Happy Halloween

This year we waited until the last minute to decide on our Halloween costumes but it all came together pretty well. We had another family theme: Peter Pan, Captain Hook and of course, our little Tinkerbell. We had a great time at the Buelow's Halloween party. Makaela was definitely more independent this year with the trick or treating, walking up steps all by herself, knocking on the doors and saying "Trick or Treat". The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the parents did too.

Out trick or treating

Hanging out with friends

Last year's family Halloween picture

she really is 2 going on 16

This past weekend, Makaela took more of an interest in mommy's activities. Since Matt was away, I think I may have let the female bonding go a little overboard. We chilled at the beach with our sunglasses and bikinis, had ice cream sundaes and had a make-up party. Makaela got her fingernails painted and walked around the house with her hands hanging in the air waiting for the polish to dry. It was so cute. Of course, she got a nude simmery color, but she was happy regardless. This morning, however, she must have wanted a change. Just as I was grabbing our bags to walk out the door for school, I turn around to see Makaela with my red nail polish and this time, she was painting her entire fingers...guess I should have taught her how to apply the nail polish too.

my ponderings

Jenn: Sorry I haven't posted in a while, things have been a bit crazy. After the camping trip, I came down with a horrid cold- I actually had laringitis for two days. Considering how much I talk, it was probably a bit of relief for Matt, but having to work and conference with teachers and students was not fun. While dealing with my cold, I ended up revising my proposal and turned it in to all 5 committee members. Then Matt left for San Diego for 5 days, so my plate has been loaded.

Lately Makaela has been very clingly-typical 2 year old behavior. I was trying to put her to sleep last night and she was giving me a hard time. Everytime I tried to put her down, she'd scream, but we had little Brooke sleeping over, so didn't want her to wake Brooke. I laid her down and rubbed her back and then little by little tried to inch out the bedroom door, but at one point, she shot up and in efforts to hide from her, I crouched to my knees. She just stared at the door, looking at the hallway light for minutes- her face was so angelic and her eyes kept blinking with those gorgeous lashes. It took every inch of self control not to reach out and touch her face- she was so entraced, and I with her. When she finally put her head down, I started creeping out of the room, but (with her head still down) she shot her hand out of her crib and said "No mama, stay". She hadn't looked at me in 15-20 minutes, but yet, she still knew I was there. What could I do? We ended up listening to a total of 15 songs before she fell asleep.

Clingly-ness aside, her cognitive awareness and maturity is developing. This morning we got dressed and were heading down to breakfast when Makaela suddenly stopped on the steps, gasped and said, "Coopke (her version Brooke)", ran back to the guest room and looked for Brooke. She was very concerned that we were leaving Brooke in the guestroom while we did our morning routine. She was asleep when Brooke was picked up by her parents last night, but yet, she still made the connection that she needed to take care of Brooke (or at least remind me to do it). I know this sounds so simple, but to me, this is amazing.

camping day #4

So today was the pack up day and the parents spent most of the time trying to pack up and clean. The kids had to occupy themselves somehow, which was usually done with markers or play-doh. Most of the time, it ended up in the kids yelling "mine" or "not nice" at each other. There were a few time outs, but in-terms of the entire weekend, they were so well behaved, it was just a matter of time until they got on each other's nerves. Oddly though, as soon as Makaela got home, she was asking for Gavin and Cruplk (her version of Brooke). Can't wait to do it again.

Camping day #3

Another day of sun, sand and a few mojitos. We were all enjoying another day at the beach. Makaela was all spun up last night so she didn't go to sleep so well which made for an uncomfortable morning for me, but all went well once breakfast was served and we headed to the beach. More friends showed up to join us (Burchacki came to visit us from NJ!). We finished the night with a hilarious game of Taboo.

camping day #2

Today Makaela got her first taste of real waves (Ko'olina never has real waves). She had so much fun, running into the waves and then running away from them. It was such a great day- Matt played a backgammon tournament and then some portuguese horse shoes; Kaela enjoyed the waves and playing in the water with her cousins, aunties, Matt and myself; and I stole a few moments to read one chapter in my book, chat with all my amazing girlfriends and watch my daughter romp in the water...true bliss.

camping day #1

So today, we checked into our cabins and campsites and the kids got used to their close comforts. They didn't seem to mind so much. At this point, they love being able to run out of the doors (and watch their parents chase after them) and run around in the field or check out the ocean behind the cabin. Right now the Hoffmans, Weidas and Buelows are sharing a 2 bedroom cabin- this is the first official slumber party for these kids...not to mention their first camping trip.