oh yeah, feeling good!

While we were down in Utah County yesterday, I got to slip away for a bit, in between all the craziness, and enjoy some R&R. Quinn's sister works at this Spa/Salon and Quinn had gotten me a gift certificate for Christmas. I finally got to use it and oh my... was it ever incredible! I don't pamper myself very often, not even a manicure or pedicure, so this was quite a treat! The whole experience was just fabulous. Haruko has given me a few massages in the past, but this was the first one at the spa. I soo didn't want it to end, and especially didn't want to return to reality. But I did and came away much more relaxed and a much happy woman :) I hope quinn continues to get me incredible gifts like this one. thx honey!

one last bit of fun

We didn't really do any BIG party this year. Quinn agreed that things were just too crazy for us, and other family members right now, so we decided that Kaipo's birthday would just be a family celebration this year. Which really for the Hanamaikai's is not the norm. This is the first time we haven't had some huge feast and big to-do. I don't think Kaipo felt cheated, and I tried hard to make HIS day special for him. But we did decide last minute (since quinn already goes down to Orem on Saturdays to teach) that we would take the kids to JUMP ON IT. We had some of our cousins in Orem and the Jordan's (who are practically family) come join us for some fun! I think Ash had the most fun!

cousin Ella, Ame and friend Skylar
friends Nick & Kade with Kaipo

Ash havin' more fun

what?

this isn't what I am suppose to do??

cutie girls

After playin' some Rock Band with the Jordan's,

we had dinner with some of the Hanamaikai's at MiRachito.

They sang to the Birthday Boy & gave him some yummy Fried Ice Cream.

It was yet another great, fun-filled day.

And now Kaipo has more action figures he knows what to do with.

Thanks so much to those who joined us, and gave Kaipo such fun gifts!

He (and I) are very grateful :)

The Birthday Continues

We pass the Hill Airforce

Aeprospace Museum

like every other day (its right off the freeway,

just minutes from our house), but we have never been

so we went on Kaipo's Birthday. The kids thought it was pretty cool,

for about the first 15 minutes and

then they got somewhat bored of it, but we kept on.

From this picture, it looks like we have something to work on :)

The boys trying out the PILOT's seat

Luckily, we found this FUN room.

It made it all worth it!

Give THIS kid some crayons and he is HAPPY!

The kids got to try out this cool flight simulator.

And also try out LOTS of other fun & interesting stuff

We even stopped in the gift shop on our way out

to let the BIRTHDAY boy pick out a souvenier.

He's 4!

Thursday was a BIG day for our Kaipo.

He turned 4!

Ame, the best card maker ever,

made this special one for her brother.

We opened presents first thing in the morning

B4 Ame left for school, cuz we had a lot going

on and Daddy was going to be gone during most

of the day. Besides how long can a 4 year

old really wait to open them??

Kaipo saw this Pegasis several weeks ago,

and has been DYING to have it!

Daddy thought it was a little to sparkley

and girly looking, but mom got it anyway!

He is very much into Knights these days,

so we had to get one to go with the Pegasis.

I picked these games up a few months ago,
because they happened to be on sale at Target.
I wasn't sure how good they would be, but
they were definitely a GREAT purchase.
The kids love them!

Of course what else would this boy pick for a cake,
Narnia's Prince Caspian.

No, mom was not ambitous enough to MAKE his cake this year. Although it wouldn't have been hard to make a better one than this Walmart cake. But the birthday boy was happy with it and THAT is all that matters.

~Happy Birthday Handsome~

This mom LOVES her Kaipo for soo many reasons. I love how affectionate and emotional he is. He loves to cuddle, give hugs and kisses (even his friends and fellow-preschoolers who don't really appreciate the invasion of personal space). He often tells me throughout the day YOU are the best mom in the whole world. That phrase may come not long after he has thrown a tantrum, and screamed at me you're mean! or I don't love you anymore! He is so full of life and energy, and enjoys the simple things (something I could definitely learn from). Yes, he does try my patience ALL day long, but at the end of the day, I wouldn't want my boy any other way. He loves action figures of all kinds & is incredible at make believe play, because he has such an imagination! His smile is soo BIG and BRIGHT, and his eyes just sparkle with excitement (and mischief) about soo many things! I am so grateful for my Kaipo and the special, unique boy that he is!!!