We Voted

What an amazing day....and not in my usual "amazing day" type of posts.

Today is a special day for Californians (and residents of 24 other US states). We're voting in our primary today and our choices are historic (ok, two of them are). It truly is a Super Tuesday! This is not a political blog, (there are others that are far more articulate than I) so I won't go into my opinions, although they really aren't that hard to find (hint ----->)

but I voted with pride today and excitedly told Kainoa why this was such a magnificent day. To be honest, he was far more interested in the dog waiting for his person outside the polling location than he was in his gushing momma, but I can only hope this was a first of many political discussions in our home.

Please vote in your local primary or caucus and share your voice.

Our Little Boy is 2!

And, 2 is fabulous...and challenging, and glorious and frustrating and above all, full of amazing energy and will.



Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

Trains, Trains and More Trains....

Not the most clever of titles, but it definitely sums up our day!

We spent Saturday morning downtown at the Train Show. And what a train show it was!!!

When we walked in, we were overwhelmed by all the moving parts...fabulous models, VERY enthusiastic train fans, Thomas the Tank engine was everywhere. (thank goodness a birthday is coming up....a great excuse to shop). Sooo many model trains -- most made noise, puffed smoke and even smelled like a train station (please don't ask me to describe it...just take Timi's word for it). There was even a model roller coaster that hit our soft spot. Our favorite find (ok, my favorite find) was a dvd of real trains on the tracks for only $6. maybe it's cooler in person...as I descibe it, it sounds a bit bland

Timi and Kainoa were able to ride in a neat train that had a real conductor and bell!

Nothing like a kid in a candy store.....

Welcome 2008!

Christmas Joy

Kainoa certainly got the hang of packages, ripping the bows and wrapping paper, opening the boxes, playing with the new toy or book and then quickly moving on to the next one! We had two very fun days full of family, yummy food, delicious drink and of course, many, many packages.

We pray your holidays are full of many blessings and tremendous joy!

December....In Review

What a glorious month! We have had so many blessings and excitement this month....with, of course, Kainoa front and center.

Kainoa performed in his first Christmas pagent

and sang for a packed house!

After the Christmas show, Grandma and Paka came over and

showed Kainoa the joy of whipping cream in a can...what fun!

One Saturday, we decided to avoid the task of cleaning house and took "the boys" (all of them, Kainoa, Timi and cousins Todd and Ryan) to The Nut Tree for a morning of playing, riding rides, eating ice cream and having a blast! Kainoa loves his cousins so much...he copies their every move.

Now...in the category "Who's the Bigger Kid?"

Cooking with Kainoa

I have so many wonderful memories of cooking with my parents and grandparents. We were always encouraged to help in the kitchens of our youth. Everyone in our family cooks....some great memories include Grandpa George cracking walnuts with a very dangerous looking nutcracking contraption (not the cute Nutcracker from the ballet), making pasties with Gramma Uren and Grandma Ruth, my dad making pancakes with the grandkids, my mom teaching us about measuring and sharing favorite recipes, even the smell of my Grandpa Ed's liver and onions....yes, cooking and baking are definitely in my roots and am I glad about that!

Last week, I got the deep craving for an apple pie (not a regular craving for me...mine usually revolve something chocolate and gooey). I also wanted to make the pie...just a simple pie. So, I thought...it's time Kainoa gets his hands dirty and hopefully, begin to develop an appreciation for fresh from our kitchen goodness and take pride in his contribution to it. And, if I may say so myself, we all enjoyed the results!