HAPPY 10

We highly recommend renting a Jeep, too much fun!

Here we are at a Luau on the beach. Blaine is here at Mama's Fish House-a 'must try'.

Here are some of many pictures Blaine and I took on our recent trip to Hawaii. We stayed the first three nights on Maui, which is a beautiful island. We did a little driving, ate a little sushi (I do have to say that the sushi is better at home just around the corner and up the street), and got a little sun.
The next five nights we stayed on Oahu. I have to say that I've experienced Oahu twice now and I still like it best. Once you get out of Waikiki you really can't beat it. North Shore is so beautiful. Love the beaches, love the atmosphere, love the snorkeling. I can't wait until we go back someday--maybe we'll take the kids!

Here Blaine is at Hanama Bay (not worth the cost anymore, it's changed too much :( ) Another 'Must try' = Matsumoto's shaved ice

Pic from the plane.

FIVE and ALIVE!

Tyler, Tyler, Tyler. Where do I begin? Like Karli he had a birthday a few months ago and he turned the magical age of five. Apparently at the age of five one isn't in so much need of their mother any longer. They magically become independent and resourceful. Learning new things and accomplishing great things all on their own. "Don't worry, Mom" Ty says, " I'll still let you help me with some things!" So when he calls for Mom and I come running just to see him standing there with one button left undone on his shirt, one button left just for me, I smile. In this moment he is letting me feel needed. How in the world can I willingly let my baby go off to school this fall. There will be no time to run "erins" together, no Mr. Incredible to help me lift those incredibly heavy items into the cart and then again into the car and once again into the house. Who's going to remind me to put on my seat belt? Or give me those 'just becuz hugz'? Who would be willing to take over dog time when the ball is as slobbery as anyone could imagine and I just can't stomach throwing it anymore? All of these things Tyler does for me and will now do the equivalent for his lucky new teacher. I'm not sad that they are over, I'm happy they happened!