I want my birthday to be a legal holiday! Happy Labor day, I mean Happy Birthday, Dennis!
Dennis had a great birthday, led in by a "work day" at the Sandbar at Kaneohe, a class, and a family day...his weekend started eeeeaaaarrly! I think the last time he was at work was Wednesday morning. He's getting quite a tan.
We spent the day with friends, playing ladderball games and eating yummy food. I made 2 cheesecakes, black bottom cherry and green mint, instead of birthday cake since he loves cheesecake. Yummy! but oh, so rich...
He received lots of birthday wishes, got to talk to family, and even wore a hawaiian shirt...yes, he looked like a retired vacationer. I think he's fitting in nicely!
Dennis is such a good dad and a hard worker...many may not see his fun, goofy side...yes, he does smile. Especially with flowers in his hair...
...and if you need a fourth to make up a rock band...HE'S THERE!
...and, while he doesn't get a lot of free time, he likes to try new things...especially outdoors, like snorkeling and hiking.
So, here's to your long birthday weekend, hope you felt special and loved... because you ARE!! Kisses!
When we last left off, we had celebrated the 4th of July, and were preparing for Sabrina's birthday. We are lucky enough to live in a place where everyone wants to come on vacation... This month we were able to see our friends, the Blevins, from Virginia. We got to know their family while living in Germany. They were celebrating her oldest's graduation. We met them for a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center....a must see for anyone visiting Oahu for the first time.
It was our first time to the center. My favorite part of the day was the Rainbow Parade on the river. Each polynesian village gave a short display of their unique styles in dance and song as they floated by. During the rest of the time, you can visit each village and learn something individual about each Island and people.
There are hands-on crafts and activities...lots of fun for the kids. McKenna tried her hand at the activities at New Zealand's village. They are a warrior people and these balls on the ropes double as weapons and props in their dance. It's not as easy as you might think to swing these around without hitting yourself! We had a great time and look forward to many more visits from friends and family.
That next week, Dennis left for the wedding of his niece, Amber Sipes to Stephen Via in Virginia. He was able to spend a week with his family there and celebrate with them. We wish we all could have gone, but wish them the most happiness in their futures together.
She still has been taking gymnastics, and moved up to the intermediate class. But, she had been begging since last fall to play soccer. They started their 10 week season in June. She has enjoyed every minute of it. Plus, Hayden and Sabrina get to see what it was like when they were that age...watching the ball roll by...twirling your hair...picking up ladybugs in the grass...
Our first born, Sabrina Nicole...turned 14 on July 18th. She was lucky enough to not have dad here for her actual birthday, so she successfully stretched the celebration over 5 days! We started the weekend with a beach party with her friends. They had a great time splashing about, eating hot dogs and monster cupcakes, exploring their creative sides with frosting (Sorry, David!)
These were the ridiculously difficult cupcakes she requested out of the super cute, self-proclaimed EASY cupcake cookbook. Yeah...they LIE! Grrrrrrr....2 days of work later, they did turn out cute.
Sunday, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday breakfast. She came up with crepes...hmmmm, haven't done that in a while. I'd forgotten how super easy and mega yummy they were! What a pretty display...
Monday was her actual birthday, so I dropped off Hayden and McKenna at friend's, then took her out for a surprise pedicure. She really wasn't excited, but in the end, loved the experience.
Dad finally came home on Tuesday, so we went to dinner, her choice, burgers at Island's. Yum, again!
Year 13 was rough, I ain't gonna lie! We moved away from Germany, the only home she remembered; there were major diabetes issues we've worked hard to overcome; add in siblings and hormones...and I'm surprised we're all still alive. But, I think we've come out ahead, and it's only uphill from here. She has really embraced this new adventure, loving the sunshine and water play.
She's even started improving relations with Hayden....awwwww...aren't they cute together?
