Oahu {Day 4}

Day four was Aaden's fourth birthday. The boys got up early, we got breakfast and hit the road after Owen's morning nap. We arrived at Pearl Harbor, ate a picnic lunch and decided to head over to Ford Island and go through the flight museum. Little ones aren't allowed at the USS Arizona Memorial or on the Bowfin (sub) or USS Missouri, so we looked at them from afar. Aaden was in awe of all the military stuff and was attentive and interested in what happened on December 7, 1941.

We all love history, so enjoyed ourselves immensely (looking forward to going back some day and taking in the rest of the sites).

That evening we were invited to swim in the Villa house pool (also on the property we stayed). It was a perfect way to end Aaden's birthday. A swim, a great view and a bbq with cake!

{4 year Hawaiian photos}

Oahu {Day 2 & 3}

Day two was hot! We headed out to explore the island. We didn't plan to be gone long, so weren't really prepared. We wanted to hike out to the lighthouse at Makapu'u. The trek was not as kid friendly as we imagined (a 14 month old in the Ergo and a 4 year old walking was too much). We hiked to the first peak to see the beautiful view and gaze out at the other islands. We then promptly went back down, thirsty, hot and tired. Most people with kiddos had strollers, umbrellas and lots of water. Next time! We then attempted to make it to Honolulu to shop Costco, thankfully there was one much closer as both kids were screaming and tired. That evening we had a scare, tsunami warnings and evacuation notices. Being unfamiliar with the island and seeing our street on the evacuation notice was unnerving. Thankfully everything turned out okay, but it sure was a long night!

Day three was Sunday, so we packed up early and headed inland to visit our former pastor and his church in Wahiawa. It was great to see he, his wife and three kids. We hung out after the service and reminisced about old times. That evening I took Aaden out for his 4 year old photo shoot on the beach at Kailua. It was really stormy, but we got some cool shots! {Will share in the next post}.

Oahu {Day 1}

It has been a week and a half since our return from paradise. We still have the sun kissed faces...but are back to the freezing drizzle of the northwest. Thankful we got to enjoy the sunshine and warmth for 10 days. We took hundreds of pictures, so it is hard to pick. I think I will take it a day at a time...

Our first day on the island was spent soaking in the beautiful location, sitting on our lanai looking out over Kane'ohe Bay, grocery shopping and an evening swim at Lanikai (our favorite family friendly beach). We even got to watch hang gliders come off the hills and land on the beach.

Brothers

We are working on being kind, loving and sharing with one another...

Crying and gnashing of teeth before and after this shot. That's real life, no posing necessary. :)

Aaden's 4th Party

We are going to be in Hawaii on Aaden's actual birthday so we had a small family party for him so others could help him celebrate.

This party was all things Lego, he was so excited to finally get Dad's whole Lego collection from childhood! {We missed you Nee'Nee' and Grandpa Terry}!

 Putting the finishing touches on his Lego Space Needle (Thanks Nana and Papa)!

 He asked for red & brown for his theme?!

 Goofing around!

 He wanted steak, stuffed peppers and homemade baked beans for dinner?! 

 I made him some Hot Wheel art for his room!

Not sure who was more excited, Aaden or Uncle Tim, Unkie Jonner, Dad or Papa!?!

Space Needle Visit

For Aaden's birthday we asked him what he would like to do to celebrate. He said "go to the Space Needle"! So we headed down yesterday on the soggiest day in a long time and rode the elevator to the top. We went with my folks and everyone enjoyed their first visits (even though both my folks were at the World's Fair in 1962, neither went up). Everyone was very excited and it was so fun to see the joy and wonder in Aaden's eyes!

And the silly commemorative photo -