Playing catch up, once again...

Ok, so last you heard from the Terry family, we were getting ready to celebrate Hayden's 11th birthday. I asked him where he wanted to go for dinner, and all he really wanted was gnocchi. Thus began my search for an authentic italian restaurant on the island. We ended up at a quaint little restaurant downtown Honolulu with red check table cloths, decent pizza and pasta, but soggy gnocchi. Oh, well, we had fun and tried something new. I guess it's a little overreaching to think we can find authentic italian food as yummy as what we've been lucky enough to enjoy. But, here are the happy results:

During May, my friend, Stacey, took me kayaking. It was a nice smooth day, and we spent about an hour stalking some sea turtles that we saw moving under water, but wouldn't poke their heads up.

She's also got a hiking group going. We have taken 3 hikes, each different in the views and difficulty. She's been so great for getting my to try all these new outdoor things and enjoy the beautiful island we live on.

Also, Hayden has found his first pet. He caught his own gecko, which he promptly named Zack. (I think he has a preoccupation with Zack Efron). He lost him after about a week..."I don't know why he wouldn't stay on your scooter, Hayden..." But, then again found another a couple of days later (which he owned for two hours, which he named Zach II) and the next day found another one (that he still has) named Zach III. I know, he's pretty creative, that one...

Last month, I signed Hayden up for an after school sailing program. Twice a week he went out and learned the basics of sailing, getting certified to take us out on a sailboat as the responsible sailor. I tell you, it was the best $65 I ever spent. He was reluctant to try it, but ended up loving it. He was such a natural, and being Captain of his boat is very much in line with his personality.

In May, we also took Dennis to the beach for the first time, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. I was able to try out my friend's waterproof camera, and can't believe how much fun it was! 12" fish about 2 feet from our faces!

On Memorial Day we went to the Sea Life park. It was a fun morning, but definitely not what we are used to for a sea park. Thankfully we got discount tickets for Military appreciation month, so the shows were worth it.

During all of this, we were busy wrapping up school. Unfortunately, neither of the kids' schools did anything really special for their prospective "graduations". To celebrate the end of kindergarten, McKennas class participated in a water fun day with slip and slides and sprinklers. For the middle school, they had a closed 8th grade dance during school, with no celebrations for family. Two photo opportunities I'm disappointed to not have. But, we are glad to be done and enjoying summer...the 8 weeks we have anyway...the kids will start school again on August 2nd.

So, while they are out, they've gone kite flying, spent time at the pool and beach, and I took them kayaking. This day was much rougher waters, but they had a fun taste of it.

Then last week, a friend from Germany, 14 years ago came to Hawaii for a business trip and brought her 2 daughters. We had fun showing them around and being tourists, ourselves. They went kayaking with us, and spent a day at the north shore, snorkeling with schools of fish at Shark's Cove, getting shaved ice, and stopping by the Dole plantation for yummy pineapple whip ice cream! After an hour in the Pineapple Maze I had hit my frustration limit, though.

On top of all that, McKenna started soccer last week, complete with all pink gear, and said goodbye to her BFF, Ellie that leaves for Texas this week. You wouldn't think two 1st graders could stay up til 1am, but they did, and swore they still weren't tired!

Lastly, I've started a successful summer outings group like we had in Germany. Next week we are visiting the Ho'omaluhia Gardens. Whew! No wonder I'm so tired! Having it all in one place really makes me realize how much we've been doing. This is a lot to absorb in a 6 week period. I'm going to need a vacation from my summer vacation!