Maui in May

My parents took us to Maui in May. It was heavenly. The New England winter was long and cold so we were more than ready to escape to paradise! It was a trek to get there from Boston (almost 20 hours) but the kids traveled amazingly well. Sam loved the window shades on the plane. He probably annoyed everyone near us as he opened and shut them, but it kept him happy!

The perk of being jet-lagged was mornings like this. We'd wake up, walk outside, and watch the sunrise. We were the first ones on the beach most days!

We met some very friendly people at the market in Lahaina, and snapped a photo under the banyan tree.

 At church on Sunday a new stake was organized in Maui. It was a beautiful meeting. To close the meeting we all stood and sang "Aloha Oe". Then we had Sunday dinner, Maui style (ie grilled steaks on the beach).

The rest of our trip was spent snorkeling (we saw turtles, a shark, a seal, and lots of cool fish)...

 And body boarding...

 And eating wonderful food...

 And playing on the beach...

 And visiting the summit of Haleakala (a volcano)...

 And going to more beaches...

And going on hikes and drives...

 I love these people. I mean, the location was amazing, but it just felt good to be with them.

 

Thanks for an amazing trip Mom, Dad, and Jeff! We had the best time. It was hard to come home.

Aloha Maui! Until we meet again!

(Not pictured because Brad lost his phone in the ocean are the following events: the Sheraton Luau, the boys going scuba diving, and pictures of the amazing hotel pool that the girls lived in all week.)

Coming Back

Well hello little blog. Sorry I have neglected you for so long! You have missed so much that I kind of don't know where to begin. So I won't for now. Maybe I'll do throwback posts later. But for now, there is this: We are happy. We are healthy. We are grateful.

And here is why:

Brad is in his second year of Opthalmology training which means a WAY better schedule. He has most weekends off! It's amazing! He can come to church! He can come with us to do stuff! It is awesome. We have missed him.

Lainy is happy in school. I spent the summer debating/praying/fasting about whether or not to home school her this year. There seemed to be so many pro's to keeping my precious girl home and far away from the things that made last year so hard for her. I was actually all set to do it, but then I went to the temple and had the strong impression that we should send her to school for another year. So, with an anxious heart, we did. And she's been great! It's a complete 180 from last year. What a blessing.

Leah started a little ballet class. I've been teaching her some things at home, but this year we wanted her to do something special just for her. Her dance studio is called Catch the Funk, which irks me to no end, but the price is right and they actually do a good job with the basics. She's the social butterfly of her class and asks me every morning "Do I go to ballet today?". It's hard to get her out of her leotard and tights. She remains our tenderhearted, adorable girl.

Samuel just turned 18 months old. He is a special soul. I really wish I could freeze him at this age for a while. His next big adventure is Nursery: it hasn't been going well so far. But honestly, I'm okay with a mama's boy for now ;)

We spent the Summer swimming, exploring Boston's North Shore beaches, camping in the back yard, taking care of our garden, and visiting our family in Idaho. It was heavenly. I tried to keep it as fun-filled and low-key as possible. We all needed it.

So there is my update, little blog. I'll be back soon.

To Alaina On Her Birthday

Dear Lainy,

Happy, happy birthday Lainy dear! You are seven!

This year we learned what you are made of, and it is strong stuff. I have worried over you more this past year than any of  your previous years, but you pulled through. I saw you do hard things with grace and courage and it just about made my heart burst. You are simply incredible.

I've had so much fun having you all to myself this summer. We've done so many fun things. Remember when you got third place in the 4th of July race? Even though you were smaller than most of those kids, you dug deep and with a face full of determination you ran your heart out and won a medal! That was awesome.

It was so fun to see you conquer your fear of water in the swimming pool this summer. I know you had to talk yourself into it a lot, but by the end of summer you were jumping in and swimming around like a pretty little fish. I am so proud of you!

Next week you will start Second Grade. I am nervous for you, but trying not to show it. I really wondered if I should home-school you this year, but I went to the temple and I had the strong (STRONG) impression that you should go back to school. So I guess I will share you. Heavenly Father knows you better than I do, and I trust Him. I hope that this summer at home, surrounded by people who love and adore you, has fortified you for the school year. I will be praying for you! And you can always know that our home is a safe place.

I am so very humbled to be your mother. Next year you will turn 8. I am excited to help you get ready for baptism. It is going to be a great year!

I love you, sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy

Spring

Has Spring come to you yet? Our weather can't seem to make up its mind.

A couple of weeks ago the sun came out and temperatures were in the 70's. Naturally, we headed for Home Depot (along with everyone else in Boston) to purchase the beginnings of a garden. Carrots, spinach, green beans, cilantro, basil, marigolds and nasturtiums. They were in the warm, soft ground before lunch and our sun-kissed cheeks felt so good.

The next day it poured buckets of rain and temperatures plummeted. Then we woke up to a dusting of snow.

"I guess it's not Spring after all," Leah said sadly as we inspected the frozen ground for any signs of life. I guess not.

But this week. This week is different. Temperatures haven't dropped below freezing for at least a week. Every day we look out our window and see something new: a little patch of green, a tree full of buds, a flower in bloom. I think the air might even have a touch of humidity. Spring is coming!

The buds on the beautiful tree in our front yard are getting bigger and bigger. The girls room has the best view of them. Every morning we check to see if anything has blossomed. Today they look like they might burst. We can't wait.

Next week we are headed to Hawaii with my parents for a much needed respite (even Brad!). I can't wait to hug them, and to talk with them in real life, and to show off my beautiful, smart girls, and my bouncy, giggly baby boy. The beach will be nice too.

When we get back we will be replanting the garden. Fingers crossed my green thumb has improved!


Plus, this boy. I mean, really.

*Easter outfits provided by Grandma Hansen. Aren't they adorable?!*

A Good Night

Brad and the kids have been missing each other this week. He leaves early in the morning before they wake up and comes home at night after they are asleep. It's hard on them. And on him. I know they miss each other.

Last night we were surprised when Brad walked in the door early! The kids all ambushed him. Sam went right for Brad's ID badge (his favorite toy). Lainy grabbed his arm and informed him in great detail of everything he's missed since she saw him last. Leah started twirling and giggling. I smiled at him through the happy chaos and watched their sweet reunion (then I hastily got something ready for him to eat since he is usually too busy to grab lunch and comes home starving).

It's nice to all be together, even if it's just for a few minutes before bed time.

And that is what a good night in our house looks like these days. I sure love this little family of mine.

(Not pictured are most nights when I put the kids to bed and sit on the couch alone with my bowl of ice cream.)

To Samuel on His Birthday

I can't believe I'm sitting down to write this letter so quickly! Time is such a funny thing. It makes the last twelve months feel like a blur, but at the same time it's hard to remember what our family was like without you.

You came into this world a big, strong, healthy boy with a twinkle in your eye. You've added such joy and love to our home. I don't know if there has been a more adored baby. Let's face it, you make it easy with your ready smile and your sweet, contented demeanor.

I'll never forget how amazing you were during the chaos of our move. I'm pretty sure you sat in your bouncy chair for the better part of three weeks, and I'm pretty sure you just smiled at me the whole time.

I love you, my darling boy.

I think you were sent here this year to make me smile and laugh on days that were hard. To squeal in delight when Daddy walks in the room. To give Lainy something warm and fleshy to hug when she needed extra love, and to give Leah a captive audience for her silly songs and voices.

You are something special. We love you so.

So, tear open your gifts, and smash your cake, and bask in the love a family who is very grateful to have you around.

Happy Birthday, sweet baby Sam!

Maine

Massachusetts has this thing called February Break. It's like Spring Break, but in February. I think it's kind of genius because February is always the month (for me) when it feels like winter will last forever. This year the break just happened to begin on Valentine's Day and last through our Anniversary. Perfect.

We went to Maine. Can you believe it's just over an hour from Boston? Everything is so close in New England. I love it.

We stayed in a hotel with a great swimming pool and let the girls swim for two days. Between swimming sessions, we ventured out in the snow and saw a few lighthouses. It was really, really cold, but also beautifully quiet and picturesque. I am convinced that a view of the ocean is always good for the soul (even in the snow). We plan to go back when it's a bit warmer...

 

We came home to a fresh foot of snow. Sigh. Winter will end eventually, right?

Nor'Easter(s)

We've been having a lot of storms here lately. True Nor'Easter storms. In fact, it's snowing right now. I've been trying to figure out exactly what a Nor'Easter is and how it compares to storms in the West. From my limited experience, there isn't much difference. There are just more people here. Lots of people who like to panic and bombard the grocery store to empty all the shelves. It's crazy. I've never seen anything like it. I wish they'd all just calm down. I laugh until I have to run to the store and get stuck in line for 45 minutes (no exaggeration).

With all the storms have come snow days. I was all for snow days until I learned that Lainy's school adds a day to the end of the year for every snow day lost. Since they're already scheduled to middle of June, we're looking at her being in school until July. Yuck!! Oh well, there's not much we can do except take advantage while we can.

We've had a lot of fun sledding on the perfect little hill in our yard, building snowmen and igloos, and making treats inside.

 My kids are so fun.