Year in Review, Part 4

Fourth of July 2010/Makoa's 2nd Birthday

Makoa was born on July 4th, 2008 and, of course, a few new traditions were created. 

One tradition is one that'll last as long as Makoa allows me to pick out his clothes.  My Aunty Theresa, who I consider one of my second mothers, has sent these outfits to Makoa every year. And every year they will be his "Birthday Suit"...at least for as long as he indulges me. 

 What a difference a year makes!



Makoa's 1st Birthday



Makoa's 2nd Birthday

The tradition of family and friends coming to my home and visiting for the weekend to celebrate each other is one that I grew up with.  Some of my first memories are of huge weekend family gatherings.  It seems there was always an occasion to celebrate, to cook huge amounts of food, to have friends and family of old and new gather under one roof. 

Since Makoa's birthday falls on a National Holiday and we are blessed to live at the beach, I get the privilage of hosting future memories.  I love when my home is full beyond capacity!

Makoa's 1st Birthday 2009

 

Makoa's 2nd Bithday 2010



Makoa's 1st Birthday 2009

Makoa's 2nd Birthday 2010



Makoa's 1st Birthday 2009

Makoa's 2nd Birthday 2010



More 2010 Beach Boy Days

Like I said, I am blessed.

Year in Review, Part 3

The Summer of 2010 I hope started a tradition.  Camp Lesle.  That's what my Godson, Jesse-Ikaika, calls his summer vacation with us.  As kids, we spent many summers with our cousins, aunties & uncles, grandparents...the best memories ever.  So its important to me and my family that our kids are raised with a village of family around them.  Last summer was a full summer.  Blessings all around. 

One such blessing is called Pea Island.

Pea Island is one of our favorite beaches.  We pack up the whole house, grab some fried chicken, junk food, a drinks, and spend the entire day lounging in the sun.

  There are miles and miles of open space.  On a "crowded" day, the next "camp" is about 20 yards away.  While Makoa is still young enough, we let him run around au natural. 

The boys have room to run and splash.

 

Kai is a natural water boy!  He LOVES getting tossed around in the shore break and he always remembers to give us the thumbs up sign when alls well in the water.



We love our Munchos...any kind of junk food works really :)

 

Lots of Sun and Sand Time

A bit of nap time too

I'm a blessed girl.





Valentine's Day

Yesterday was Makoa's first class Valentine's Day party!  We made Shortbread Cookies with "Pink" Chocolate drizzled over them.  He went with the Toy Story 3 V-day cards because he watches the movie about 5 times a day AND they came with tattoos! 

Mommy Foul on my part for using the old class list...I ended up missing 2 little girls in his class :(  When I was standing in line waiting to pickup Makoa, I was looking at all the jacket hooks outside of his class and I noticed a name that I didn't remember writing on any of the cards.  As we were driving home I had a sinking suspicion that at least one little girl didn't get a Valentine from Makoa...turns out there were 2!  I feel pretty bad about it, despite the many encouraging words from family and friends.  Oh well, live and learn.

Inspirations

The David Crowder Band. LOVE THEM!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

Lists

As of January 2011 I've read 2 books.

Water for Elephants was a great book and I am so excited for the film!

Water For Elephants Teaser

I have also read and loved

And I am currently reading

AND

I've decided to read the Bible in Chronological order.  This track seems to fit my personality.  I'm loving it, honestly.  I'm ahead in my daily readings, I take detailed notes, I keep a journal along side my readings.  Its amazing how timely the readings fall into my life.  God's perfect timing, its perfect.

I am also reading

The Connection Group I am a part of is doing this study together.  It's pretty amazing and timely.