Alcatraz

Night of Carving!

Our Pad in Kauai

For less than half the price of a garden view hotel room at the nearby resorts, we got a gem of a condo...

Kauai Sunsets

One of our favorite places on Kauai

This beach is at the end of the road on the North Shore, which puts it on the north side of the Napali Coast, the other end of Napali from Barking Sands beach. We had an amazing afternoon and sunset here, and considered doing the 90 minute drive again on our last evening. The beach is protected by a reef (that is visible in the pictures from the helicopter above), which made for easy snorkeling, though not too much to see in the inside of the reef. It was a wonderful place to relax, swim, and even hike, with a trail going up into the mountains and down to another beach, and ultimately, a valley that we hiked to from our Canyon drive. It is a multi-day hike that we'll have to do another time :-). So much to post, so little time!

Little A Photography

I only post this because lil' A took it using my camera, which had my largest lens & battery pack (over 5 pounds and 18" long). She wielded it like a mini pro. This is a very determined little girl.

Guitar Man

We continue to be serenaded by our guitar player singing the latest country music (wait, how did country happen!). Not sure if there is a more heart warming and ear splitting combination in the world.

M's 1st day of school

Our sweet M is in 2nd grade now, I can hardly believe it as I remember very vividly my 2nd grade experience! She has a super teacher that is extremely innovative and expects a lot from her students. I think M is realizing that school is work, not playtime this year and that has been an adjustment for her, but she's doing just fine. We look forward to seeing what this year has in store for her, she's off to a great start!

C's 1st day of kindergarten!

I know we're going a bit out of order, but late is better than never:). If only I would have known not to fret and worry so much about C's school situation. We are over a month into the school year and I have such a heart for his elementary school. Having kids in 2 different elementary schools has really broadened my perspective and he is doing wonderfully! So many people care about him there and he's made fast friends w/ many teachers and students. He has a wonderful classroom teacher and is supported by a very special paraprofessional and special ed. teacher. He is definitely in the right place and I have thouroughly enjoyed seeing the strengths of another elementary school in our district. Go Patriots and of course, go C!! We are so proud of you!!

1st Day of School-Lil' A

Lil' A started school 2 mornings a week at our home church. It is a great little school w/ super teachers. She loves her teacher and talks about her a LOT! She has even started 'pretend' playing by acting like Mrs. G. So far, it's been a good start for her and according to her, she would like to go more often!! :)

Union Station-St. Louis

Magic House-St. Louis

Grant's Farm-St. Louis

We had a great time at Grant's Farm during our trip to St. Louis. Calvin even got called up on stage (see below) to be a part of a 'rat race.' He did a GREAT job, it was so fun to watch him participate!!