God Painted My Eyes Blue

"God painted my eyes blue." Makena, Age 3

Today Makena asked me why her eyes were blue. I told her because God made them blue. With utter excitement, Makena jumped and said, "Wow! God PAINTED my eyes blue!!" As she said her realization, she swayed her arm all around as if she was painting. She then added, "And Mommy, he painted your eyes brown."

I like Makena's explanation better than mine. :)

Makena's 1st Day of Preschool

Makena on her 1st Day of Preschool

Wow! It's been such a whirl wind since we've gotten back from our summer on the mainland. After moving into a house in UpCountry Makawao, the day has arrived that Makena starts preschool. Mom & Dad can hardly believe it... and Makena is excited as excited can be.

Makena showing off her "Hello Kitty" lunch box.

Makena is attending Maui Montessori 3 days a week. The campus is absolutely beautiful with such a friendly staff. The school itself goes all the way through 8th grade. Makena has a friend from church, Jack, who is also attending the montessori. But for the most part, Makena is meeting all new children. In fact, everyone in her class is a new face, which doesn't seem to phase her in the least.

Makena making a silly face.

Mom, Dad & Sydney all accompanied Makena on her 1st day of school. We all talked a bit before leaving the house about what to expect when we got there. I told Makena when we arrived to her classroom, we would meet her teacher, Ms. Christine. Then Mommy, Daddy & Sydney would all give her a hug, say goodbye and she would then go into the class and meet the rest of the kids.

Makena being the brave little 3-year-old she is, as soon as we pulled into the school & got out of the car, Makena turned to us, gave us all big hugs and said "Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! Bye, Sydney!" And was ready to go on her way to her big 1st day. We reminded Makena that first we needed to stop by the front office, drop off some paperwork and find out where her classroom was. Haha!

Once we got to the front office, Makena again says, "Bye Mom! Bye Dad!" and gave us all huge hugs. We again reminded her, we had to find out where her classroom was... then we'll all say goodbye.

We finally made it to Makena's classroom. We met Makena's teachers Ms. Christine and Ms. Valerie, learned where to put our slippers, lunch box and sign in... And at last! The final farewell took place. Without any hesitation, Makena (for the 3rd time) told us all goodbye, gave us all hugs and ventured into her classroom.

I thought I was doing a great job of keeping my cool, when Dusty slightly nudged me to start walking. Coming out of my daze, Sydney & I said goodbye to Dusty and walked on to our car. I didn't expect to be hit with so many emotions. But saying goodbye to Makena as she stayed at preschool, was a bit more tear-jerking than I ever imagined. And it wasn't Makena in tears, it was Mom!!

Luckily, I still have one sweet baby girl to spend my time with. As I got Sydney into her car seat, she blew me kisses and said, "I love you" in the kind of baby talk that only moms can understand. And luckily my friend, Amanda, invited me over to her house for a baby play date with her son, Jonah. I had no idea just how much I would need that play date until the actual day arrived. Amanda & Jonah may have saved me from being one emotional Mommy while her daughter was attended her first day of preschool.

The day went on, Sydney took her nap and at last the time had arrived to pick Makena up. You won't be surprised to here Makena had an amazing day. She loved her teachers! Loved the kids! And Ms. Valerie commented that its as if Makena had always been in the class. While this was Makena's 1st day, school had been in session for 2 weeks. And according to Ms. Valerie you would of never known. Makena felt very comfortable, was very social and loved learning.

At one point during the day, I talked with my mom on the phone. She reminded me someday I would be dropping Makena off at college! Phew... until then, I'll just treasure our days at preschool.

Skateboarding!!

After a morning of surfing & climbing trees at Lauinupoko with Hannah and her boys, we headed back to Hannah & Bo's house to watch the Boise State vs Virginia Tech football game. Makena spent all afternoon following Max & Leo on all their adventures, which included SKATEBOARDING!!

Makena skateboarding with Leo.

Yay, Makena!! First time skateboarding.

When it was time to leave, Makena asked if she could skateboard down the hill "just 5 more times."

Memorial Day Party

We spent Memorial Day enjoying beautiful Spreckellsville on Maui's North Shore. Our friends from church, Kristi & JB were hosting a fun volleyball tournament & bbq. Mom even got out for a game!! Makena easily spent 4 hours playing on the water slide with a bunch of friends.

While Sydney explored everything!!

The day was complete with a Baja Fog for Mom & Dad... dangerous! :)

Christmas 2008

Our Growing Family (minus Sato) at Ko Olina

One, Two, Threeeeee.... Makena LOVES this!!

Daddy is a ton of FUN! :)

Look, Mommy!!

Thank you, Emily for taking such great family photos of us!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

CHRISTMAS 2008 Photos

Pipe Masters Finals

Wild Duck Hunt!

Danielle, Nana & Tyler and THE DUCKS!!!

Becca, Makena, Danielle & Tyler.

Wow! This is a little crazy... these ducks are REALLY hungry!

We had plans to enjoy the day having a lake-side picnic at Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens feeding the ducks. What we didn't know was that we were the first visitors of the day and ALL the ducks and geese were REALLY hungry!! We were greeted by hundreds of hungry ducks... and attacked by one agressive goose!

Kind of crazy day... haha! :)

Duck Photos and more of Nana's Trip to Oahu

Makena's Christmas Party

Makena had a great Christmas Party with her Mom's Club friends. And Nana is in town and even got to join in on the fun!!!

Christmas Party Photos

Merry Christmas

Sunset & Haleiwa

View from Emily & Tripp's house. Sunset Men's Surf Competition going on...

Makena later on at Haleiwa... really big surf day. Dusty got some video we'll post soon.

Granny's Visit to Oahu

Waikiki, Oahu

Daddy, Makena & Granny just haning out... enjoying a break from the rain!

Hi Granny!

Makena at Dole Pineapple Plantation

We love when Granny comes to visit... and this time she brought her fun friend, Lisa! Granny always makes Thanksgiving extra special... AND she has yet to miss one of Dusty's birthdays. This year she was here to celebrate Dusty's 35th Birthday.

Love you, Granny! And so glad Lisa got to join us in Hawaii... finally!!!!

xoxoxox

some photos from Granny's Visit to Oahu