Busy, busy!

*sigh* it's been so busy around here - but that's a good thing I guess. I still haven't had time to dive into my personal Maui images to sort them and write about them.

I've been paying bills, working on client images, creating a collage for Ry's class, trying to clean up everything in the house so it can show quickly, doing graphic things for my dad, helping my mom with pictures of Grampy - I love doing it all. Just can't wait to get through it all so I can work on some of my stuff.

The kids have been super duper. Kai has been especially inquisitive lately. He's been talking about "mysteries" and creating tall tales - "Mommy, did you know a dinosaur bited me? He did! He did!" And there was a series of firsts yesterday...

After bath Kai came to me and asked why Ryenne's "bobo" was broken. Had to explain to him how girls and boys are different. It was really funny.

And Ry had a dentist appointment yesterday and has three cavities. Grrr..... She was really embarrassed that she had them and in the car asked me, "Please don't tell daddy I have cavities". I had to mark this in my mental calendar as the first of the "don't tell daddy" things she'll tell me in her life. I explained to her that I have to tell daddy about health things and that he won't be mad, but we need to really get the back of her teeth good with the brush.

Today the boys had their "meet the teacher" day at preschool. Kai is very lucky to have the incredible Miss Jenn and Miss Darlene again this year. He jumped right into his class without missing a step. Cruz got to visit his teachers and he did wonderfully. A little fussy when we left him, but as soon as he got a paintbrush in his hand he was just fine without us. They got to hang out for an hour and when we went to get them they didn't want to come home. So I know that Thursdays first day of school will be awesome. I can't wait to take pictures of my two little guys heading in.... So excited for them. I wish I could pick up that entire preschool and move it to Maui.

So it's busy, busy over here and I'm ok with it. It's keeping my mind on the present as much as possible.

Just a look back

Just a look back at two little monkeys at Napili Bay. Starting to sort through the many images I need to go through from Maui. Made me smile.

Kinder

Ry is  getting the hang of her new routine. We're back in a steady flow of bedtime at 7:30 - 8pm. Peter went and bought a plastic pool for the backyard so we can load it up with bubbly water in the 100 degree heat and they can bathe in it and splash as much as they want. And super bonus the water doesn't just go down the drain - it actually waters our dyeing grass.

Ry still doesn't want to share many details of her class with me. She's always been that way - I've had to read what they're doing in preschool from her teachers reports. She won't tell me about friends or what her day is like. So it's a mystery to me. It feels weird to let her go for that amount of time and not know what she's doing, who she's sitting next to, what she's learning or saying.

Peter is back to work. It's his first night shift since we've been back. I'm headed off to bed in just a minute. Hoping for a peaceful night's sleep. The last few nights have been challenging. Cruz had nightmares last night - screaming in a way I've never heard him scream before - and I had a migraine. It was lovely *insert sarcasm*. Peter gave me the chance for a loooooong nap today so I took it!

I have enjoyed having the boys with me. They are different while Big Sister is around. I'll need to think of something fun for the weekend that is just for Ryenne. This is the first week of an entirely new school life for her. So proud of her!

First Day of Kindergarten

It's here. The first day of Kindergarten. I can't believe it.

I woke up with Ry super early this morning. On the table was a sparkly bag from the First Day of School Fairy with a pencil case, sparkly erasers, and lunch money. She was excited. 

We ate breakfast together and then headed off for her first day of school. My camera went wacky and wouldn't focus. Thankfully ONE image came out in focus. And even luckier it was one where she's smiling - sorta. The school was a MAD HOUSE. And it's so strange to be in a school that is all indoors. I've never had an all indoors school before - so it was packed with kids and parents. She held my hand so tightly.

We went to the office to find out which class she was assigned to. We walked together to her class and all the tables had the kids names where they're to sit. But she didn't have a name. So we went and met the teacher and she grabbed a chair and sat Ry down. Immediately Ryenne was sad - she didn't have a name spot. She grabbed my hand and got very clingy. I told her she's going to have a great day and that she's  brave. She asked if she had to stay overnight and I assured her that we'd be there at 2:40 to pick her up.

I think this is the first time in a while my big girl showed me her vulnerable baby side. I kissed her and gave her a giant hug and told her to have a wonderful day. And then I left. And she's on my mind - but I know she's having a great time!

It's my birthday!

Well we're back in Austin! We've been back for a few days now and are trying to get used to the time change. It's been kinda rough on the kids - which translates to rough on me and Peter. We haven't gotten a solid night's sleep just yet - but I think we're just about there.

I still have so many pictures and stories to share about Maui and our visit to Olympia, WA. Right now I'm trying to get caught up with my photography clients and then I can really sit down and concentrate on my own images and stories (and relive each moment!).

Today I turn 31 years old. Wow. Honestly I feel so much better about myself in my 30's. I dunno what it is? But I just do. I bought myself a pair of boots. They are gorgeous. Is it possible to be in love with a pair of boots? Why yes it is!

This morning Pops took us all out for breakfast. It was so nice until Cruz decided to drink syrup and barfed everywhere. Such is the life, huh? LOL. I think Pops was the only traumatized one :)

Tomorrow is more big news... Ryenne's first day of kindergarten. I think I might be more nervous than she is. While we tried to register for her school while we were in Hawaii, they wouldn't let us. So I registered her the day after we got back but they said they won't assign her a class until her first day. So we'll find out who her teacher is and see her class and the campus all on the first day. I hope she's not terribly overwhelmed. Actually, I'm confident that she'll do just fine. She's a smart cookie. I wish she had some friends going to the same school though!

Being back in Austin has been nice for a few things though.... the price of food being a big one! I stocked our fridge quite nicely. I've gotten to cook which has been AWESOME. I really missed cooking. And Target... how do I love thee!!! It's tax free weekend, so we went and got Ry some new shorts along with her school supplies. Ry and Kai each got backpacks and lunch boxes. Kai outgrew his shoes so we took him to get a new pair. He got black Toms (which means that another child somewhere in the world gets a free pair of shoes). He calls them his "Airbender Shoes" and he looks like a ninja. They are awesome.

Letsee what else.... it's hot. Really hot. Like crazy hot. Baking hot. It makes it hard to go outside and play. Even the dogs don't want to be outside. But it's ok. This is all temporary and I'm going to enjoy everything that Texas has to offer me right now.

I'm actually looking forward to (slightly) cooler weather come Fall - pumpkins, fall crafts.... I think a trip out to Fredericksburg is in order for October.

Happy day, y'all!

Wordless

I have so much to blog about - so many images to share - so many stories of the fun things we've been doing on Maui.

It has been magical. It has renewed me. It's been wonderful watching the kids experience things I love here.

And tomorrow we fly out. I was overcome with emotions today. I ended up bawling to Peter that I don't want to leave. I told myself I'm not flying home to Austin. I'm flying TO Austin and will return HOME to Maui hopefully in December. I am just praying that everything works out as we're hoping.

On Peter's job front, some interesting things may be coming up. The Four Seasons Manele front desk manager was very interested in recruiting him to Manele Bay - which would mean a move to Lanai. His old Bell Captain at the Westin told him a Bell Captain (supervisor) position might just be opening at the Westin really soon - which would mean leaving the Four Seasons to go back to the Westin (but more money as a supervisor). He still has to pan out with his HR in Austin why they haven't sent paperwork to the Maui property. I know they don't want to lose him, but withholding his request is just plain wrong.

As for me, I'm trying to deal with the fact that my flourishing photography business model will be coming to a screeching halt the moment I step foot on Texas ground. I am sad that this will be ending (though temporary).

I AM however, very excited about Ryenne starting school next Monday (KINDERGARTEN) and Cruz and Kai starting preschool on 9/1. I'm excited about seeing my dad and my dear friend Katie.  I'm excited about getting back into a routine and having my own kitchen - but I am just so heartbroken over leaving Maui right now. Completely and totally heartbroken. I don't even think words can describe what I'm feeling sitting here.

So tomorrow I'll say a temporary goodbye to Maui. We're heading to Seattle for a day of play in the Pacific NW and seeing my very first friend in the entire world, Maehren and her family - and will be heading to Austin on Wednesday.

Once I have a moment to breathe and find myself, I'll have pictures and stories of adventures on Maui.

Goodbye

Today while walking to breakfast in Lanai City with the kids I got a call from Nico. Our Grampy passed away this morning.

Grampy had been battling Parkinsons and I haven't seen him in several years. I wanted to, but I was afraid I would get to him and he wouldn't know me.

I knew he was going to pass at some point, but it's hard to mentally prepare yourself for someone in your family passing away.

Grampy was an incredible person. He was full of laughter and light. He was so sweet. He loved to have his hair brushed. He loved to fart and giggle and blame it on someone else. He loved ice cream in pretty dishes and sweets. He loved his kids. He laughed when we called his nose hairs "vines". He was light hearted and beautiful.

I got to talk to Grampy the other day when he was having some moments of clarity. I tried talking as loud as I could into the phone, "Grampy I love you!" but he couldn't hear me. He kept saying, "Hello? hello? hello?" and I was sad that he couldn't hear me. When he gave the phone back to my mom he told her to tell me he loves me. I think he was saying goodbye. I wish he could have heard me - but I think he already knew how much I love him.

Grampy, I love you. I'll miss you. I'm happy that you're not in a state of pain and confusion anymore. I'm happy that you've left a body that was failing and that you've gone on to a better place. I'll always love you. Thank you for being my Grampy.

Catching Up

This week has been CRAZY. 7 photo shoots in 4 days. I'm WAY behind on my work. My last shoot was at Waianapanapa in Hana - Peter and I got to stay overnight. We drove all the way around Haleakala and fell in love with Upcountry all over again. It was great fun playing tourist.

Tomorrow we're heading to Lanai for three days. We were going to go alone, but we will miss the kids too much so they're coming with us.

I'll get to catch up on work too. Lots of pictures to come!

On another note, my mom called and let me know that Grampy isn't doing so well. We could be nearing The End for him - so please everyone just send prayers that he'll go to Heaven peacefully.

Grampy, thinking of you and sending my love. XOXO

Finally

Rewind to Thursday. Peter was flying in at 1:15pm. I spent the morning giddy. I think it was even worse than my wedding day. I just couldn't wait for 1pm to roll around. I headed to Kahului at noon and knew the kids needed toothpaste so I went to Whole Foods to hang out. I bought their toothpaste and was so hungry I felt sick. So I bought a salted chocolate bar. YUM. 

I drove to the airport and decided to see if I could see the plane land. I went to the back road and parked. I waited. A plane appeared in the distance. It was Hawaiian Airlines. Peter was on that plane. I stood there jumping up and down waving like a lunatic (he didn't see me). I got this image on the hipstamatic. Love it.

 

When he touched down he texted me that he'd be heading down the escalator. I parked the car and headed to the baggage claim area. I waited. My heart was racing. RACING!! My palms were sweaty. After two months he was HERE - in the same time zone. 

I had visions of running and tackling him - something crazy from a movie. But when he came out I just grabbed him and started bawling my eyes out. It was wonderful to have him here FINALLY.

I told the kids I had a photo shoot and we'd go get Daddy when the sun went down. So I walked in the house before Peter and the kids asked when it was time to get him. Then he walked in and they didn't know quite what to do. They were frozen with confusion. It was hilarious. Then they ran to him and hugged and kissed him. 

Peter's mom made a great dinner and we were just glad to be all together. 

That first night with him here really made me realize how much we balance each other. Even the kids were more balanced. I think they can sense when I'm not at my best and they tend to push my buttons. With Peter here I am a better mom. And they are better kids (haha). 

The next morning we took the kids out to breakfast at the Plantation House. It was really yummy. The kids loved the birds that come into the restaurant.

On Saturday we got a very special treat. Peter got comp nights at the Four Seasons Wailea. Two nights with no kids. My friends hooked us up with a suite. When I asked my friend how much the suite was worth, she told me $1595 per night. PER NIGHT! OMG! That is more than my mortgage for ONE NIGHT. And we were there two nights. Holy crap!

We ate dinner at Ferraro's and had an ocean front table. The sunset was incredible. The food was incredible. The service was unparalleled.
Below is our view from the table.

 

After dinner we went for a walk and then to the movies together. We went running in the morning followed by heading to Kaanpali to go banana boating with Jean and Patrick. It was SO MUCH FUN. It was Kama'aina day at UFO parasailing and to go banana boating was $10 per person and they gave a free t-shirt. I got knocked off once. The water was incredible. On the way out to the UFO boat on the raft I snapped this picture - a little heart cloud over Kaanapali.

We sat at the beach at night and watched the stars and ran around in the dark and the waves. We talked - a lot. We've come a long way from last year. For a while I didn't know if we'd make it. But now I love how strong we are - how much of a team we are.

I'm so glad he's here - FINALLY. So glad we're a team. So glad we can enjoy this amazing place with our kids. And plan our lives here. I would really love to be back permanently by December.