Fireworks!!!

Here are some pictures of the fireworks...Austin loved them and called them "stars."

The blue on his face is from a ring pop....at least it's blue and goes

with the patriotic theme of the day!!!

I got some tips on Yahoo! about how to take photos of the fireworks. So, I figured I would try it out a little....I think it works a LOT better than last years photos!

Eveyone in AWE....and maybe a little tired???

Happy 4th of July!!!

Today is a big day for most military families. We know first hand the sacrifices it took to make this day what it actually is. Deployments make this day even more meaningful.....as our loved ones are actually doing what their jobs entail.....directly or indirectly, they are keeping America free. Personally, while I would LOVE for Brian to be home, I am proud of the job he has and wouldn't go back to change a bit of it!

Speaking of, Brian told me a little about his day....they had a day of fun and relaxation over there (not everyone, but missions are 24/7 over there!). Brian got to compete in a horseshoes tournament with his friend Randy where they placed second. Then they were in a hamburger eating contest. I think Brian threw that competition! He got to IM with me a little bit this morning and he sounded good. He's a little bummed that he's not home to celebrate the 4th....it's one of his favorite days of the year. He's doing well though and is looking forward to coming home (maybe in time for his birthday????) and going on leave!

Austin and I spent the morning doing yard work (we are having a get together on Saturday with our neighbor and some friends) and then after Austin's nap, we went to Schofield Barrack's 4th of July Spectacular. It was a fun time....a little stressful at times with the crowd and a very fast 2 year old, but fun nonetheless! The fireworks were in a weird place, so we had to move to see them, but the kids had fun watching them! That's all that really matters!!! Here are some pictures of the fun before the fireworks!!!

We went to the park today and had a blast! We weren't there very long, but it definately tried Austin out! He just doesn't stop! I think he could give the Energizer Bunny a run for his money! Anyway, here's a few pictures from our fun...Enjoy!

Surf's Up

So, if you haven't seen it yet, it's a pretty good movie!!! Austin sat through the whole movie and didn't even go into the aisle, much less walk up to the door and out of the theater!

It started out with a lot of talking...a few funny moments, but mostly talking. They are calling it a mockumentary since it's supposed to be a documentary about a penguin who's dream it is to be like a surf legend who died 10 years ago. Anyway, it does pick up and ends up being a very cute movie....totally made me want to go out and surf!!! I guess I'll have to take some lessons sometime!

My favorite part???? NOT HAVING TO CHASE AFTER MY 2 YEAR OLD!!!!!

What Austin has been saying lately!!!

So, Austin has been saying the funniest things lately....here are a few:

We were driving to the beach with Paula and the kids when Anna started singing. Austin turned to her and said, "Stop! My ears hurt!"

Then, today we went to see the movie "Surf's Up" at the theater with Nathan and Paula. Austin had a kids pack with popcorn, a soda and a package of candy. He started sharing with Nathan and I told him that he was doing so well at sharing. He said, "I'm nice!"

Tonight, I had a few friends over to watch the new show on Lifetime, "Army Wives." One of the girls has a little boy who will be two sometime in July. Austin is a lot bigger than him and they tend to fight quite a bit when they are with each other, so it's always a struggle to keep Austin from beating up Isaiah. Tonight was not an exception. Austin had just got done throwing a pillow at Isaiah and I went in there and asked Austin if he had hurt his friend. He said, "I'm mean!" I told him that people don't like mean boys and that he needs to be nice to his friends and that's the way our family acts. Again, he looked straight at me and said, "I'm mean!" I guess he used up all his "nice" actions today on his cousin!!!

Just Another Day at the Beach

Well, we went back to the beach today and had a blast! Austin is still getting in the water, as you can see, and all three kids had fun. We didn't stay for the sunset because the kids were getting hungry, but it was still a really good trip. I have to say, this IS the best part about being in Hawaii and we definately haven't taken advantage of it as much as we should have. I hope that changes because I don't want to regret not doing something while we are here.

Sharks Cove

Well, we went to the beach yet again!!! This time it was to Sharks Cove...no there weren't any sharks! Part of it is basically one big tidal pool, but there's another part that you can snorkel. There aren't any waves and you can walk around in the water or on the rocks and find all sorts of marine life. The first picture shows what part of it looks like. There are a lot of shallow parts and some deeper parts, but all of it is fun! Austin got in the water AGAIN today and had a blast. In fact, I had to drag him out of the water kicking and screaming (LITERALLY) when we had to go home. Let's hope he continues having fun, since it's almost a sin to live here and NOT like the water!!!