Last week my family finally came to visit and it was SO much fun! I loved spending time with them and showing them all the beautiful things on the island.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Waimanalo was their favorite beach... I think we went there 4 times while they were here! The waves were perfect for boogie boarding.

Mom even rode a few waves

Our little surfer
start him early...
He loved it!
Julien and Abi always have fun together at the beach
So cute!

Punchbowl

Dad and Julien driving the car...the boy is seriously OBSESSED!

Enjoying the sunset on Waikiki Beach

Watching the surfers on the Northshore

Just relaxing on the beachWaimea Falls Hike

Swimming at Waimea Falls

Thanks so much for such a wonderful week. I almost felt like I was the one on vacation...thanks so much for helping out with Julien and for spoiling Landon and I. We love you!

Just a few pics from our Summer fun

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Hiking Manoa Falls

18 months!

Julien is 18 months now...I can't believe it!!! He is just so big! We went to the Dr last week and here are the stats
Weight: 23.8 20%
Height 34" 90%
He is a little ball of energy and loves to be the center of attention. He is talking like crazy and tries to repeat everything we say. He is definitely testing his boundaries and has quite the little temper...I am hoping this phase will go by quickly but I am sure since he is not even two yet we have quite the long road ahead of us. He loves to wander around and explore new things, especially the outdoors. He still loves the water and is not afraid of the ocean at all. He gives the best snuggles! He is VERY addicted to his pacifier. He loves to help Landon and I with whatever we are doing...laundry, cooking, cleaning, fixing or building something. He is a lot of fun and is constantly making us laugh. We love our little guy!!!

Julien playing in his little corner

First carousel ride

Julien thought this was pretty much the coolest thing on the planet

Petting Zoo

We have been really busy lately so I have not had time to update our blog. A few weeks ago Julien and I went to the zoo with our friends Amber and Zak. Julien is still not a huge fan of the zoo but does seem to enjoy the little petting zoo they have there. They have some HUGE goldfish!

Crawling through the tunnel to get inside the fish tank

He thought it was pretty sweet

Petting the goats

This goat was chewing on the rope and Julien just had such a confused look on his face and kept saying "uh oh"

Taking a little water break in the shade; it was SO hot!

For play group one week we got to go to the fire station...Julien loved the fire trucks

Best Buds

Hanging out at the beach

We found this sweet tent for Julien at Goodwill for $1.99 He Loves it!

Julien now thinks the sunglasses and apparently goggles are so cool ...pretty funny!

The First Year

One year ago today we got on a plane and moved to Hawaii! Some days it feels like we have been here forever and that I will never again experience the luxuries of the mainland such as carpet, a house with a yard not a tiny apartment 16 stories up, living more than a block from the freeway, laying in bed and having it be silent, not hearing sirens, mopeds or street racing, normal food that I can actually afford, parks without bums, not having cockroaches or geckos in my house, police who actually fight crime, and people that speak English!!! It is definitely a different world over here but then there are days we wake up to beautiful sunshine and drive 5 mins and are able to lay on the most beautiful beaches and can't believe that we live in such a beautiful place. It has been a rough year, especially the first few months...if you have forgotten all of our horror stories you can go back and read our August entries from last year, but we have really learned a lot while we have been here and I think can now say that we are grateful for this adventure in our lives and will really miss this place when we leave...but yes we are going to leave. So...for all of you especially MY FAMILY, who have STILL NOT COME TO VISIT ...get your BUTTS on a plane and get over here while you can!!!