Hawaii

It has taken me two months, but I'm finally posting some pictures about our trip to Hawaii in mid-January. It was a delightful, restful time for Josh and I. We were celbrating our 9th wedding anniversary a few months late. Katherine went with us since she flies for free and still needs to be with mama for sustenance!

We were very blessed to stay with my childhood friend, Jennene, and her daughter, Emma. Jennene's husband is stationed at Pearl Harbor with the Navy. We enjoyed visiting and catching up on years of life that have passed since we last had a visit! We are so grateful for their hospitality to us and the loan of their vehicle! Not to mention lots of hints about great things to see on the Island.

We lost our camera on the airplane (and later got it back!), so we only have a few pictures of our trip.

Our first day on Oahu we went to the Pearl Harbor memorial. Very moving and educational. Some day I would like to take my children there and keep alive the memory of those who gave much for our freedom. I also want them to appreciate the modern day military families who sacrifice much on a daily basis for our freedom.

Ummm . . . yes it was a bit windy out there! I learned really quickly to tie back my hair!

Kate all suggled up. This carrier was the best! Stuff it in a suitcase, use it all over the airport and Island. Easy to use, easy on the back, and so comfy for baby! Love these new modern baby carriers!

Katherine's favorite part of the beach seemed to be tasting sand! She was definitely a beach babe! She loved playing on the beach!

A pretty little lagoon where we could swim and snorkle. Katherine wasn't too impressed with the water. We enjoyed just relaxing on the beach!

I thought the kids would like to see these permanent beach umbrellas!

Helping Daddy read on the beach!

So pretty!

Amazing how green and beautiful the Island is! We drove over almost the entire Island over the course of our stay. It was fun to see how the land changes and how people away from the tourist areas live. Found some great little beaches, did a little kayaking, and mostly just relaxed! Probably one of our highlights was the personal tour of Pearl Harbor our hostess was able to provide with her military ID. Very cool to see battleships up close and hear some of the histry of the Harbor.

Spring is Almost Here

We have seen some evidence lately that spring is on its way. We have had lovely temperatures this month. However, last week we had rain every day and this weekend we had snow! It was nice to visit winter once again before the summer growing season kicks into high gear! Enjoy these evidences of spring!

Lovely daisies I was given after a fundraiser dinner for 4-H. So cheerful on my desk.

The summer vegetable and flower gardens were started indoors in February. So far we've only had one minor toddler casualty! It is always a trick to keep the trays from destruction when we have a toddler in the house. They just look like so much fun!

A few weeks later we have tiny tomato and pepper plants growing under their grow lights.

With longer days and warmer tempuratures my chickens are laying more fresh eggs again!

And Juliana decided to give herself a new hair style for the spring! Notice the bangs right in the center. The side is harder to see, but she cut about half of her hair on the left side above the ear. The haircut was given while her hair was in pigtails, so it is pretty choppy. We evened things out and are now just letting it grow out! Ah the joys of being 4!

Happy Spring to you all!