April Already?

Time is going way too fast... I need it to really slow down because I am having a great time and am not ready to leave yet! After nearly 3 years of being anxious to get off this island I now want to stay... life here is too easy... no decisions to make... I just live in the house they gave me, go to the school nearby, shop at the only store, drive the cheapest car we found on the lot that was big enough to fit the double stroller and we spend our free time exploring paradise! Who would want to leave? I think that all my family and friends that I miss so much just need to move here and then it would be perfect!
It’s just barely starting and I”m already stressed out thinking about which house to buy and in what school district, what kind of car to buy and where to get it....and that’s just the big stuff...I”ll need to furnish a house, get a cell phone, buy a washer/dryer, lawn mower, etc.... it’s just too much.... listen to what we’ve been doing here and you’ll agree we should just stay put and live on vacation!

Yesterday we got home from church and it was so beautiful out that we had to have a family adventure. So we set off toward Ikei island, a small island connected by a bridge that we’ve ridden our bikes to but never taken the kids or gone with time to explore. On the way we passed some castle ruins and suddenly stopped and got out to walk around and enjoy the view.
Then it was off to the islands where we looked at the fish, the gorgeous water and serene beach... it was heavenly and a great way to spend time together. We had the whole beach to ourselves!




Saturday we enjoyed the kids soccer games in the morning. Danica has come a long way since the last game where she cried the minute the game started and this time she actually touched the ball twice!! Hayden did well and is learning to be more aggressive. After that we dropped the kids at the once a month free day care and were prepping for nice bike ride when Tom got called into work. So I called my great friend here and talked her into riding with me. We set off on a 46 mile ride out to Ikei island. It was a beautiful, tough, long ride. I felt so lucky to have a friend to come with me and gorgeous place to ride...Tom picked up the kids and we watched Tangled and had Pizza Hut for dinner.

A few other fun things we've been up to:
On Wednesday we found a new park, called the Treehouse park. The girls had a blast running around and sliding down.

In other news... Alyssa got her new teeth on Tuesday. She didn’t want them and cried through the appointment but was still compliant. It took a few days before she got used to them but now she’s back to normal and they look great!!! We’re really excited that she was able to get them!
Before:
After:
Hayden has been running a mile every night with Tom. It’s been a great experience both physically and mentally. He literally cried through the entire first mile it was so hard and he was so angry. We decided he needed to work on running after watching him at his first soccer game where he was just so winded, gave up chasing the ball quickly, and had no form. After the first few nights of runs he began to improve and started to like it. Now he asks Tom when they are going to run and is working on getting faster. I hope this lesson can help in other areas in his life because is a chronic “quitter” who only does things that are easy. This is a clear example of sticking with something hard and the benefits that come from it!
He participated in the science fair again this year and was able to go to districts again. It’s a great experience for him and he enjoys the day of learning and fun activities. I was able to go with him and loved watching him in action!
Danica is loving her new gymnastics class!
That about sums up things here... we are looking at flying out of here on June 18th, just after the last day of school...we'll keep you posted as the details come together!!!