Bye Bye Matt

Today we had to drive Matt out to the airport so he could fly out for training in San Diego. We have all been dreading this day and were amazed how quickly it snuck up on us. Unfortunately, we had to get him to the airport at 5am, so the morning goodbyes were quick (which may have been a good thing in the long run). Matt woke us at 4:30 and Makaela and I piled into the car in our PJs. We thought Makaela would fall back asleep, but oddly, she was wide awake and taking everything in. We have been prepping her for this day, but it seems that she understood more than we gave her credit for. I was hugging Matt's arm as he drove to the airport and she tried to console me by saying "It's ok mama, I here, I here". Then when we stopped she told Matt she wanted to go on the plane with him which of course broke his heart. As we were driving home she asked where we were going and when I said home, she said, "But daddy no go home right?" Her teacher reported that she had two crying episodes at school over missing her daddy, but was able to be redirected quickly. Her friend Micah has been very attentive in bringing her tissues and wiping away her tears when she cries. How I wished I could have captured that moment on video. Regardless, this will be a very long year.

Visiting the Dinosaurs

While Matt was recuperating from his farewell party, Makaela and I headed to the Mall to see the Dinosaur exhibit. I was a bit concerned about how she would react, because I heard mixed responses from friends, but she was all about it. She did two dinosaur train rides back to back and by the end, she was trying to lean out of her seat to "pet" the dinosaurs.

Matt's Going Away Party

Today we had a going away party for Matt at Nimitz Beach. A lot of people showed up and both Matt and I were touched at all the people who came out to see him off. The kids entertained themselves with wagon rides and playing in the sand while the adults entertained themselves with horseshoes and beer-in-hand wiffleball. We are so lucky to have so many supportive friends. Matt's absence is going to be tough on everyone, but knowing that Makaela and I (and Mia) are surrounded by such great people, helps immensely.

Makaela hiding out at first base with Auntie T.

Second base was the refill station for the game.

The real gathering spot.

Day 2

Today we woke up and headed for a walk to the zoo. I had forgotten Makaela's stroller at home, so we took a nice family stroll through Waikiki (broken up by a breakfast pit stop at Moose's). Makaela definitely got the best seat in the house riding on Daddy's shoulders. Matt said it was good practice for all the weight he would be carrying on his back in training and Iraq (not like her 28 pounds even compares to the weight he will be carrying). Makaela loved showing Daddy around the zoo since she remembered where most of the animals were located.

After nap, we headed out to the pool. As everyone knows, I am very forgetful. Overly so and it seems that Makaela has picked up on this. So far this weekend, I forgot to pack her stroller and any underwear for her (she was not happy having to wear pull ups) and have forgotten the camera in our room so far, sunblock, and her swimmy, which forces us to ride the elevator back up to the room and delay pool time. As we were leaving our room to head down to the pool, Makaela thought she would help me out by giving me her mental checklist. We were walking down the hallway, when she stopped, turned around, threw her hand on her hip and said, "Ma, you got sunbwock?" "Yes" "You got me swimmy?" "Yep." "You got camera?" "Yep" "You got me cereal?" "Yes Makaela, I have it" "Ok, we go now". What would I do without her?

we got to the pool and basically, she rode the waterslide until closed. It was such a great pool. I love seeing how independent she is getting. She is very proud of her new swimming abilities (aka drowning, but whatever). Our perfect day ended with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and a strawberry shortcake. I love vacation!

Makaela and Daddy being silly.



Makaela heading down the waterslide.

Our "Stay-cation"

We decided to book a few days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village to do some family bonding before Matt left. Makaela has been so excited about the hotel stay that she has been telling her teachers about it all week. First thing we needed to do was to hit the pool and waterslide and did she ever! The little daredevil was actually pushing me away and yelling for me to not catch her as she slide down into 4 feet of water. There was a lot of floundering and water swallowing, but she never once complained and just kept going. After the pool fun, we headed out to Benihana's for a delicious culinary show (our favorite way to do Japanese food). Then to an ice cream parlor for our second helping of ice cream that night (which we learned Makaela loves green tea ice cream) and finished the night with Makaela showcasing her singing talent to all of those who would listen (and others who couldn't avoid it).

Kaena Point Hike

The forecast for this weekend didn't seem like it was the best for the beach, so we decided to go out for a hike. We went to Kaena Point, the western tip of Oahu. The hike is basically a flat coastline walk, but it is usually a hot one with little tree coverage, so we took advantage of the overcast skies. It ended up being a perfect day- got some exercise in, had a picnic lunch at the very edge of Oahu, spent some time in nature, cooled off with a swim at Pokai Beach and finished the day off with a sunset dinner on the beach. Makaela and Gavin hamming it up during lunch. Matt hiking with Makaela on the more precarious section of the hike. Makaela did not enjoy the daring part of the hike.

Makaela and Gavin (and the older kids) entertained themselves during lunch by throwing rocks.

Brooke and Jackson's 2nd Birthday

Today we all celebrated Brooke and Jackson's 2nd bday at the Weida's pool. The kids enjoyed the pool, lots of cupcakes and sugar, wagon rides and pool chair forts. Can you imagine what these faces are going to look like when they are 16?

Wagon rides for everyone.Makaela looking coy in the fort Uncle Brian made them.

Makaela jumping in the pool.