Saturday, February 18, 2012

Surfing 101

Today the kids ventured out on Ryan's surfboard. Oliver has been watching these little kids his size go out with their own boards and take waves and I think he's getting the itch to learn and "surf like the big boys!"



Walking through our favorite little cave

Watching as the rain approached. We got indoors just in time for a major downpour. It has been crazy windy all week, as you can tell from poor cold Ollie's face:)

I feel like I always forget to take pictures of us so this is as good as it gets with a self-profile pic:)

Ollie practicing his balance on the waves

Still holding on:) I do have to say that Ollie has gotten really comfortable in the ocean. It's amazing to see him just dive in head first and swim in the waves. He's been getting beaten around a little bit which is always good to get used to when you're learning how to surf.


Amelie doesn't know yet that surfers don't suck their thumb. We're working on that one:)

This girl has basically no fear out in the water. I have no doubt that she will be swimming/surfing in no time.

Loving the waves!

So much fun

Ollie practicing paddling, you know, working up those arm muscles

It's working as you can tell

He has really amazing balance. He can even throw his boogie board out over the water and jump on it and ride it over the waves.

And I just had to include some pics of our hawaiian girl in what she wears most days now. She pulls her skirts way down around her waist and walks around shaking her hips. Hilarious girl. This is her loving on some cookie dough.


Pretty irresitible:) We are moving into our new place in Kailua in a week and cannot wait to get in and get settled. It is exactly what we were looking for and pretty much a huge tender mercy from above. I've been busy on craigslist this week buying all sorts of stuff for cheap, and refinishing lots of furniture. It's so fun to make things your own. Work is going great for Ryan, but the commute is really starting to get old. Just in time to be way closer! He never complains about it in true Ryan fashion. I can't wait to have him around a few extra hours a day. I'm going to get our little guest room looking so cute and comfy so visitors get ready, we will be expecting you! I'm missing my family today as they put to rest my sweet Uncle Phil who passed away this past week of cancer. His funeral was today and everyone spent the day together which is always a hard reminder of just how far away we are. Sending love and prayers their way.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Home sweet home

Amelie trying to warm up after a swim with mom. This girl is sp gutsy. She went right into the waves with me, head under water and was loving it. Maybe it has to do with the fact that the water is so deliciously warm.



Oliver was literally in the water for over 2 hours. Seriously he could not be disturbed. He was loving it. I tell you, what a little warm water can do for kids playing at the beach. I might actually have a moment to myself at the beach now:)

We ran into Skee who was there with his girlfriend Roxy and a few buddies surfing. We're so lucky we get to have family close by, even if just for a semester more:)

I guess this was the busiest day at this beach ever. It's called Castles and is basically the Doheny of the north shore. All the kids and beginners were out getting the small, longboard waves. I even jumped in for a while with Austin's longboard. I'm excited to get surfing

This swinging rope was a favorite spot

Man I love that little body!

There are these little surfing huts at the beach that it looks like people rent out for surf camps and stuff. Looks like so much fun

These trees are unreal

Ollie found a real swinging vine!

Amelie camping out in a little homemade beach tent

My loves



Such a heartbreaker this girl

I love this picture. It pretty much sums it up. Austin is thinking "it's a little cold...the waves aren't that great...i guess i'll go out". Ryan is thinking "whaaaaaaaat! this is awesome. i can't believe it's so warm and i get to surf here and NO ONE is in the water!"

My sweetheart boy

Fun on the beach with Dad. Dad's are the best

My sweetheart girl

This is one happy man. Dreams coming true people

Recap of our Mexican Cruise

Welcome to Cabo San Lucas!Our shipmates, Mary and Ryan


The boys so excited for the warm, clear water

Check out Ryan's air. He was in heaven having the beach all to himself. We saw dolphins, whales, and manta rays all from this beach.

Love this girl so much

I have to say I've always thought Cabo was really not that nice. I still don't think it is for the most part, but this little beach with the rocks is pretty gorgeous.

Me and my sweetsThe Idahoans soaking up the sun:)


Super Mary! Of course we had to go inside and buy chips and soda. We were waiting for this taco place to open up that the locals said was delish. It was.

Can't you tell? And we all ate with drinks included for under 20 bucks.

Ryan wanted to try on some shoes and in true Mexican style had to put plastic bags on his feet before he could try them on. Gotta love that

Adios Cabo, Ohla Puerto Vallarta! I could seriously live in Puerto Vallarta, I love it there.

My baby and Los Arcos


This was our second dose of Tacos Al Pastor and I have to say it beat Cabo's. Between the 4 of us, we ate 35 tacos. We could have pounded more too. Top it all off with a manzanita sol and you've got an unforgettable meal. Mary had been craving these things forever. Can you see the excitement on her face:) Oh man, I want them now.

We realized the last night on the ship that we didn't have any sunset shots. So we ran out and it was super windy but we got a few.

These two people are the best traveling companions and best friends anyone could ask for. We can't wait for some Hawaii adventures with them

Ollie was beyond thrilled with his mexico souvenir

Amelie looked darling in hers too. And it was perfect for the adventure of the day...flying to our new home in Hawaii!