A Few Memories of our Kauai Trip

Just a few of my favorite shots of our trip.  I think this was my favorite vacation ever.  The kids were great, we got to do a lot of fun things, the weather was nice, Big Dad seemed to really enjoy himself and just hanging out with the kids.  What an awesome way to end the summer. 

Dad and Sophie heading out to surf near Poipu Beach.  There is a little reef break right out in front of the Kiahuna Plantation.  They had such a great time.  Dad was able to stand in a shallow part of the water and push her so she could catch the waves.  Tony was out there paddling around on his boogie board and was able to help tow her back out around the breaking waves and other surfers. The board was giant so it was hard for her to maneuver on her own. It was a true team effort.   

Nick playing in the sand at my favorite, Tunnels Beach. We snorkeled and swam here.  I think it is the most beautiful beach I have ever visited.  There is a huge reef that is home to tons of tropical fish.  Last time we even saw turtles here, but not this year.  Sophie was our little snorkle-girl this time.  She was able to go out really far with no problem at all. I was impressed.  She loved it, too. 

The 3 oldest at Kalapaki Beach. Tony, Claire and Marty all surfed at this beach, too. Tony and Marty also did a lot of body-boarding this year.  Tony is starting to enjoy it as much as surfing.  He can do a lot of pretty cool tricks in the waves. He flips the board over and does a barrel roll or does a 360 while riding the wave.  

Our beautiful baby girl.  I love this photo because she still looks like a baby with chubby cheeks.  We bought the girls flower leis at dinner one night.  Can you see how tired she looks?  

My boys. I absolutely love this picture. Tony and Marty are watching a really great surfer way out in the water.  The waves were really big that evening. Nick is checking out a sea turtle in the rocks below.  The turtle was huge. I think he freaked Nick out a bit. The turtle kept sticking his head out of the water and looking around. He was pretty awesome.  I would have taken a photo of him, but he looked like a giant rock. 

First Day of School

It is the day Tony and I have been dreading.  Even the weather was bad.  It was drizzling a little bit. We are all still a bit jet-lagged but we made it in time.  The girls were excited but Tony made his typical "face."  Nick goes back to pre-school 3 mornings starting next week.  

I made this today while the kiddies were at school. I enjoyed putting a police hat on myself. I do feel like a warden at times.  I also liked the chef hat and briefcase combo for Marty.  I know...  I have far too much time on my hands.

I would far rather be spending my time putting together an adoption dossier, but we are not there.....yet.

OLYMPICS CRAZY!!!

WE ARE CELEBRATING TONITE !!!!  Team USA and Mommy's favorite, Nastia Liukin, winning the GOLD in All-Around.  We made Chinese Food and had a great time eating.  Sophie and I made: Dumplings (Costco) Broccoli and Beef, and  Sweet and Sour Shrimp, both from Emeril Lagasse (TV Food) We even made decorations, a little cheesy, but a yellow plastic lid was as close as we could get to a Gold medal.  Sorry Shawn, but all we had for a Silver was a beige top and it looked completely disrespectful.  We kept telling Nick that he and Nastia were from Russia and we were so proud. He has absolutely no idea what we were talking about, he just wanted to eat the "potstickers," his alltime favorite.  We love celebrating this crazy stuff. Gymnastics and Russia both hold dear spots in our hearts. So...Let's eat Chinese... (food!)  

Fun at the Beach

We spent all last week at the beach.  Here are some highlights.  Sophie finally got it. She is surfing now...just like the rest of them.  She is the one in the ponytails.  How about Nick in his board shorts and pajama top?  He rolled out of bed and onto the beach.  What a life these kids have!!!! Even Luna joined in on the fun.

Happy Birthday Claire!!

We celebrated our gymnast's 9th Birthday this weekend.  I cannot believe that she is 9 years old.

She wanted to have her team over for a swim and pizza party It was so much fun.