Sunglasses and Shaved Ice

Everyday, Harps and I (at 5:00 am!) watch the weather and news/Good Morning America; we love the local news which always features the different surf heights... a little different from the heat advisories in Alabama! We were thrilled with the shift in wind, that caused the high waves in the North Shore... I thought it would be a perfect family trip. This surfing is no joke. The thought of navigating through those 25 foot waves is definitely super intimidating yet so cool to watch the pros at work. Since the waves were so high, lifeguards brought the surfers out on jet-skis; it was a whole system at work.

 

Although we love downtown Honolulu, the North Shore has the coolest vibe with local restaurants and shops. One of the most famous shops is M. Matsumoto; without fail it always has a huge line out the door for the world famous shaved ice. Naturally we had to give it a try. The most famous flavor is "red bean"... which basically means crushed red beans in the bottom of the cone with regular sugar flavors on top; I honestly think that sounds gross but at some point I need to give it a try with all the hype. I am sure this is the first of our many visits... especially since it is only 10 minutes away and I am sure soon enough it will be on Harp's radar for treats!

I am also so thrilled Harper has developed a love for Sunglasses. She literally adores wearing them which is perfect for Hawaii.

xoxo,
allie

New Beginning, New House

Okay okay, I know I disappeared for a week. I am sure my few followers thought the new blog was over! No worries... just a minor hiatus; we actually temporarily had no internet because we got a house. It was a quick, shocking, and exciting decision. Basically (in a condensed version), Will and I have been navigating through the army "on-post" housing in Hawaii. Since we are "O-Conus" or deemed overseas, there are longgggg on-post waiting lists. We literally had tons of different plans going to combat these lists and since we were determined to live on post; of course, all of this was further complicated with Will's rapidly approaching deployment date. Anyway, it just worked out. We were offered a house and took it all in a quick hour and we are so thrilled.

We are so thrilled to make it our own; everything is brand-new so now we just need our furniture. Which is where? That is a good question, but slowly making its way out to Hawaii. The good news is the army provides some loaner furniture for the mean time. We love the location. We are only ten minutes from the North Shore... which has a really cool vibe.

By far, the best part is the backyard. We have a covered porch, a cute playground right next to us, and this view... We really can't complain.

And sweet Baby H is loving the new house!

xoxo,
allie

Weekend Recap

Wow! The weekends always seem to fly by in Hawaii. We had a busy weekend enjoying the outdoors and celebrating the Giants win (well at least my husband is celebrating!). We went over to watch the game with some friends, Steve and Ingrid; they have the best apartment in downtown Honolulu (of course I forgot to take pictures... I am working on that!). We also had our friends, the Drapers, embark on their first deployment as Phil left on Saturday; luckily we were able to spend time with Paige and Ella today at lunch and I am looking forward to the next year with them with both boys gone! We are keeping them in our thoughts as they start this new journey.  Here is the weekend in pics.

 Wanda my Honda, is officially a Hawaiian resident; Will and I were so thrilled so made it over the Pacific Ocean in one piece. Although we were sad to say good-bye to the Alabama plates it made the move more official. I keep wondering how many different plates we will have over the next couple years?
They could really start adding up!

 This is not my best picture but I had to capture the Krispy Kreme men; it is the oddest thing... without fail, people are always selling donuts on the side of the road outside of Schofield Barracks. Rumor has it they have to "import" them from Maui. I guess there is quite a market for donuts outside of post?

 Car seat wars. Harper and I are in the middle of quite a car seat battle; she will cry on the top of her lungs the entire drive unless she falls asleep. Typically I would crawl in the back to help ease the screaming but since Will is leaving soon and I won't be able to sit back there, we decided to "rip the band-aid". Ek. She hatesss it. If anyone has any advice I would love it.

Bikini baby. Every girl needs a bikini... especially if you live in Hawaii. 

Here is the sweet girl getting ready for the pool. 

xoxo,
allie

Bubbies

Although I have a huge sweet tooth, most people know I am not a huge fan of ice cream... Crazy right? Anyway, our friends introduced us to a Hawaiian dessert called Bubbies. It is homemade ice cream wrapped in rice paper. It seems like an odd combination but it is the best treat and they are the best size (like a big quarter). I am loving exploring the island and their unique food. It is like being abroad and still in the United States all at once.

So delicious and cute!
I definitely plan on taking all my visitors here (especially my ice cream fanatic dad and sister) .

And a sweet picture of Harps. We are in a big rolling phase right now so she usually plays on the floor but she is loving her toys. Her favorite is Sophie the Giraffe whose legs are featured on the left. It is so fun to see her changing so quickly and growing.

xoxo, 

allie

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Today was a sad day; there is just really no other way to put it.  Uncle Greg deployed for a year to Afghanistan. Greg is part of the initial aviation deployment that Will would be a part of but we arrived on island just a couple weeks too late. Greg went to school with Will, was with us at Rucker training to be a Kiowa pilot, and is now deploying with Will and stationed with us at Wheeler Army Airfield. He is a big part of Harper's life (and ours!) and we are just praying for a safe, quick return. Watching all of the families was definitely a somber feeling; soon enough our family will be embarking on this same journey. We were just happy we could bid him a safe farewell!

 I love this photo! Such a beautiful landscape but empty airfield. 

All of the helicopters are in Afghanistan.

 Pretty serious...

 This was actually the first time I've held a weapon...

Soon enough these two will be reunited.

Keep all of these men and women in your thoughts and prayers. 

They are fighting for what many of us take for granted. 

xoxo, 

allie

A Girl's Day

Since right now we are living in a hotel and with only one car (the military will only ship one vehicle overseas), Harps and I have to make our own adventures on foot. Luckily this is not too much of a challenge living in downtown Honolulu. We usually hit up the pools at the local military resort or take long walks by the beach.Not so bad right? Today the weather had different plans. We woke up to gloom; I actually welcomed it. I think clouds and rain have an innate cozy feeling. I also don't have to be consistently worrying about baby sunscreen and hats- always an added bonus with the sun. 

 This is the view from our hotel! It is so odd being in a city after living at Fort Rucker, Al. Such a huge change.

Harps and I decided to hit the mall. Right down the street from us is the world's biggest outdoor mall; it seriously has every designer a girl could need. This mall is for serious shoppers. Although we were primarily window shopping, I got a pair of shorts at "Crew on the Island" (also known as J. Crew) and we got some basics for Harps to grow into from Old Navy. Right now their clearance racks have tons of baby clothes for 3-5 dollars; you seriously can't go wrong and they make amazing play-clothes! I just hope this lady loves shopping so we can have many, many more dates.

We also got Harps a jumper for the doorway. Living in a hotel has challenges with a baby; with only a couple of toys, we decided Harps needed something to stand in.

As you can see we are in a HUGE drooling phase. I am changing bibs and onesies all day long!

And here are my favorites playing after bath last night. Will can always bring the biggest smile to Harp's face.

xoxo,
allie

Hang Loose.

We are just loving exploring the island. Today we went out to the North Shore... seriously beautiful. That part of Oahu has a very "island" feel; an easygoing, surfing mentality. During the Winter months the waves are at their strongest and can reach huge heights (30 feet, etc!). Although today they weren't quite as high, it was still neat to see all the surfers doing their thing. Will is hoping to master the sport during the next three years. I think I will definitely try; I guess when in Rome do as the Romans do, right? There is also a cute little town with local restaurants and little shops.

This stretch of highway is from Schofield Barracks to the North Shore and it smells amazing; it seems like an odd thing to say but on the left is hundreds of thousands of Pineapples from the Dole Plantation. So delicious. At the Commissary (Post grocery store), Pineapples are only 78 cent! Bargain.

We also had a wonderful Brunch on Sunday with these sweet people. Steve and Ingrid. Will and Steve went to college together and we are so lucky they are stationed on the island! They invited us over to their Honolulu apartment with gorgeous views of the mountain and ocean.

And these are my two favorites...I love this photo. Harper is obsessed with her daddy!

xoxo,
allie

A Diamond Head Hike.

This morning we went on a hike up a mountain just outside of Honolulu! Although it was only 2 miles... phew, it was all uphill! With a baby strapped to you this is actually more challenging then it would seem, but totally worth it. (also an added bonus is the extra workout!) Honestly Hawaii is strikingly beautiful; it almost seems impossible to have a bad day when you are surrounded by a landscape. We were fortunate enough to go with Uncle Greg and his mom.

Harps seemed to love it; although she isn't crazy about wearing hats which is necessary for this weather! With the long weekend, we are going attempt to see the whales. From what we have heard, during the winter months, there are thousands of whales who come to Hawaii to breed! It will be so exciting to see the whale families. One pilot told Will when you fly during these months you see all the whales in the clear blue sea. So so neat.  Something for Will to look forward to next year when he gets back!

Happy MLK weekend,
allie day

Ahola!

Wow! I started this blog on September 6th, 2011 and here I am.. four months later. Phew, it has been a whirlwind. We welcomed our beautiful daughter Harper on September 10th, my husband graduated flight school we moved away from our first home (Fort Rucker, Al),  and we moved to Hawaii (while surviving the 12 hour flight with a four month old) just last week!

Although we have just been in Hawaii from a week, we know Will is deploying to Afghanistan in February for a year. It is a lot to digest right now but I have faith it will work out. As for this weekend, we are going to enjoy the island life and figure our way around. Since the Inn at Schofield Barracks (Post) was full, we are staying in Honolulu. Lucky us, right? We are attempting to figure our housing; all I can honestly say is "more on that later" because we don't even know.

Anyway, lots of logistics. We are loving the climate.

We went from this-

 To this! Our sweet Harper enjoying the Hawaiian Sun.

xoxo, allie