More Family Time

Last night we had a get together for Kaiya's

birthday AND because my grandma thurgood

was in Utah visiting, so we had 2 reasons to celebrate.

I don't know why I didn't think to get

any ADULT pictures, but I sure got lots

of all the kids! the Birthday Girl
Notice who is on the computer.
Grandma and Grandpa made their
weekly SKYPE call just in time to
join in on the celebration.
the kids got yummy cupcakes
and the adults got an even better dessert
(thanks Kar for all your hard work-
it was all DELCIOUS)
here's most of the cousins-just missing a few
who are a bit too far away in CA

the kids are in jammies, and the

older ones got to have a sleep over together

at the Hanamaikai's.

I didn't get a picture of that, but we had

a LATE movie night, followed by

chocolate chip pancakes for breakast,

lots of playing, park time, and shave ice...

and all too soon (for the kids)

the fun was unfortunately over.

They have been wanting to do this

all summer (but with them in Logan,

it takes a bit of planning on the part of

the parents) and we finally made it work!

Bragging Rights and Possiblilties

Last Friday evening QUinn's step brother got married

and had a Luau dinner. They asked Ame to dance

at the reception and provide a little entertainment.

She was a bit hesitant and wasn't sure if she wanted

to do it. I let it completely up to her, whether or not

she wanted to do it. As she is getting older, she gets

more and more nervous to perform, especially SOLO

(who wouldn't be).

After much thought she decided it would be fun, and

on her own even practiced for several days to feel

more confident. The anxiety built as the day approached,

all the way up until she performed she was soo nervous.

But once she started dancing no one would have know she

was even the least bit nervous. She did fantastic!

I may be a bit biased, but I definitely think she was the

star of the show.

I am thinking that there may be a possibility
of providing a little side income, with all the
performing Ame has been doing.
In addition to the recent reception,
my grandma just asked her to perform
at an upcoming family reunion.
I am thinking the sharing of her
incredible talent is worth a little $$...
Don't You Think???
(OK not really, but it is a thought)

family birthday means good times

Ame's cousin Olivia shares OUR anniversary.

Her birthday is August 6th.

The family had a get together on Saturday

to celebrate Olivia turning 6.

Although they are a year apart, Olivia will also

be going into 1st grade. Olivia just making the cut off

date and Ame just missing it.

These 2 cousins look the most alike. This little girl is Olivia friend, Bria.

She looks just like one of the family.
Ame and Kaipo made birthday cards
for Olivia and she thought they were soo cool :)

Hanamaikai Family get togethers are

always entertaining, crowded with LOTS of

bodies, make for late nights for us (who have

an hour drive home afterwards), but always lots of fun!

For You, Mom and Dad

I haven't been very good about taking pictures this pregnancy.

My thoughts have been, I look the same as every other pregnancy

and its just not as exciting when it is the 4th time around.

Don't get me wrong, we ARE excited about this little baby

but all the newness just isn't there, as it is with the 1st or even 2nd.

Although I do feel as though I have shown a lot sooner this time,

and my older body is having a bit of a harder time.

Mom and Dad, to satisfy any curiosity you may have, this is me...

with baby #4, going on 27 weeks pregnant and 35 years old.

10 years and a whole lot of blessings!

I have to say my attitude for most of the day, on our anniversary, was not very good. All I could think was we SHOULD be on a trip somewhere, not doing our same old everyday stuff-Quinn busy working, and me trying to be a happy mom with all the kids and their whining. I mean this is 10 years! Plus I felt I was cheated on my birthday, cuz I really didn't get much of one. So I was definitely feeling sorry for myself. As the day went on I was trying to reflect more on the blessings we have received over the past 10 years and what we have today-which is soo abundant. Much more meaningul than an exotic trip or an extravagant vacation (although THAT would be really nice). Most of the blessings we have are because of the hard work and sacrifice of my wonderful husband. Later in the evening, after taking Ame to dance class, running errands and grabbing dinner (QUinn did get me my favorite COSTA VIDA, which I don't treat myself to very often), he gave me THIS...... We have yet to get our date to La Caille (we had so much going on over the weekend), but that is coming this week. I have always been OK with my small wedding ring (it has been a reflection to me of how our lives truly started-simple, but sweet) but I have secretly wished for an addition to it, over the years. Well QUinn did not disappoint this year. He spoiled me with an anniversary band. This all coming after me giving Quinn the meger gifts I had gotten him. As I opened by generous gifts from him, I was greatly HUMBLED! I truly have so much to be thankful for, much more than fine dining and beautiful jewelry :) But I am soo looking forward to an amazing meal and I LOVE my new ring. This girl is feeling extremely lucky, VERY loved and appreciated!

Aloha!

Ame had her annual Luau performance last night. This is her 3rd year performing, and she continues to become more confident and enjoys being apart of the Halau (team.) She did 4 dances, but this is the one that we got the best video of, and it a new dance this year. It is cute to watch her perform, because as her nerves and excitement come together, she get a little overzealous and her moves become VERY excentuated. Much more so than when she is just practicing. Ame even noticed this as she watched herself. But we are so proud of her and the love she is developing for this beautiful & unique style of dance.

Way to go our one and only Hawaiian Girl!

And thanks to those who came to watch and support Ame. It really meant a lot to us, especially Ame. We know many others wanted to be there, but the timing just wasn't right. Hopefully we will have many more years for all to enjoy this great night of entertainment and Aloha Spirit!

A Wonderul Day Just For Taylor

Although little Taylor had no idea

we were all there to honor her,

we were grateul to have been apart of her special day!

Everything about the day seemed just right

(from MY point of view).

Taylor looked adorable,

but I didn't get any pics of my own of her

(took this one from Karli's blog),

before she got undressed.

What a little angel!! Here are just some random pics

from our get together afterwards-

We were so glad Jamie, Tucker

and thier girls could join us,

one last time b4 they head back to Cali.

Cute little Ella, just couldn't resist!

We missed Jason though, he was home sick.
2 crazy boys (Ryan & Kaipo)-
the only position I could get a picture
of them in-laying on the floor, in front of the door,
I guess like wild animals do.
Quinn-doing what he does best...
getting a cat nap.
Of course none of the conversation and loudness
of everyone gathered woke him,
only his son yelling from the top of the stairs.
At least I know in a time of emergency
Kaipo could wake his dad :)
the girls doing what they do best-quietly coloring
It was such a relaxing, enjoyable day.
Thank you Karli and Chris for letting us be apart of
this special occassion!

MORE swimming

What else to do all summer but SWIM!

There is another aquatic center nearby

that was even more perfect for the kids (mostly Ash).

The pool is only 2 feet deep, and it has a splash pad.

So everyone was happy!!

And so much less stress for mom!!!

There is an indoor pool as well,

but we only got to spend the last little bit there,

because it was closed for swim lessons.

Which was fine for me, cuz I would much rather be outdoors,

than inside where it is soo stuffy, and no sun.

Kaipo wanted so badly to go on the BIG slide all by himself,

but he was just a few inches too short to ride alone.

Friends Forever

We were lucky enough to have the Maxfields come visit us this week. Jamie and the girls came up for the afternoon. My sister karli and her girls joined us too. The kids played and played (with just a few fights), while the moms gabbed and gabbed! It was perfect and so enjoyable!! We received many a dance performances as well.
Jamie and Katie (Robinson) came up on Wednesday evening, and met karli and I for a GIRLS NIGHT OUT! It was soo fun talking and reminiscing. I think we were together like 4 hours. We were definitely the last ones to leave the restaurant. We talked about the good ol' days of our younger years, life with kids, being a mom, all of our good and bad times, and so much more. I only wish I had these girls to talk with, like this, every day! Thanks girls for such a fun night. I soooo needed it :)

lemonade anyone???

So Ame has been BEGGING to have a lemonade stand all summer, so I finally helped her do one. She made all her signs and got mostly everything ready. She has been very anxious about it all week and just couldn't wait, and she woke up the morning of...soo excited!! Because we don't live on a busy street, we even put up some signs on the corner and into our development. I don't know if they helped, but she did have a few generous passer by's and some gracious neighbors. Her daddy threw in a $20, so she thought she made soo much money. I think she really made about $8. She said she would give her brother a little of the profit, since he was her helper part of the time. I don't know if it was quite as exciting as Ame anticipated, but this definitely cured her anxious desire. Ame's little neighbor friend said her family is having a yard sale in a few weeks, so the girls may just try making lemonade slushies to sell, one more time!

a little taste

I got a little taste this morning of what it will

be like a few months from now.

Tay Tay came to visit us, while her mom and dad

went to a sealing in SLC. The kids were all soo excited

and were actually really good with her,

except for the being QUIET part.

As with 3 kids, 4 I can see will take just the right amount of juggling.

Which I realized I will have to make some major

tweaks and adjustments with our schedules and timing.

Ame was great with helping to feed little Taylor,

and the boys, well they were good at poking her in the eyes

and yelling really close to her.

We LOVED having this precious little girl

in our home and her grins just melt you!

I don't know if I am ready for 4 quite yet,

but I now know just a little of how it will feel :)

*SCARY*

Thanks Kar for letting us have little Tay Tay this morning!

Pioneer Day FUN with friends

Part 1:

Our day started out pretty dull, because Dad

had a big project he was trying to finish for work

and roped mommy into helping ALL morning.

Lucky for us, our friends Ben, Cindy and family

came to the rescue & headed our way for a surprise visit.

They were going to the Dinosaur Park, so dad

stayed home while Ash napped, and mom

ventured out into the HOT sun with Ame and Kaipo,

to join the Jordyn Family for some dino adventure.

We have been several times, so our kids got

to be the tour guides and show the way to

all the cool things to see...

Ame and Skylar

Nick and Kaipo

trying to do a train on the dino slide

what you will ALWAYS find Kaipo doing

these girls don't look very dangerous

Part 2:
the Jordyn's had some extra tickets to a

baseball game, and fireworks show at UVU.
So later in the evening we headed down to Provo

had some L&L's (local hawaiian food-this is a chain

in hawaii that has made its way to Utah), we don't get

it very often, so this was a treat for us!
Then we made it a little late for the game,

but just in time for the fireworks, which is

what we were most interested in.

This was Ash the whole time...
the firework show was superb!

the boys enjoying the show together

still got the ears covered

Ame was a bit disappointed, when the fireworks were

over. Although they were very good, she said

THAT IS IT????

I guess it was kind of a long drive, just for that

20 minute show. But we did get some

yummy grinds and got to chill with

family and friends too.

AND stay up extra, extra late!

(mom wasn't as excited about that part)

ALL in a DAY of FUN!!!

appreciation & necessities

So our Sunday was extra exciting today.

Quinn got to lead the music in Sacrament Meeting.

*Just a hint: be careful what you volunteer for on those

ward informational sheets-he thought he was saying

he could substitute lead in Elders QUorum.*

I guess that really means wherever/whenever you

can use my help!! He said he was WAY more nervous

to lead the music, than to give a talk last week.

He gained a much greater appreciation

for the chorister, that's for sure!

Kaipo also got to give a talk in Primary,

so our Sunday morning was much more

action packed & crazy than normal!

***************************

Then what do you do on a Sunday afternoon,

when the kids are bored and you need a

treat for FHE?

ICE CREAM IN A BAG-

mix it, toss it, chill it, eat it

It definitely did NOT cure my craving for
HOMEMADE ice cream, but I didn't
have all the necessary ingredients to make
the real stuff. I may be making a run for the
store today, just for those necessities!?
Plus a NEW ice cream maker... which I did
NOT get for my bday :)

Another way to beat the heat

Saturday was a scorcher, so I tried to think of something to do, to cool off. Quinn VOLUNTEERED (being out in the sun is not really HIS thing he says, what HE doesn't need a tan???) to stay home, while Ash took a nap, and I took Ame and Kaipo swimming at the Aquatic Center. It was NOT the most ideal time to go, because it was sooooooo crowded. But when you don't have your own pool, or even grass (for a slip and slide) there weren't a whole lot of other options. The kids had a blast and despite the crowd, it really did help us to beat the heat!

what a boy

Here's Ash with his freshly shaven head,

and his two favorite things:

MILK and his BLANKEY.

Nothing makes this kid happier!

I wasn't sure about shaving his head, but

dad convinced me to do it.

Like father...Like son!

One way to beat the 100* heat

Either we are heading down the street to the Shave Ice Shack

*OR*

making our own at home. Nothing like a little team work,

to make some yummy snow cones. These little things

give your arms quite the work-out, for just a little ice.

But the kids are happy, and that's all we can hope

for in the summer heat :)

Family Pics Addition

I am VERY amateaur when it comes to creative decorating,

but I tried this and am pretty pleased with the results.

This is part of our family picture wall.

I have bigger ideas floating (thanks to Kar), for my BIG family room wall

but haven't gotten them quite underway yet .

Start with the small and simple things like this first, right?!

a copy cat

Ame always loves to put on her dance CD(which is actually pretty good, they combine several dance songs onto one & of course sell them at an over-priced cost), and practice her dance routine. She always seem to have a COPY CAT right at her side, trying to do the dance too. This wasn't his best show (of course when the camera comes out, they don't do it quite the same), but you can get the idea. Ash is quite the funny kid. Even when Ame isn't around, and the music is on, I see him trying to dance and remember the routine. It always gives me a good chuckle!

sand

After being cooped up in the house for a few days, with the flu, we ventured down the street to the park. We are lucky to live right across the street from the Elementary School, which has several playgrounds to choose from and there is another great city park just down the street. The city park has sand at the playground, which the kids love to play in. I don't think I could handle having sand in my backyard, and having it everywhere all the time, so it is nice that the kids can play in it whenever, but then we can leave the SAND at the park!