Waimea Beach

We had the perfect morning and afternoon. We spent the morning exploring the Bishop Museum... I had never been but I totally recommend it. It is the perfect "smaller" city museum that has multiple buildings that feature different exhibits. We spent (almost) all of the morning in the Hawaii Hall... it was in a beautiful old school that was originally built to educate Hawaii Chiefs. It was full of a plethora of Hawaii History and culture; as Remi put it "you could go 3 times and learn something else new!". After a quick nap time, we spent the afternoon as Waimea Falls and went up to the Farmer's Market for lunch. That Farmer's Market is incredible; the term Farmer's Market hardly gives it justice... it is all of these local restaurants and caters with different organic Hawaiian food. Delicious food + Surfers everywhere + Beautiful setting= Great Evening. Here are a couple of funny snapshots from our beach adventures.

and I included a bunch of similar photos, 

but I just thought they were funny family photos!!

xoxo,
allie

p.s. I got this surprise in the mail from one of my best friends... she knows me way to well... Thanks Lizard for sending me a new supply of my favorite candy! (True true, Peeps are my favorite!). She even ordered me a new flavor... Birthday Cake Peeps (I can already sense some of your faces sneering who are in the anti-Peep camp but believe me they are delicious). The surprise package totally brought a huge smile to my face. Thank you Liz! Love you!!!

Bellows Beach Day

Guess what is the best part about living in Hawaii? Going to beautiful breathtaking beaches whenever you want... Some people save their whole lives to come here.. and we live here. Pretty lucky. Bellows is one of my favorite beaches on the island.. In fact, it actually might be my favorite. It is a military only beach run by the Marines.. aka fabulous views and pretty private. There are also rarely ridiculous waves which is perfect for a tot baby. Overall a wining combo. (the only downside is it is on the other side of the island.. aka 45 minute drive. since we have become islanders our perception of driving is very screwed and 45 mins seems like practically crossing state lines on the mainland... funny I know). Anyway we decided to make a day of it this weekend. We started out going to a famous breakfast place on the windward side; on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 5. It was good but not fabulous. We then spent the rest of the morning at the beautiful beach.. and went home just in time for a nap time drive. Perfect morning.

I used my beach camera for these photos. Since our last camera "died" from a bad sand incident we use the waterproof one for beach excursions. They are a bit fuzzy but o well.

(okay I had to post this photo because it is hilarious. The older couple came and asked can we take a family photo of you 3... this is what we got! Isn't that so kind and so funny!)

and a video. I love taking videos. H loves running in and out of the waves. So cute. 

(I apologize for my annoying commentary)

xoxo,

allie

Mama and Harp Dates

Although we live in beautiful amazing Hawaii... so much of our day to day life is just life. We are busy shuffling to and from activities, folding laundry, endlessly cleaning Harp's high chair, and lots of playing! Sometimes it is easy to forget we live in paradise... and then you just have to look outside. Anyway after our Saturday morning Stroller Strides (a mom stroller workout class), Harps and I decided to hit the beach. It was a necessary break.

On Oahu there is so much diversity with beaches. Depending on the summer or "winter" season, each side of the island differs with wave height/frequency. With H lady now "running" towards the water, we always try to avoid the big waves for beach time (although they are super cool to watch!) but not as safe for toddlers. Anyway, on the air force base here they have a very shallow sand bar that is protected in a cove; the water is SO warm and never goes above H's belly... the perfect combo for a fun morning.

We hope everyone else is having a relaxing weekend and enjoying the fall weather that we are missing!

xoxo,
allie

(over) Half Way Celebration!

Today Harps and I spent the day at the beach celebrating (with our brigade) that we are over half way through the deployment.  Rear D (the men and women who help back in Hawaii) did a great job planning the event with tons of bounce houses, kid games, bbq food, etc. The setting and weather was unreal.

Harps and I spent most of the time chatting with families in our company but we also did a "shout out" video to Will and enjoyed some wonderful beach/play ground time. We were lucky enough to go with one of my best friends on the island, Margaret, who was beyond helpful with the little lady and the best of company. Her husband is also in Afghanistan with Will so it was perfect to go together. These pictures perfectly capture the beauty of Hawaii... how could you not love a day like this? (the only thing that was missing was Will and all of the other soldiers... but we are over half way and R and R is less than a month away!)

xoxo,

allie

Beachy Lady

On Saturday, we went out for a wonderful birthday lunch and spent the afternoon on the beach. It was the perfect day. I hope I never become accustom to living in Hawaii and enjoy its' beauty everyday because it is literally unreal (we are beyond lucky to be stationed here). There is nothing better than a beach day and I so hope to have many this summer (after our trip home!) and before our activities gear back up. H is still very unsure about the water.. mainly because of the temperature but she adores the sand and has made vast improvements playing with it rather than consuming it. There were tons of people parasurfing? I totally made that up but, with the strong wind, tons of people were attached to wake boards and had huge kites in the air that they were using to skid across the water. It looked really fun. Will and I will have to add it to our "must do list in Hawaii"... of course after I figure out what it is really called...

I love this series of pictures. They really captures her love for my sweet friend Margaret. H is so lucky to get loved on by so many people. The second picture captures this age perfectly; she was a-lining it for those sunglasses. She loves glasses.

and this picture was from today. H has been a bit under the weather with a cold but she was still happy to get out and about for a bit. Naturally Sophie the Giraffe came along.

Speaking of Sophie, H has a new friend; poor Sophie has some competition. She adores this tiny little bunny. She does seem to love animals... I guess it is the size that appeals to her?

 

Sweet baby.

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo,
allie

Beach Lady

Yesterday we had planned a beach day with my wonderful neighbors. As much as I would love to go to the beach everyday, our day to day life seems to always interfere. Harpy definitely seems old enough (and was not repeatedly shoving sand in her mouth) and seemed to enjoy herself! I always worry about her skin in this extreme sun but tons of sunscreen did the trick. H and I are so fortunate to have such great neighbors, who are flexible with H's schedule and willing to join us for a beautiful afternoon in the sun. We were also lucky enough to use our friend's private beach on the North Shore. Unreal. Once we get back from our Connecticut trip, I think beach will be part of our weekly routine for the calmer summer months. We do live in Hawaii after all...

Happy Friday!

xoxo,
allie