August 2025

Stacey visited from the end of July into August. We did a lot of touristy stuff while she was visiting.

We hiked Diamond Head with Stacey.

We missed a bunch of surf nights with our group while we had visitors and/or vacations- so they took a picture as a remembrance to come back!

First day of 7th grade for Kate

First day of 5th grade for Jane

We missed the bus on the first day of middle school for Kate. We just watched it pass by as we were approaching the street. This is a video of her riding the bus for the very first time on the second day of school. We have not missed a day since that dreadful first day!

Forcing my girls to take a walk on the beach on North Shore.

The Blue Angels came to town! I remember watching them when I lived in San Francisco, so I made sure we didn't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

There were a lot of STEAM activities on the tarmac, which helped to pass the time until the Blue Angels did their thing. 

Made in Hawaii. Expensive, but worth it!

Bryan and I have missed out on opportunities to go scuba diving in one of the best places on the earth. No more! We are paying one of Bryan's friends to take us out once a month. This will guarantee attendance.

Rebekah attended Kristi's graduation from her DNP Residency.

Kim, Malachi, Norah, and Zander came to visit for the week. It was nice being able to hang out with my sister and check things off my list I have not yet done.

Malachi and I were able to hike Koko Head Arch.

We finally were able to swim in cockroach cove and crawl through the tunnel.

The kids went swimming near Mermaid Cave.

The tide was too high, but we were able to go in some parts.

We celebrated Kristi and Jesse with a friendly game of bowling at Schofield Barracks.

We attempted to hike the legal way to the Stairway to Heaven. There were police at the beginning of the trail who would not let us pass until 7am. We decided to hike Tripler Ridge Trail instead. Great views, but terrible without long pants. We got so scratched up from the ferns. Krist almost died from dehydration. And Jesse had a panic attach. Malachi, Bryan, and Rebekah did just fine. 

Jane turns 10!

It was so fun to celebrate Jane this year. We had the girls pick an island to visit for their birthday weekend. Jane chose Kauai. We stayed at a resort hotel with the best location to travel north or south. We enjoyed the pools in the mornings and nights, while we did all the sightseeing mid-day. We brought smaller presents to the hotel for her to open on the actual day. Kristi made her the beautiful lei (she came with us). We all went mountain tubing down the sugar cane irrigation water system for the special day. We sang to her in the longest tunnel and then again at the Mexican Restaurant. 

 

And then again when we arrived at our home in Oahu. She requested carrot cake. 

Jane has truly begun to come into her own this year. She was nominated as the student representative for her 4th grade class, joined the choir, and even auditioned to become a Junior Police Officer (JPO) for the 2025–2026 school year. Jane demonstrates strong leadership qualities and excels at building meaningful, lasting friendships.

She enjoys surprising others with thoughtful handmade gifts—whether it's a creation from her 3D pen or a heartfelt handwritten note. Jane is deeply considerate and cares about how others perceive her, sometimes feeling upset if she believes she has made a mistake or let someone down.

She remains devoted to practicing the piano and ukulele, and she actively participates in both soccer and diving. Outside of her activities, Jane is passionate about K-POP Demon Hunters, Lilo & Stitch, cats, and all things Sanrio.

We just love our Jane and are so proud of the amazing person she is becoming!

July 2025

4th of July at Schofield Barracks

These treats cost $16 each! It was like a corn churro with ice cream throughout. 

Collective Soul was the featured band.

We found some of our friends on the field and caught the fireworks with them. (Christians)

Tea Party at the Surf Rider with friends. (Kaylee Jane's birthday)

We got all fancy and ate super fancy food.

Then we hung out at the pool afterwards.

This was the best part of summer. I signed the girls up for diving. Then the coach asked if I wanted to participate as well. I decided it would be fun and invited Kristi to tag along. It felt like our summers at Hill Trail waiting in line at the board.

Mini golf in Aiea

Bryan took all us girls out on a date.

We took a trip to Kauai for Jane's birthday weekend. Our first stop off the airplane- Waimea Falls!

Hanapepe Swing Bridge

The town Lilo and Stitch is real-life inspired.

We took the most exciting excursion on a zodiac up the Ne Pali Coast. Of course, I got sick at the very end of the trip. This picture is after throwing up in the water.

And this picture- Jane didn't want to jump in the ocean because she thought she would land in my stomach content. Isn't this the coolest picture ever though?

Footage of our trip through the sea caves.

Waimea Canyon State Park

Getting ready to go Mountain Tubing through the old sugar cane irrigation systems of Mount Wai'ale'ale. This was Jane's actual birthday. We sang to her through the tunnels. The water was refreshing and the activity one of a kind! 

We went to a Mexican Restaurant afterwards for the birthday girl's 10th year celebration. They made us all wear Mariachi hats. 

Kauai Coffee Company

At the hotel, we worked on our "bombers". 

Great ice cream. Great picture.

Kilauea Lighthouse

We saw some many Nene's while we were in Kauai. 

Howie was a naughty boy while in the care of our friends. He had diarrhea. Stacey took this beautiful picture of Howie and June. It might be one of my favorites. 

Sunday school class party for Kate.

We decided to let the girls have separate rooms starting this summer. They started the move without me, which was actually quite helpful. We got a new bed for Kate that converts into a king-sized bed. Jane got to decorate her room with Lilo and Stitch. The plus side- we got to go through all of their belongings and get ready for a garage sale. 

Jane got Calvin and Hobbs for her birthday, and the girls have been non-stop reading. 

Stacey came to visit us for a week. While we were hiking to Manoa Falls the tsunami alarms went off. She freaked- I was mad we were going to be stuck in traffic.

I showed her Bellows.

We ate shaved ice at Matsumoto's. 

Sweet As in Hale'iwa

Bryan and I have been working on our surfing skills. We are lucky to have friends

 that take cool pictures. 

Hike up Peacock Flats with some of our Primary girls and then a trip to...

...Sweetland Farms to feed the goats and eat lunch.

Another activity with the Primary girls: tie-dye bags.