Blogging to Instagram

I love that over 4 years ago, I was introduced to blogging.  I know so many memories of these precious early years would have been forgotten had I not blogged.  It has become harder to keep up with, and though I will not stop blogging, it might not get back to how frequently I blogged before.  My new way  of capturing the every day is with instagram.  It is quick, easy and I love it.  If you are interested in following me there my user name is reyesohana.  Here are just a few of the pictures I have taken recently with it.

This was a trip to to the park - loving summer days : )

 I love this last picture of Kyle with Ka'imi.  It is him dancing with her as she falls asleep.  I love that Instagram has helped to capture more of of the little things of the everyday.  I love my sweet little family and want to remember as much as I can of this time of our lives together.

Sunday

Today Kyle was released from the Bishopric.  He spent 4 years in this calling (he has also been in 2 other year-long bishoprics).  Knowing it was coming I've had a chance to think about the blessings that have come to our family in those 4 years.  I am so grateful for the two children we have added during that time, grateful that Kyle has finished his schooling and has a wonderful job he loves that supports our large and growing family.  We have good health and our family, though not perfect, are strong in the gospel and have desires to improve and do good.  I am so thankful for it all.
I'm excited to have some extra help with the kids before and during church.  And I'm giddy at the thought of being able to hold his hand during sacrament meeting.

8/12/12
We sat with Kyle today in sacrament meeting.  It was such a great occasion I had to sneak a picture with my phone

London 2012

Last night we realized the opening ceremonies for the Olympics was coming up and just in passing Kyle said that maybe we should do something to celebrate it. So at 5:00 this morning my mind started running with ideas of how we could celebrate simply but with fun and meaning.  We did things mainly with food.  The Olympic Flag was the most obvious to use as inspiration.  We included in on our pizza and fruit bowls.  We also created a huge flag that we hung on our fireplace (keeping it there while the games play out).  And for dessert we had the Olympic Torch ice cream style.  The boys had fun.  I was thrilled my sister and her two boys could come be a part of the fun- we love having them around : )

Pretty in pink . . . polish

A fun milestone - Ka'imi and I had our first little fingernail polish party.  I think it is funny that it took longer to polish her nails than it did to pierce her ears.  Oh well.  But she was excited - a bit nervous because of the smell.  I cherish the fact that I have a little girl to do fun things like this with.  It has only just begun : )

Ikaika Loves Grandma

My mom was out visiting us while Kyle was gone to Hawaii for his family vacation.  It was nice to have her here to distract us from missing Kyle.  Yesterday she had to head home because she needed to get back to work.  Here was a picture I printed on a huge canvas for her to hang in her office.  I wanted her to have something to look at to cheer her up if she had any bad days.  We all love grandma, but Ikaika has a special place in his heart for her.

Happy Birthday Ikaika!

 Today was my sweet Ikaika's birthday : )

 

 He requested a carrot cake.  Though it was not decorated more than some sprinkles, it was super yummy.

 

And my big surprise for the day - homemade Angry Bird toys :)  We will be using them on Saturday for the party he is having.  I stayed up late working on them so he wouldn't know about it.  I think it was a good sign, when he took them up to bed with him at bedtime.  He loved them and I felt like super mom : )
We also took him to get frozen yogurt ( I forgot to take a picture there), and made him his favorite dinner - Char Su. We look forward to the official party on Saturday with his cousin Kaipo (who is turning 3 in a couple weeks).  I love drawn out celebrations - a day goes by way to fast : )

Finishing First Grade

 With the last day of school, summer vacation has officially begun!  I can't believe how fast the school year went.  Kekoa had a wonderful year with a wonderful teacher.  In fact, as he got off the bus after school I met him outside to congratulate him for officially becoming a 2nd-grader.  I asked him what his favorite part of first grade was.  He said in a choked up voice, "Mrs. Hulme.  I am really going to miss her."  I am so thankful for such a wonderful teacher who helped Kekoa feel loved and know that learning is a wonderful thing.  I still remember attending a parent-teacher conference and after giving Kekoa lots of praise saying that what we need for Kekoa was deeper and wider.  She knew he has great potential.  We are so proud of Kekoa and excited for his lifetime of learning. 

 Here is a art project Kekoa brought home one day that I never blogged.

End of Soccer 2012

Today was Kekoa's last soccer game.  It was a beautiful day and we had lots of fun watching Kekoa play with such love for the sport (and score a few goals).  It has been so fun to see him find something he enjoys so much.  And I am thrilled it is something outdoors that keeps him active.  It seriously is his life right now.  He slept with two mini soccer goals, his cleats, shin guards, several soccer balls and his uniform all tucked at the foot of his bed for months.  I finally cleared out a drawer for him to keep some of his things in.  I sincerely hope his love continues.  Here are some shots we took during the game as well as a team picture.  Maybe one day this will be seen as the beginning of a great soccer player: )

 

Go Kekoa!

Mother's Day

I love being a mother.  I have my husband to thank for his support and love.  My mom to thank for her wonderful example of what a mother should be.  I truly have had joy and rejoicing in my children.  Love you Kekoa, Ikaika, Iosepa, Ka'imi and Akoni.