Happy Birthday Jesse!

Today we had Jesse's 2nd birthday party (even though his birthday isn't until the 28th). We celebrated with his friend Braydon and all their buddies at the playground...their favorite place to be.

I made Jesse a lego cake (legos are his new found joy).

"Happy Birthday dear Jesse!"
In the past few weeks, Jesse has really started talking (finally!) and his new word today was "birthday" as he pointed at the cake.

Opening presents next to the other birthday boy. It got a little hairy a few times as they grabbed at the other's presents, but all in all it worked out great.

Jesse so enjoyed his day. He hated leaving the park when it was all over but a wagon full of toys enticed him.

Oh Jesse, we have more in store for you on Wednesday! I love birthdays so much...you can't just ignore the actual birthday even if you do have the party on a different day :).

Dear Lord, thank you for the light in Jesse's eyes, the joy in his laughter, and the joy he brings us every day.

A Great Date

Joel took Anna to a "Father Daughter" dance sponsored by the Navy Base. Anna was beside herself with excitement. She loved getting dressed up, having her hair fixed, and being whisked away to the ball.

Anna dancing with her friend Mia.

The princess with her prince. I just love the way she is looking at him.

And the best part-in Anna's words "I saw REAL princesses!"

A night she will always remember. Hopefully Daddy will be the number one man in her life for a long long time.

A Hawaiian Easter

Our beautiful day celebrating His resurrection started off with a sunrise service aboard the battleship USS Missouri.

When we arrived home, the kids discovered that the Easter bunny had visited!

Then we made resurrection bread to eat with breakfast. We rolled marshmallows (Jesus's body) in butter and cinnamon/sugar (burial) and then wrapped them in crescent rolls (the tomb). The marshmallows melt while baking so they are empty when you break them open to eat.

Then off to the beach for a neighborhood potluck. Neighborhood gatherings for holidays happen often here since we are all so far away from family. It makes holidays special in a new and memorable way.

Asher getting surfing lessons.

Jesse wouldn't leave the dessert table.

The kids heard the resurrection story while parents hid eggs.

It isn't every Easter you have an Easter egg hunt on the beach!

I just love this picture of Jesse. The egg hunt got him away from the dessert table but then he just plopped down and devoured his candy.

We pray all of you had an extra special Easter too! We love and miss you all and hope to be with family over the next few holidays since we will be back on the mainland!

What Easter Means

Asher was asked to draw a picture of what Easter meant to him. This drawing was the result. Brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. In his words, that is Jesus and him in the heart and then Jesus with our family (all 5 of us). Jesus is doing a good work in Asher and it is beautiful to see.

Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter everyone. We pray that Jesus is doing a good work in each one of you as we remember His ultimate sacrifice today.

Dragon's Nostrils

Joel and I were able to check something off our "List of things to do in Hawaii" this week as we finally got a babysitter and did a hike we have been eying for 2 years called "Dragon's Nostrils". It is not a kid friendly hike, and was quite an adventure. We had an AMAZING time.

You start by going up a paved path and eventually turn of the paved path to hike down volcanic rock. We were heading to the tide pools you see at the bottom is this picture.

At the bottom are 2 blow holes that look like a dragon blowing steam out his nostrils, hence the name of the hike. We sat at the bottom enjoying the tide pools, watching the ocean, and having uninterrupted conversations.

Well, if you know me, you know me and my lighthouse pictures.
Just had to share this amazing view.

This is the path we hiked home. Yes, what path?! There really isn't one. Instead of hiking back up, you just hike over the rocks along the bottom of the cliffs for some beautiful hidden sights.

Joel at one of those beautiful sights.

The best find of the hike was this tide pool. It was deep enough that we couldn't touch the bottom but crystal clear, hidden in the side of the cliff with an ocean view to the side.

Another great memory of Hawaii to add to our collection.

Take Two

A little over a week ago, Asher had his first trip to the ER to get staples in the back of his head. He was skidding around on his big wheel, "tricks Mommy", when a skid stop whipped the back of his head into the edge of a carport post. He was so brave in the ER, shedding not a tear! But geesh-2 kids to the ER for stitches/staples in 2 months! I don't like where this is headed! The minute he got home from the ER, he put his helmet on and was off on his big wheel again performing tricks. GO ASHER!

This morning was the "gecko gallop" - a 10K run on base. This was our 2nd 10K as a family. This is how we roll!! Ever since we trained this way for our marathon last year, the kids LOVE going with us and enjoy cheering us on during races. Our family jogging by is a common sight in this neighborhood. This 10K was a personal best for me-54:30! Yes, Joel could go faster but he stays with me :).

A gecko gallop wouldn't be the same without a gecko! Jesse still only says a handful of words but today he took off towards this guy saying "Look, gecko!". We were dumbfounded. Anna was mortally terrified of him but we managed to get a family photo after our run.

Its a Tough Life

Napping on the beach = heaven! We have had visitors for a month now so this is how Jesse has been catching up on some z's.

My parents arrived about a week after my sister so that their visits overlapped for 1 week. It was a jam packed week filled with beaches, a hike, swimming with dolphins, and a luau.

But most importantly, my parents just enjoyed time with their grandchildren all being in one place at the same time! It was precious.

Everyone lined up at our favorite burger joint.

Metal detecting with Poppy.

I was able to take my Mom sailing. It was a beautiful day.

The cousins had a blast together...here they are at a luau. Asher and Anna are still sad that they are gone.

However, the Olsen family departure was followed by the arrival of some of our dear friends from Massachusetts, Rick and Wendy Picariello (with their son Isaac). Our first item of business was swimming in a waterfall.

Joel and Asher with Rick and Isaac.

As of right now, we are still having fun with the Picariello's. Asher and Anna are going to be sad to see another friend leave. Then after a month of entertaining, we are going to have to interject ourselves back into real life...so sad!