A New Friend

We met a sweet friend today. Ry and the horse had an instant connection.

Journey to 10,000 Feet

We planned to take the kids on their first ever trip to Haleakala on Wednesday for Peter's day off. The vog has been pretty nasty, but we decided to go anyway. We bundled up and headed up in our trusty Scion (did I ever tell everyone my cars name? It's Exbeealidoshus - or Exbee for short).

Up, up, up we went. Right into the clouds. And rather than rising above the clouds, the crater was totally socked it. And freezing. In the 40's, wet, and windy. Little ice crystals formed on my jacket.

Pulled over on the way up to stretch our legs. Very voggy day.

The kids pointing toward Makawao

BRRRR! The cold wind hurt our faces.

This is so CLASSIC!

Visibility was pretty much zero

But not to worry. They had a gift shop. And that gift shop had wilderness whistles. Happy Kids!

On the way down we pulled over at a lookout that I had never been to before and we were just below the clouds. We could see the crater! WooHoo!

After walking around the lookout a bit, we were all hungry and decided to head down the mountain. But we all agreed that if we spotted cows we'd stop. And sure enough...

Awwww.... so cute

After our adventure we went out to Kula Lodge for lunch. Kiddos were pretty cranky by this point. We all went home and laid down to acclimate to our sea level change. It was such a great adventure!

Bath Conversations

The kids still bathe together. We haven't entered the "I just want a shower" stage yet. Sometimes bathtime is more than I can handle as the kids fight and splash water everywhere. But there are moments like tonight where I just listen.

The three were in the tub playing while I went to grab their pajamas. On my way back in to the bathroom, I heard them pretending to make a tv commercial. I used to do that with Nico in the tub when we were kids. Ry and Kai were selling soap. And Kai, in his best salesman voice, said, "I only use natural soap. This soap is the best." and I just had to laugh a little because I know that he got that from me and here he is repeating it, and will no doubt take it with him through his life.

Ryenne was proudly creating her own bubble creation in an empty shampoo container and showing it off to an imaginary tv camera.

Cruz was dunking his head underwater and practicing holding his breath, coming up after a good 5 seconds under and shouting, "See? See Mom? See?" and I just took this all in - this perfect moment.

Someone is on a growth spurt!

Kai is getting SO TALL!

Three

I am so enjoying Cruz being three. He is starting to express himself so much. And it's so cute to hear him talk to his brother and sister and be a part of the playing instead of just an observer.

Lately we've been talking a lot about animals. Each kid wants to eventually have another animal - Ry a kitten, Kai a kitten, and Cruz goes back and forth between a kitten and a bunny. But what I always want to remember is that no matter which animal or stuffed animal, Cruz always names it the same thing. Bunner. "Cruz, what's your cars name?" BUNNER! "Cruz, what will your bunny's name be?" BUNNER! I don't know where he came up with this name, but it makes me smile every darn time!

End of February - Beginning of March

Where have the last two weeks gone? Crystal came for a visit, which was such a treat. We had so much fun catching up and hanging out. Ry lost BOTH of her front teeth. She prefers to be called Toothless and NOT Pumpkin Head.

Peter and I got to go out to Mama's Fish House with Crystal. We also got to go out on Uncle Nico's boat. Unfortunately, Kai was very seasick and scared. I also got pretty seasick afterward. Ry was an expert snorkeler right from the start.

Cruz turned 3 on the fourth and it's pretty much been a birthday week. We went out to Flatbread on Thursday to celebrate with pizza. Tonight we're going to Napili to celebrate with Grandma and Papa and cousins.

I am still tripping out over the death of my friend. I'll be going to her funeral next week. I was telling my Pops that the cycle of life is pretty amazing. The day I found out, it was Cruz's birthday and I was also photographing two separate couples get married. All big life events. All I can do is live my life to the fullest every day. I try. I really try.

Throwing wishes into the pond at Kula Lodge

Little Butts

Auntie Crystal with Cruz and Ry

I could never get tired of rainbows!

Fishing at Mokapu Beach

Kai getting tickled at Baby Beach

Now this is how you enjoy the beach!

Me and Crystal at Mama's

Me and Peter at Mama's

Ry is just about to head into the water for her first ever snorkel experience. She LOVED it!

Auntie Abra and Ry on Nico's boat

Poor Kai Boy. He was sick the entire time.

Uncle Nico

Birthday Boy

After a shoot the other day I needed some moments by myself. I found this spot north of Kapalua. It was really beautiful. I want to go back!

Pretending I'm a blonde with Koa's hair

Thank you Uncle Koa for helping me with babysitting!!

Tammie

I have so many photos to post from the last few weeks. Life has been busy, as usual, and I will get to it.

But I want to take a moment to remember a friend. On Monday morning I found out that my friend Tammie Jones passed away. It was minutes before I was to start photographing a wedding. I had to pull all my emotions in and do my job.

When the date of her funeral was announced today, I decided to go into my high school photo box (haven't done that in YEARS!) and find some pictures of her to remember our time together. I've known her since 6th grade. For my birthday one year, we went to Oahu for my first "big time" concert and we saw Boys II Men, who we were both obsessed with. She and I shared a huge crush on Rufio (Dante Basco) and she had an autographed picture of him that we would giggle at.

She was a beautiful person inside and out. After high school we lost touch for a bit until the advent of Facebook when we reconnected. She sent messages of encouragement to move back to Maui. And when we moved back we always talked of getting together and it just never happened. I am so sad that I didn't make it happen. She is gone so suddenly. My heart aches for her family.

Tammie - I know you're with Angels now and making everyone in Heaven smile.

Tammie, Me, and Abby having a shaving cream fight at Maui High School - 1995

Happy 3rd Birthday Cruz!!

March 4, 2013 - Cruz celebrated turning 3! Actually - we are postponing until Thursday when Peter and me are both off. But still.... I can't believe my baby is three. Love this little dude.

Dear Cruz,
You are such a beautiful, amazing little boy. I can’t believe you turn three today. It seems like only yesterday we found out we were expecting you – a total surprise. You were the easiest pregnancy, the easiest delivery, and have been one of the easiest babies ever. You are truly a Cruzer. You fit into our family so perfectly and effortlessly. You make my days bright. I treasure the time I have with you while Ry and Kai are at school and it’s just us.
You’ve left your baby stages behind and proclaim what a “Big Boy” you are all day. I love how you point to yourself and proudly proclaim, “Name Cruz!”. You always have a race car in your hand – even when you sleep. Your laugh is infectious. Your eyes sparkle with happiness and innocence. You are my fearless beach baby. I can’t imagine my life without you.
Happy birthday lovey, sweet boy. I hope all your birthday dreams come true…
Love,
Mommy