Non-Private?

So we are not sure we like the private setting. It seems like a hassle for readers and we don't get the surprise comments of new people (old friends) who have found our blog. So I think we will switch back for now...

More Birthday Pictures

Here are a few more pictures from Ikaika's birthday party. His birthday fell on a Thursday and we decided to celebrate it on that day (partly because of an extended family wedding happening on the weekend). But I really enjoyed focusing the whole day on Kaika.


This is a favorite picture of mine because I know he was helping us sing his birthday song. He is singing the word "to." I can just hear his little voice, "Happy Birthday to you." We practiced the whole week before so that he could blow out his candle just right - too bad it was initially blown out by his excited cousin. But he did get to blow it out after another try.

We had a monkey theme for him. All I found at the party store was Curious George, but it worked. I love the way Ikaika makes the sound of a monkey - ooohh, eee, aahh ahhh. It is my favorite animals sound of his.

The challenge of the day was to keep his older brother from overtaking everything - the balloons, the presents, etc. Here you can see Kekoa checking out the new stuff.


I decided to make Ikaika's cake this year. It was a rushed day and this was the best I could dish out for him. He liked it.

I love celebrating my little one's birthdays as I remember the day they were born. I remember the first nights holding him close in the hospital room. I can hardly believe it has already been two years. He is such a cutie pie. How I love being Ikaika's mommy.

Happy 2nd Birthday Ikaika!!!

My sweet Ikaika turned TWO today. It was a wonderful day and I hope Kaika felt how much he is loved. He is such a special part of our family - we love having him around. I'll post more pictures when I have another few minutes : )
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAIKA!
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The Bat

The Laker outfit lasted all of one day because this little outfit arrived in the mail that same day. The mask came as a gift from Kyle on one of the days he was away to FL. The cape was a piece of scrap material I had up in my studio - with a little edging from Aunty Celeste it completed the outfit. So Kekoa has now become Batman. It has actually been very economical since he has outgrown his summer clothes and instead of buying him new stuff he will just wear this everyday for the rest of the summer. Don't you love the abs - he gets it from both Kyle and I. And the poses were all him.
PS. I have declared full potty training. Hurray, hurray, hurray : )

A New Day

This is one of the most traditional studio pictures ever - neither Kyle and I are a fan of such a style - but they all looked so handsome before church I had to get a picture of them together and this was the result. So, I do not normally have them all so formally dressed - many times Sepa goes to church in a pair of pj's and I often just throw an Aloha shirt on the older boys and call it good. But today was a special day so we went the extra mile. It was one of the most bittersweet days of my life so far. Kyle was called into the bishopric of our ward. It has been a roller coaster of emotions these past few days and after much prayer, talking with Kyle and even a visit to the temple I am beginning to feel at peace. It has been a major test of my faith as Kyle's plate is already overflowing with responsibilities and now this big calling. He has been in a bishopric before, but life has never been this busy before. But I have great confidence in Kyle's ability to be superman and in his devotion to me and the boys. Somehow we will find time to be together. The words of the hymn go through my mind, "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven..." I trust in that promise.

Note to Self. . .

. . . do not leave syrup on the table with Ikaika.
Kyle made yummy pancakes for breakfast on Saturday. It was such a hit that the boys ate it for lunch later in the day. Ikaika is at an independent phase where he wants to do everything himself - so when he asked for more syrup I helped him squeeze out about two more tablespoons worth on to his plate. I got busy with something else and left the bottle on the table. Before I knew it he had emptied the whole bottle on his plate. I guess at least it was all on the plate.
Anyway - at times like these there is nothing left to do but take a picture and post a blog about it. : )

Not So Little -

Kekoa asked to hold Sepa today and it amazed me how much the little sweetheart has grown in the last few months. Here are a couple pictures to compare just for fun....

Eatin' It Up

A couple days ago we decided to introduce rice cereal to Sepa. I thought he might be ready as he constantly tried to attack the food I was eating. He is growing well and in the 50th percentile for his height and weight. He doesn't look all that excited in these pictures, but believe me he is diggin' the new food. Both yesterday and today he cried in between spoonfuls - I just couldn't get it to him fast enough. So cute. I like these pictures because I am actually in them - our family friend Keisha took the pictures. I held Sepa as Aunty Celeste fed him his first spoonfuls.

Stake Conference

This weekend has been Stake Conference for us. I had a chance to attend the adult session on Saturday. It was so good - I was glad I was able to go.

The messages were centered around the Plan of Salvation. I love simplistic and fundamental topics like that. One sister spoke of her individual role in the Plan of Salvation. She compared it to a relay race and each of us doing our part. I thought of the relay race analogy in terms of generations. My dear mother was the gospel pioneer in our family and because of her faithfulness three of her daughters have been married in the temple. I think of my sweet children and how much the Lord entrusts me to teach them. I must not drop the baton and be ever so careful and sure to pass it on.

The stake president talked about tests and trials of life. He had a brother share his testimony and their experience of losing their child. He urged everyone to enjoy and treasure each day.
I came home and held my boys as they fell asleep. We had or nightly song, prayer and scripture. I offered the prayer. It was the most sincere prayer of thanks for a day we had to spend together.

The boys and I miss Kyle so much. We count the hours until he is at home safe with us. I tell him all the time that life is just better with him around. I also thought of my extended family who live so far away. I am always so happy to hear they are coming to town so that we can be together. Though I still miss my extended family, I must not forget what I have right in front of me. What a blessing it is to be with my children all the time. I love being with them.