I dont like kindergarten...

For the first time, all of the kids got ready for their first day of school at the same school!  Jason has been waiting for years to go to Clay with Kara and Ben... so today was a very big day.

I'm glad to report there were no tears... I am very proud, for I managed to hold it together as our baby started kindergarten!  In the last week or so, Jason has been consoling me saying things like, "don't worry, Mom.  I'll still come home."  He told me that he worried about me because he doesn't want me to be sad when he's at school.  And while driving home from our vacation, Jason patted my shoulder from the backseat and said, "it's gonna be okay."

Our tradition has been to take a photo at the school mailbox and soon they'll all be towering over that little mailbox... I know it.

When I asked Jason how kindergarten was, he said, "I don't like kindergarten... I LOVE it!"  We know that is because of Mrs. Harrell.  We also know that Jason will have a great year because she is the best.  We are so grateful.

Though the older kids said they were not ready or excited to go back, they were all smiles to see their friends this morning.

I know it's gonna be better than okay... these kids are going to have a great year.

Aloha to Summer

As our last hurrah before summer vacation ends, we went to Kauai.  Hawaii has always been a special place for our family and this trip was just how we wanted to end our summer.

We spent the first few days in Princeville and enjoyed the beaches in Hanalei.

Kara and Ben took surfing lessons and they said the best part of their trip was learning to surf and catching some waves.

And when the instructor literally "toes" you out there and you don't have to paddle out... well, what's not to love?

We spent the second part of our trip in Poipu and though we enjoyed Hanalei and Princeville, the south side feels like home.

The kids enjoyed snorkeling each morning and looking at all of the sea life!

Jason was lucky to celebrate his 6th birthday in Hawaii.  He kept saying, "if it weren't for my birthday we wouldn't be here."  He had just a few requests on his birthday... one was Spam musubi.  Without a mold, we just decided to do a little Spam hand roll and when that's coupled with bacon, you can't go wrong.

There was beach time...

A root beer shave ice that rivaled Daddy's back home...

And dinner at the place with the tiki torches.  Jason had a great birthday and our day wasn't too bad either.

I love that the kids still enjoy the simple things in Hawaii.

Like using the sand as your own personal canvas...

Being on the lookout for the other KBJ's on the island...

Playing in the water and the waves...

Venturing to the little cities to explore...

Finding the yummy local food...

 A shave ice to cool you down...

Morning walks from the condo to the beach...

It's always so hard to leave Hawaii and we just look forward to the next trip.

Now, we've have to get off of island time and get ready for school.