for keys to the car.

Reg and I are doing well. Our resolution is to take advantage of sitters and get some time together scheduled. We love our lives and family and feeling more blessed everyday. Happy New Year to you and yours. Hope our travels overlap with yours, we would love to see you!! xoxo