Need a Little Hawaii Today

Dressed and ready for the party

On our walk 

Following the leader

Trey and Hazel making a memory

First tattoo

Learning to dance

Diamond Head Crater

We went out on a few excursions while we were at Aulani.  This trip took us to Diamond Head Crater.  It was really amazing.  It was a pretty difficult climb with lots of stairs and some tunneling through the crater which was my least favorite part...think lots of people, cramped space and pitch black...not my idea of a great time, but super glad we did it!

The very highest point.  

A truly amazing view at the top.

Hazel and I looked out at every angle for a long while.

August catching his breath.

Coast right below.

Light House.

Proud climber.

See where is says "Danger"?  That's exactly why I was down below!

Hazel ran some of the way back down.

Funny Action Shots

I was uploading vacation pictures and I started laughing so hard when these came up:

We were at Diamond Head Crater and had just finished hiking to the top.  Trey, Hazel and I were stretching when August though he'd be par core and try to run up the tree.  He was unsuccessful.  And it was so funny.

What I See

You guys? We've never been to Hawaii so don't be mad at this post. I'm kinda shell shocked. This place is amazing. We've seen whales and sea turtles...we've swam in the ocean and in pools and lazy rivers.
We've seen Mickey and Goofy.
It is magical here...and the drinks are good too!
Wish you were here!

Fall is Happening Here

Things are moving so fast right now.  I'm in shock every time I have to write the date (which is everyday) and realize that Hazel's birthday is right around the corner, then Thanksgiving, then August's birthday and then Christmas!  It will all be over before you know it!
Both kids are turning double digits this year.  It's a big one.  They've requested a brunch at Salty's to celebrate.  August looked at the calendar and picked the weekend that is right in between both their special days.  I think we're all looking forward to that meal.
August is going to be a part of the ski bus every Friday.  It's a big group of middle schoolers who ride the bus up to the pass to ski from 5-10pm.  I'm so excited for him.  It of course will mean that we're having to load him up on ski gear.  I've never skied, and Trey hasn't done it in years.  We spent some time looking at equipment over the weekend...holy cow! Our next step is to go to the swap meet next weekend in hopes that we can find some deals...cause skiing isn't cheep!!
Hazel has been taking a hip-hop class this season.  You guys?  She's so cute when she's trying to bust-a-move.  I mean just picture her with her cute little hair, leg warmers, big ol' gym shoes, tee shirt and leggings trying to do the "Michael Jackson turn" or the "snake" across the room. I'm loving every minute of this class.
Thanksgiving is coming right up.  I originally thought we'd be able to travel to see Trey's Dad and step-mom but then reality hit me right in the face.  I'm a teacher now.  Those days off right before Thanksgiving?  I have to work them!  So all travel plans are off.  Which is sad for the Many family (both Wick's and my own).  Another Thanksgiving in Seattle for us.
Christmas plans are in full swing.  All our family schedules have been approved and we were even able to fit one night with friends!

That's all for now.  Have to get the kids to piano.

Halloween 2011

The kids opted for a Halloween part of their own this year.  They each made their list and sent out the invitations, created a menu, requested songs and movies.  And it was a success!
While I can't post everyone's picture because I don't have permission from their parents, I can post some of the more disguised kids:

Hazel dressed as a dead vampire.

Trey, a turkey

Hazel's friend was a zombie

August's friend won the best costume contest as an accountant who sold his soul to the devil

A room full of pre-teen gals...super fun! 

This was before the dance party...

August invited several friends from elementary school as well as some newer friends

August's friend as radio head (I think)

Another friend, not sure what his costume was...not sure he knew either

Francis as Hanna?

The beginning of the dance party

There was lots of noise and bouncing around.  Trey made a pretty fun dance mix that the kids loved yelling to.

After the costume competition we started Monster Squad.  Trey and I were upstairs for most of the party but loved hearing the squeals of fright at all the right parts.

All in all, it was a success.

How's it Going

Hi Folks!  It's been a wild ride so far! I'm just popping in to let you know that I have a project up on Donorschoose.  It's a great way for teachers to get things for their classroom.  My class really needs early reader books.  I've taken all the books from my house and brought them to the class but I just can't keep up.
I've also put a project up to see if I can get an easel for the room.  This would be used near the carpet corner which would make direct instruction much easier for the students to see what I'm trying to teach them.  The easel would be used for all direct instruction really and has this great organizational element under it...which I love!
So, please consider giving a few bucks towards these critical needs:
Easel
Books