The good and the NOT so good

Just a few short weeks ago my dear friend here in Riverdale was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had been having severe headaches and dizziness, which finally took her beyond OTC med's, to seeing a doctor and then to get an MRI. Everything has been a whirlwind for her since then, and if you interested in reading more or hearing the whole story you can visit a blogsite that has been set up for her: http://amiracleforjodibrown.blogspot.com/ Pictured below is Jodi (in the chair) and her mother. Her mom happened to be visiting for conference and a family baptism, at just about the same time all this began for Jodi. I can't imagine if it had been at a different time for her. Her parents live in Hawaii and her dad is the president of the PCC. But luckily her mom has been able to stay indefinitely and provide help and support in ways only a MOM know how.

Since all this has happened so quickly and has been so overwhelming, her neighbors graciously threw together a quick, last minute, but just perfect smalll party for her little guy, Daven (who is just a month younger than my Ash).

Thank goodness he is oblivious to the challenges his mommy is facing and was able to enjoy his party. He is such a sweet, cute little guy! Funny his brother is trying to block someone else from blowing out the candles, while his other brother is helping Daven blow out the candles.

we were grateful to be able to join in on the fun of cake, cotton candy and spending time with our wonderful friends!

(Kaipo looks as though he is praying, but I must have just snapped on that one second he was blinking, and getting ready for another burst of energy)

we're rounding it off

Ash has a message to share...

I just had to include this picture too.

I used this when we announced my pregnancy

with Ash. I just love to see how much these two

have grown up. They were soo cute and little!

After having a miscarriage last year,

we were much more hesitant to share the news

this time. We even waited until just recently

(after I went to my 1st Dr's appt) to

tell family. But now the word is out that

our family is rounding off to the even #

***6***
I don't know if we are READY, but

we are anxious to see who will be

joining our family.

I am especially excited to find out that

a few other dear ones are also

taking on this fun adventure at the

same time as me.

Some facts:

• I really thought I was having twins-but that thought was confirmed negative (relief)
• I am 11 weeks and my Due Date is November 12th
• I feel as though I have NO room to complain in comparison to others, but my pregnancies have gradually gotten harder (as far as nausea and how I am feeling)
• I am definitely getting the akward belly growth earlier this time
• thankful for the profound thought of my daughter who said to me when she found out we were having a baby "this must be the baby who wasn't ready to come last time"

AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

Wild Animal Adventure

Today Kaipo's preschool took their last fieldtrip to the Hogle Zoo. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather. Just right to break out the tank tops (that Ame has been begging to wear) and flip flops. Karli and Kaiya joined us, which for me worked out really well. At least I had a third hand or another eye to scope out and help keep track of Kaipo. This was the ideal set up, which worked out for a small part of the time. Ash didn't last long in the stroller, but Kaiya did (mostly because Karli wasn't about to carry/chase her all around-and who can blame her). Luckily this day of LOTS of walking didn't put Karli into labor. Although if she had to bend down at the zoo or turn around in the car a few more time to pick up the binkies that Kaiya kept throwing on the floor, that just may have done it! As tiring as it was for you Kar, we are so glad you joined us!!!

Thankfully Kaipo made sure to get nice

and wet before we even really started our adventure.

Iwas too slow in getting my camera out.
Just seconds b4 this peacock had her
beautiful feathers spread completely out, and it really was spetacular!
Ash giving some love or licks (or something) to the Rhino

Kaiya looking so cute and sweet!

Luckily she was THIS good the whole time,

right Kar?!?!

Lunch time...look at Karli go.

I told you, you would LOVE this shot!

(check out Ash watching her)
Ame was excited because some her
buddies skipped school to come on the fieldtrip as well.
(her friend Breklyn is on the left)

Kaipo getting creative with the elephant bones

THIS was a great show

these bears were being VERY playful and having some fun for all to see!

All the animals were out enjoying the

beautiful weather as well.

We were glad to get to see the giraffe's

UPCLOSE outside instead of in the stinky indoors :)

Another kindergarten friend, Ms Michelle's daughter, Kamayla.

And here is the whole group of kids.

Other than not being able to ride the train

because it was closed for the day,

the zoo trip was a lot of fun!

Our family pass doesn't expire until the end of June,

so if anyone want to join us b4 then, just let us know.

HAPPY SPRING!!

family fun

This is the NEW game that occupied hours of time

at our family get together on Sunday.

If you haven't played UNO ATTACK you gotta try it.

It is addicting and great family fun!

I think WE are going to have to get it!!All the Hanamaikai siblings got together at Quinn's moms

for dinner Sunday, for a farewell to Kaleo & Lori.

They are moving to Texas. She is from there and they

did live there for a short time a while back.

But they have both got great job opportunities with

their current employer, to transfer there.

It will be a great opportunity for them and they

are really excited! It is sad for the Hanamaikai

Family. Not many have ventured away from Utah

(besides us). But everyone is very supportive and

know it will be great for them, as are we.

Hanamaikai get togethers are always full of lots

of FUN, FOOD, LAUGHTER, and CRAZINESS.

It was perfect weather and we spent the whole

afternoon/evening relaxing outdoors, while the

kids ran wild and had a blast!