bink

I just found this picture on my camera from about a month ago.  Lydia is quite attached to her "bink" yet... right now we have only one remaining.  When the boys were little we went through the process of getting rid of their binkies & we always told them when they lost all the binkies, we couldn't buy any more.  With Lydia, we told her we were going to send her binks to Sesame Street.  Well, between her making holes in a few & just losing a few, we're down to the one.  To tell you the truth, I'm a little nervous about Lydia's transition... she's much louder & moodier than the boys were.  I was really tempted to buy a few when I was at WalMart the other day.  I keep telling myself, though, that the boys had a few rough nights to start, but once it was out of sight, it got easier.  So, wish us luck over the next month, as I'm sure our one bink will soon get lost as well... {sigh}

Hawaii

Yes, our first stop after the hotel room was to a bar that

had the largest selection of beers on tap in the world & to

have a real meal after our longggggg flight!

then a walk down to Waikiki beach to see the ocean.

the next evening, we went to a luau.

Friday was spent at Pearl Harbor {USS Arizona}

the USS Missouri & to Punchbowl, the Pacific's military

gravesight & memorial.  They were all very moving

places to visit.

Saturday was a lovely day on the ocean & seeing the

"green" side of the island & snorkeling on the most incredible

coral reef.  We even were able to see sea turtles from 

the boat.  The captains gave us the lowdown on the islands

we could see from the boat, which were the ones where

Lost, Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Gilligan's Island & many

more were/are being filmed.

Sunday was breakfast, packing, check out, then we had a few hours before we were to be at the airport, so we did most of the shopping for gifts that we hadn't gotten yet!  Our flight ended up being an hour late leaving, so waiting, waiting & more waiting.  Then the 9 hour flight to CR & finally, got home & took a nap!  Then we went to get the boys from school & Lydia from the babysitters.  It was great to see them... the boys were even willing to give hugs & kisses freely!  We quickly got back into the regular routine & we're sooooo glad to be home safely with our kids.  Next time we go we'll have to take them with & do one of those 14 day island hopping trips everyone was telling us about..... hmmm, maybe in a few years!  Of all the trips we've taken, we really would like to go back & see the other islands.  The people are so lovely & I love their frame of mind... MAHALO Hawaii!

Easter Pics

I got my Easter weekend pictures from my sister right before we left on our trip & thought I'd share...

this was Egg Hunt #1 on Saturday in nearby St. Paul.

our cute new cousin Aiden, who we met for the first

time on Easter weekend.

finally, Easter Sunday after church we got some pictures

together.  Of course, Lyd had to ham it up!

we're back!

Dan & I are back from our fabulous Hawaii vacation.... I'm still in a daze, believe it's jet lag?  Not sure, I'm not too tired...mostly just feeling like I'm still moving from the plane.  More to come later!

a happy Easter weekend

No pictures yet, I recruited my sis to take pics & haven't gotten them on my computer as of yet.  We started Saturday with the first egg hunt in St. Paul, which the kids loved.  Lydia was in search of Smarties, which she now has a lifetime supply.  Then it was off the my sister Kim's for brunch with my family.... so much good food, oh my!  After the adults relaxed for a short time, the eggs were hidden in the back yard for the kids.  Collin opted to hide eggs instead of hunting for this one & by now Lydia was well aware of what she should be doing.  This time more candy, balloons & some money!  We hung out most of the afternoon there while Dan visited his mom & dad & worked with his sister to try to get their house a little more ready for his mom to come home {keep Bev in your prayers please}.  Then we were off to my cousin's house for more food & family fun.  Earl & Leanne are new grandparents & had to show off the cute little Aiden to all of us.  I got to hold the little cutie & Lydia was truly enamored by him as well.  I can't believe the little girl I used to babysit is now a mom herself!  Oh & we even got to have an egg hunt here as well {more $ and candy!}.  They were even nice enough to give Lydia an Elmo easter basket.  Thanks guys, she loves it!

Sunday started out with breakfast, then to church, where Collin served mass & then to mama & papa K's to have a little more brunch {leftovers from Saturday}.  The boys stayed to play with cousin Erin while we brought Lydia home for a well-needed nap!  The evening consisted of veggin' out in front of the tv until bed.

Today, the kiddos are still at home {last day of Easter break}.  This morning grandma stayed with them while I took Lydia to get her ears rechecked w/ Doc {better, but has a fever, we think from teeth} & then to the chiropractor where her hip & neck were out of whack.  Hopefully that will help her feel better!  I even took her for a quick McDonald's lunch {when she sees the sign she yells FETCH FIES!}.  Then back home to get her a nap.  This afternoon has been a little work for me, treadmill, new scrabble slam game with the boys & just trying to get things caught up before are trip!

I hope everyone had as wonderful of Easter as we did.

Tomorrow I travel to North Liberty for more new & exciting stuff for Reminisce & Wednesday is VACATION!  We'll be out about 4:30 am to head to our flight in CR.  Pray for our safe travel.....