A Day of Parties

Today was the much anticipated Birthday Glamour Party!

Ame had these 4 friends, plus her 3 cousins, join her

to get glamorized. We went to a local beauty school and

they got their hair, nails (fingers & toes) and make-up done.

I think the expression on her face tells just how much fun she had.
the hair is done
next, the nails and make-up
they took a glamour polaroid for each of the girls
and put it in a cute frame for them to take
as a momentum
she definitely felt like a star!

and here's the whole group of beauties

(this is the polaroid she got in her card, so its a bad pic)

After getting all beautified, they girls came back to our

house for nachos and to open presents.

I LOVE this age for girls. They are really so easy to please!

Then we had a few hours to get ready for the next party,

with family. Regretably, I didn't get a lot of pics from this party.

Only present opening pics (I didn't think anyone wanted to see more of those)

Thanks to everyone who came, brought food and gifts.

We soo appreciate your generosity and tremendous love shown to Ame!

And here are pics of the cake, of course.

A HULA girl cake, for OUR Hula girl!

I loved watching Ame while we sang to her.

I can tell she is thinking so hard about what to wish for.

She takes that part very seriously!

She really believes in WISHES. You actually can see her pause,

after blowing for a sec, close her eyes to make a wish and

then finish blowing them all out.

Too bad she can't tell me

what she wished for! I sure am curious.

I LOVE you my precious girl!

Hope your 2nd day of celebration

was fun and memorable!

Sleepover...Memories

Savannah was coming to Ame's Glamour Party today,

so I thought why not let them have some extra time together

and invite her for a sleepover!

These two are great friends!!

Even though they don't see each other all the time,

they have a pretty close bond.

They have similar SILLY personalities
both have a CRAZY younger brother

and LOVE to play games

Savannah gave Ame one of these T-shirts for her birthday,

it says...

Brother 4 Sale, no offer too low!

We were so glad you could come and spent some extra time

with Ame. We hope you enjoyed it as much as her!

We need to be sure and get together more often,

so we can make many more special memories!

She can't be 6!

I can't believe our FIRST born is 6!

This was her bright and early, ready for school.

We opened her presents b4 school, since daddy would be gone when she got home.

This was her MOST favorite gift, by far.

*BABY ANNABELLE*

sort of like the baby alive, which she really wanted, but this one I think is much cuter.

Plus this one just makes crying, sucking, happy sounds. No peeing, or any of that extra stuff. WHich is what this mom was happier about.

Ame is a really good mommy with her, taking care of her all the time

(until she's ready to turn her off that is).

We had an afternoon ice cream party and sang to our girl.

Since mom is attempting to make a elaborate cake for the party this weekend, we decided to do a different treat ON her Bday. This is what Ame chose-chocolate dipped cones. They don't hold a candle so well, but long enough to sing and make a wish.
This was another gift that we bought for Ame, that she really wanted. Thought it would be a good idea, having 2 younger rough and tumble brothers! But after opeing the package and trying it out, we quickly found out it took horrible pictures. So back it is going!

So daddy went out and got this cute little one instead. Yes it will probably get broken a lot quicker, but it was WAY cheaper too. So if need be, Santa could bring a better one for Christmas.

And some friends turned us onto these. We are still trying to test it out and figure out how to PLAY with her. Ame named her Kiana, after herself. They definitely need adult help to read and learn how to use everything! But once WE get the hang of how to work it, AMe will be taking good care of her pet!

So all this was just part of all the birthday fun. More to come this weekend!

Ame is such a blessing in our family. We love her soo much and she is quite the girl!

SO much passion, spunk, beauty and inteliigence. What more could a mom and dad want from their beautiful princess!!

Next Best Thing?

Several times this summer, Ame asked to go to the Drive-in movies. Well every time she asked it wasn't a convenient weekend, or there was nothing "Kid-Friendly" playing. We looked once again this weekend (since it is the weekend b4 her birthday), but NO Kid Movies, so we decided to do the next best thing. Show a movie OUTSIDE our house. We put a mattress outside, and LOTS of blankets & pillows. When that sun went down boy it was COLD! One of our neighbors- Mercedi (she's 10 and Ame thinks she is the coolest) and her friend came over too. This was what the Hanamaikai Theatre looked like...

not quite theatre quality, but Ame LOVED it and thought it was SUCH a fun idea.

THAT is all that mattered!

Kaipo was enjoying the little party, but fell asleep at the

end of the 1st movie, so we took him to bed.

Ame made it almost through the 2nd movie (it was 11:00)!

And this theatre was much cheaper to enjoy!

9-11

Thanks Katie for the picture of our US flag.

I too remember this day quite well.

I was a teacher in Salt Lake City, 4th grade.

I heard what happened on the morning news,

while getting ready for work.

Then I had to go share a classroom with students,

and TRY to explain the little bit I knew.

We released all the students early to spend time with

their own families.

It truly was a historical day, and a day that changed

our nation forever!

May we all remember those lives who were lost,

and the families who were left mourning.

May we be a little more loving, caring and generous, today.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Bye-Bye Baby #3

So this front baby tooth has been wiggly for weeks now, and for the past few days has pretty much been dangling by threads. BUT she wouldn't let anyone pull it. Finally tonight while eating dinner (or trying), Ame decided she was tired of being uncomfortable and ready for this thing to be out. SHE went to the bathroom and... SHE did it...pulled it right out, all by herself! She started yelling-

I think she was a scared that she had actually done it!

But once the fear wore off, she was quite proud of herself!!

And so were we...

I mean how many kids actually pull out their OWN teeth??

This little bag may look quite familiar to anyone in my family.

All of our jewelry from China came in these cute bags

(in various colors).

They make a great tooth bag!

HHHMMM...how much should or will

the tooth fairy leave for this one?

what a gift!

Quinn's mom, Frankie, got this hat for Kaipo on her recent trip to the Mid-West.

I don't know if it reminds me more of Davey Crockett,

or the bully in Christmas Story.

Kaipo calls it his racoon hat, and thinks it is pretty cool!

Oh what a kid!!

(he is actually watching a movie

and couldn't even take his eyes off it)

Early Signs of A Pro

This is SOO cute!

A few days ago, we observed Ash carrying around the Wii-tennis paddle.

As we watched him closer, we noticed he was grunting along with swinging the paddle. Like Father, Like Son!

Here's a little video clip of the kid in action!

(Ignore Kaipo loudly explaining what's going on, AND Quinn trying

to coach me on video tapping)

Starting Again

After a summer break, Ame is excited to start dance again! She is in a new class, with a new teacher.
The first class of each month, the parents can come visit the last 10 minutes.
Since last Monday was a Holiday, today was her first class, so we got a sneak peak
at some new things she is learning.
She's quite the ballerina!

Grandparents Day

Kaipo and Ame made these this week at school and wanted some special people to see them, especially for Grandparents Day (this Sunday).

We are retyping Kaipo's, because we know it will be impossible for the elderly to read (haha)

I miss you when we're not together

I'm growing up so fast

See how big I've gotten

Since you saw me last?

As I grow, I'll change a lot,

The years will fly right by.

You'll wonder how I grew so quick

So look upon this handprint

That's hanging on your wall. (or computer)

And memories will come back of me,

When I was very small.

We are very grateful for all our grandparents and are so thankful for the influence they have on our lives! We feel your abounding love for us, even when we are not together, and hold dear all the memories we've made with you and look forward to many, many more!

Ame sends her love and kisses

Kaipo shares some energy, with all his affection, as well

Ash has so much love for you too, and is blowing you a soft little kiss

A NEW IDEA

I took my sister Karli out to lunch yesterday for her birthday (belated) and we were talking about the life challenges we are facing and I started on the subject of my SWEET, ENERGETIC Kaipo. I have been struggling with discipline, finding balance and something that will help improve his behavior. Karli gave me an idea, that a friend of hers had used. So we headed to the $$ store this morning, filled this bucket with random, prizes, toys and treats. We are going to try something a little new and see how it goes. Several times a day we are going to stop and talk about how his behavior has been and if he has had to visit time-out. If he HAS NOT, then he gets to choose something from the bucket. I talked it up the whole way home and said we would check b4 lunch, dinner, and bed. Well... already I have realized I need to shorten my time-frames. Within 10 minutes of returning home and filling up the prize bucket, he was hiding behind the couch, cutting up pages from Ame's diary (partly Ame's fault for leaving her scissors right on her desk, asking to be used). I am making more and more adjustments as the day goes on. I think once he gets 1 prize, he will work harder for the next! We shall see.

But I am soooo open to any other creative ideas, as well!

Some things ABOUT my boys

A few days ago we were in the kitchen. I was fixing Ame's necklace that got broken at school and Kaipo was playing with the stools. I told him, stop doing that...you are going to hurt yourself. I think I say that at least 20 times a day (and luckily he never gets hurt). Well today was a different story. He had put his feet inside the barstool and lost his balance, pulling the stool down on himself, as he crashed to the ground. Usually after his many falls he is just up and no big deal, but not this time. He was crying, as well as stuck under the stool. As I reached down to pull the stool off him and help him up, I saw blood all over his chin. As I held him and look closer, he had cut his chin pretty good, as well as his gums under his front teeth. First thing we did was tried to stop the bleeding, and all I could think was please don't have to go the Emergency Room (QUinn was in the middle of teaching class and I knew I couldn't get ahold of him)! After a while I realized it wasn't as bad as it initially seemed, so we just put some neosporin and a bandade.

Thank goodness it wasn't a serious one! I just know my days of being blessed without seeing the emergency room, will not always be as they were today!!

But for now, I am feeling rather lucky and so glad you are OK, my Kaipo!

And this picture capture 2 things about our little guy, Ash.

One: you can't see all that well, but he (as well as the rest of us) has had a runny nose for a good week now. He is getting more teeth, so that may be it for him, but some of the us have had sore throats, head colds and all the fun that comes with the changing season! I am so looking forward to winter, for that very reason! hahaha
Two: this is what we hear from him, A LOT! Since he still isn't talking much, this is the expression that comes with the yelling and sqealing for anything and eveything he wants (or gets taken away). I try and try to reinforce using words all the time, we watch signing time just about everyday AND the kids and I reinforce signs for everything. We have made a little progress-he signs dog, more, all done, blows kisses, waves bye, says dad (not mom). It is so interesting how different each child develops and it soo hard NOT to compare.

No matter what...I LOVE his cuddles and the sweetness about my little boy!

the FIRST day of School for our two BIG kids

Rise and Shine! It is the first day of school!!!

By the look on their faces you'd think I got them up at 5am (only 7:15).

Mom made a special breakfast-Egg/Bacon/Cheese Sandwhiches

and Breakfast Milkshakes (jme we make them all the time) Here's my BIG boy all ready for his 1st day of Pre-School
Ame is SOO ready, although now going back inside for a sweater.
She was so excited to wear her new dress and of course
we get a nice cold spell, so a sweater it is!
A new backpack of course

These 2 were equally excited for each other on their 1st day

And we are off! (QUinn had class this morning)

First stop (with the boys aboard), Ame's class! She found her spot on the carpet.

It was funny there were several PROUD parents (including myself) standing along the back of the classroom snaping pics and getting video. After a few minutes of intro the teacher told all the kids to turn around and WAVE GOODBYE to their parents. That was a cute way of saying

GET OUT OF HERE!

I wasn't as teary as I thought I would be, sending off my 1st to school.

I was just proud and excited for her. We have been waiting for this day for

A LONG TIME!

Next it was off to Kaipo's class...Alphabet Train PreSchool.

Kaipo and my good friend's boy, Casen. They are great pals too!

(the are both about the same...rough & tumble & crazy)

Ms. Michelle is in our stake and was highly recommended.

I think she will be GREAT with Kaipo-giving him the discipline

and structure he needs.

I HAD to take this picture.

After all that racing around, I brought Ash home to take a quick nap

b4 we had to go back to pick everyone up. I decided to check my

email and do a few things on the computer. And after a moment of

NO interruptions, I realized...IT IS SOOO QUIET.

It actually felt really wierd, but I think I will enjoy this

2 hours/twice a week!

Then it was back to school for pick-up.

I took a cute picture of Ame with her teacher,

Miss Amy when she had her one-on-one evaluation time.

Unfortunately, I had forgotten my camera, so I just snapped

a few withmy camera phone, which now I can't get off cuz something is

wrong withmy plug. I am annoyed with my phone lately!!

(beside the point)
Here she is, after her 1st day of school!

Ame with our 2 neighbors, Jackson and Garritt

(they are in the other kindergarten class)

Ame and Ireland-she is in another ward in our church bldg,

but they have played together a few times, so hopefully they become

better friends now that they are in the same class.

I worry about Ame and making friends. She feels left out easily

(which I am sure is common at this age), and I have been trying to talk to her

about how to make friends. I encouraged her to learn the name of one

new class member each day (and each day I will ask her who she met),

until she knows everyone! Hopefully that will help her to be a

little more outgoing!!

I didn't see who instigated the hand-holding,

but I though that was cute.

Rainy Day, Fun?

We got a big cold, rain storm, which rolled in Sunday after church.

While we were eating dinner, it started to POUR.

I told the kids we should go play in the rain and they LOVED the idea.

(I was inspired by my sisters blog about Chris playing with Kaiya in the rain)

We finished up and got changed, just in time for it to STOP raining.

It sprinkled on and off for a while, but it wasn't quite the

FUN in the RAIN that we had hoped for.

All we really got was cold and a little wet.

Better luck next time?!

Ohana Picnic

We had a fun afternoon today. Ame's hula group has an Ohana Picnic about this time

every year. The kids had a blast with the bounce/slide, as well as other games and activities.

Of course a hawaiian party, isn't a party without the yummy local food-short ribs,

kalua pork, rice and mac salad.

We left the park with some prizes, full bellies and

worn out kids!

Who could ask for anything more??

If in doubt...check and re-check

So I did my weekly gorcery shopping earlier this week and I had to get some EXTRA things to make dishes for parties we would be attending, but when my total showed on the screen I was shocked!!! I didn't think I had gotten that much more than usual. As I was walking out of the store, I noticed that a few things that were marked down WITH a tag, were scanned as regular price, so I headed to customer service to get refunded for my over-charge.

But it still seemed like I had spent WAY more for what I had actually taken home. After I got home and put everything away, I looked over my receipt more closely and found the source of the MUCH larger bill. I was charged for 59 ears of corn on the cob, instead of 5! SO instead of being charged $2.50, I was charged $29.50. I called the store and reported my finding and they said to come back in with my receipt and they would surely refund my $$.

It definitely pays to check your receipt.

If ever in doubt, I have LEARNED to always check AND re-check!