The Carroll's have landed

The kids and I safely arrived in the Heartland. The plane ride was a hard one physically and emotionally but we were also blessed with many kindhearted people that helped us along the way.
Grandparents & Aunts & Uncles surround. Talk and action on planting gardens and building chicken coops. Tree swings and horses. Some spring-like days and some days cold winds blow about. Starting school again with the kids-wondering how long it'll be before that groove gets set. Wondering what is in store for the future; where we will settle & much more. Thankful for much that is being provided.

Saying goodbye

A visit to the windy Pali lookout. #2 Doesn't always appear like a giant compared to the rest. #3 goofy expression. Oh and #2 has been taking here American Girl doll everywhere, that's not #5 hidden:)

Visiting our duck pond for the last time.

#5 ready to get packing. Next weekend we fly away from our home in paradise.

Monday

I made a pretty table for my valentines to wake up to(hey, for me this is creative!). Gifts include a little box of candy, a baby apple that they've been wanting to try and an electric toothbrush they've also been asking for.
We decorated the table with flowers and a 'love mat'. The kids have hearts of all colors they cut out hanging around the house as well. We all wore a red shirt with huge intentions of grabbing a matching picture but no pictures were taken after this early morning shot.

So since I don't have a group picture of my sweethearts to share I'll give you this of the two youngest. #4 put together the drums and then let the little guy help him play or make racket, same thing!

Road Trip

No, road trip and living on an island is not an oxymoron. Grab your water, grab your snack and hop in the car and we'll see where we end up.
Highlights from the day:
*As soon as we got about half way to the north shore the skies turned gray and the rain drops started falling. We played with the rain today. Rain would fall down and we'd roll the windows up. Rain would stop and the windows would come down. Yes, it's kinda like the game you play with the sun. Sunglasses on; sun hides behind the cloud. Sunglasses off; sun is bright.
*Tried out the(a) shrimp shack today. Wasn't overly impressed. Plus only 2 of the 6 of us ate. Not sure what the aversion to shrimp was today I do occasionally make it at home and all partake.
*Saw some awesome surf.
*Admired some well made surfers. :P
*Kids counted 50 horses. It's fun to see the western wear out here!
*Saw many, many awesome waterfalls!! The best time to drive through the mountains, such a wonderful, beautiful site!!!
*Went through H-3 in downpour on one side. As we were nearing the end of the tunnel the kids said. " I can see the light at the end of the tunnel". Goofy kids!! But they thought it was pretty cool that it could rain on one side of the mountain and be dry on the other. No worries the gray skies did find us again before we got home.
*Enjoyed some yummy treats from Costco food court.
* Just danced our yummy treats off.

Road trips are fun! #3 was worried that we wouldn't have enough gas to finish our trip. Please note we filled the van up before we left. I assured him we hadn't been driving nearly long enough to use up a full tank of gas......but it seemed like ages to him! What a surprise he is in for when we really have space to drive!

P.S.
Had the camera but upon trying to take the first picture discovered battery was dead. Am currently charging the battery so it will be ready for our next adventure!!

USS Missouri

We were able to visit the USS Missouri last week. They were offering a day for military & locals to visit free of charge so we took advantage of that!

#1 was looking for the Missouri flag, did he find it?

A view of the Arizona Memorial from the deck of the Missouri.

I recruited James to go with us. He was a very helpful guide for all the questions the kids had about the ship.

The guns were a big hit with the boys, go figure!

After we were done with the tour of the ship everyone went to find the Carroll from the Oklahoma memorial. Have no idea if it is a relative or not. Parents, do you know?
All in all a beautiful day in Hawaii nei.

Friends

Group shot. Well, the part of the group that is sharing the love.

I will have to look at this photo often to remember that they can be kind to one another.

Friend has #2 in a tight bear hug......must be revenge for the first picture when it was reversed;)

Who needs wide open spaces? Just give us a fence to hang on!

What are those kids up to?

Nothing beats some cotton candy........

and some shave ice after a trolley ride. It sure made our day!!

Of course maybe that's why this one is missing so many teeth?!?

Nah, not really.

Went to see a movie over the weekend. Love the base theater, about the only place you can pay to see a movie with 5 people & each get your own snack for $20 total(ok, it was really $21.50)

Love the promise