Caff Family Visit!

Well... I went missing for another week! Don't worry, I have a good reason. We had a very busy and fun filled week with Will's parents and Aunt Momo/ Uncle Doug; we explored the whole island and had plenty of beach adventures. We spent the first weekend down in Waikiki; since Will and I rarely venture down there, it was wonderful to enjoy the beautiful beach and views of Diamond Head. It was equally wonderful to "show-off" our side of the island (without all of crowded tourists). Harps was head over heels in love with Aunt Momo; she enjoyed every moment of having hands on playing, sand castle building, and good hugs. Of course Harps adored all of the extra special Grandparent love. I love the relationship between Grandparents and Grandchild; it is such an unique bond and love! Anyway, we have tons of pictures... Viola!

Thank you so much for visiting Gigi, Pops, Dougy and Momo. We know it is a long journey but we are so happy to share our paradise with you! We can't wait to see you guys in July!

xoxo,
allie

Happy Valentine's Day!

I know, Valentine's Day can be silly... But I adore celebrating with kids.  I remember as a child loving this day and getting cards from all of my classmates.  What a perfect excuse to decorate Valentines, eat some chocolate, and wear pink! Will and I are not big on celebrating Valentine's Day; if anything it is the perfect excuse to go out to eat! Since we are in Maui this year... We are going to celebrate at the beach. I do, however, love giving small books, etc to Harps. Mommy and Daddy gave her a Curious George Valentine's Day Book and Disney Princess Coloring Book!

and of course a cookie... because every kid needs sugar on Valentine's Day! (okay, we gave it to her a daily early but she obviously loved it)

I love her hair in this last picture... We are in the midst of an awkward Hair situation. It is not quite long enough for pony tails or pig tails and consequently it is always crazy! The Hawaii trade winds don't help the situation. O well. Life of a Toddler.

We had a wonderful day yesterday exploring a different side of Maui. We are both still Top Chef fanatics on Bravo (I know, who ever watches that anymore!) and one of our favorite Chefs, Sheldon, (he is currently competing in Top Chef Seattle) is the executive chef at two restaurants here in Maui. How perfect right? Yesterday we went to Star Noodle, a very unique combo of Asian and Hawaiian Fusion and then to his A+ Pie Shop. If anyone ever travels to Maui.. you don't want to miss either spot. I'll post pictures later.

We also broke our camera yesterday. That seems to be a common trend with our cameras. Looks like we are in the market for a new one. I need something user friendly, somewhat durable, and easy to travel with. Any suggestions?

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,
allie

Wordless Wednesday

xoxo,
allie

Aloha from Maui!

We packed our bags...

and have arrived in Maui!!! 

I will post more photos (and not iphone photos!) later... but it is absolutely beautiful.

xoxo,
allie

Andy and Kimi Engagement Party!

Some of our closest friends, Andy and Kimi, got engaged over Christmas and we immediately knew we had to celebrate...  The back story of our friendship is Will ran track with Andy at West Point and they eventually became inseparable. Ha, in fact, during Will's toast last night, he said there were moment at school that he was closer with Andy than me. They have a friendship that will last a lifetime. I was lucky enough to meet Kimi at some different West Point events and we have become really good friends; we are even luckier to all be stationed out here in Hawaii and have adored every moment with them!

Believe it or not, we actually pulled off a surprise engagement party! Andy and Kimi live on the North Shore with two other couples in this incredible Hawaiian style house; it literally looks like a tree house lofted in the air and is the perfect spot for the party... The complication- we had to get them back to their house surprised! After lots of planning and scheming, they were very surprised and everyone had a fabulous time!!

We can't wait for the wedding!!!

xoxo,
allie

A Day in the Life

Alright so this post is probably going to be very boring for most of you... but the other day I was thinking about how much Harps and my day have changed since she left from babyhood to toddler-hood. Since this blog serves a "mini" scrapbook for our family, I am going to occasionally post "A Day in the Life" just so we can look back! Each day of the week, like for most families, varies depending on our activities which can shifts our schedules. Since I have the luxury of being a Stay at Home Mom, a bunch of our morning activities are Harper themed. I randomly picked Wednesday to feature... So let the day begin.

Harps begins her day between 5:30 am and 6:00 am... She typically wakes up as Will leaves for PT around 5:45 am. Army families always start their day early! We turn on Sesame Street at 6:00 am and watch it until 7:00 am. She adores Elmo and it gives mommy a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee. Harps is a big morning eater (or in general!).. she needs a full tray! This morning happen to be waffles, applesauce, and turkey sausages.

On Wednesday mornings we often hurry off to Stroller Strides after breakfast. Stroller Strides is a wonderful group were moms can work out with the babies in the strollers. I highly recommend it! Wednesday is our favorite because it is Weighted Wednesdays with a playgroup and planned activity afterwards. People always assume it is just walking around but believe me.. it is intense, burpies and all.

After Stroller Strides, Harps and I usually run errands etc.. but this Wednesday we took a break for an impromptu park visit to Harp's favorite pirate park.

Then home for lunch and nap! One major shift in our schedule is Harps has transitioned to one nap; I love the one long nap.. It gives us the opportunity to have a full morning and a quiet post nap afternoon. Since Will just started block leave, he has only been working half days; we love the extra time with him! Depending on Harp's mood, I will usually take her back outside or we play in her playroom. (Like I always tell Will, we spend hours outside.. I honestly don't know how to parent in cold climates!).

Yes, an outfit change.  Being a kid can be very messy.

Then Dinner time. I cook every night (well almost with our few exceptions of going out to eat maybe twice a month).  Whenever people ask me if I cook, they always seemed surprised when I say yes..  I love family dinners; although Harps is young, it gives everyone a chance to share about their day, enjoy each others company, and eat healthy food. I am very skeptical of lots of ingredients in food, especially for a growing toddler but if I make it from scratch I know exactly what goes in it! Last night we had Uncle Greg over for dinner!

(Twins in Matching Shirts!)

Then bath, story time, and bed! 

Phew, I told you it was a boring post for most of you... but for us it is always a busy day (especially when you add in toy clean up, laundry, vacuuming, etc). We wouldn't have it any other way. 

xoxo,

allie