The tooth fairy has landed...

It's official. Olivia is on her way to being an adult. 1 tooth gone (and a new 6 year molar to boot).

She lost it this past weekend (while our sitter was here) and didn't want us to know. (so of course we didn't... wink, wink)

We always wondered if the tooth fairy was Japanese or American. Turns out, she is American, and gave Olivia a Sacajawea Gold Dollar.

Preschool for the Mighty

Today was Alessandra's first day of school for the year. She is headed back to East-West Montessori and was pretty darn excited about it.

So excited she wouldn't even open her eyes for me... cheeseball.

After we spent so much time preparing Olivia's first day of school, we spent no less time preparing Alessandra. Last night we picked out her outfit (thank you Granny, she loves this dress) and packed her backpack, lunch and got everything together.

And she even wanted to stand in the EXACT location that Olivia did yesterday for her "first day of school" shot..

So, after taking Olivia to the bus stop and driving to East-West, here we are in the parking lot... still happy (although very sunny in our face)

And changing her shoes (she got some great new inside shoes that are Japanese.. so cute!)
And she was motivated until...

Now. Really - you are going to make that kind of face at me when I am leaving? She was so happy and excited about seeing Ms. Reiko up until the actual moment of seeing her... and she acted all shy and funny and then...

looked like a forlorn angry puppy as mom told her she had to go... I hope (and assume) the day got better from there....

Ahhhhh. School is in session.

Olivia - the First Grader!

It's official. We have begun 1st Grade! No more Kindergardener in this household... OH NO! 1st Grade Rocks.

Outside of the front door of her school E.C. Killin Elementary

We had to head back to the "big kids" playground to line up today. Olivia is in Ms. Cornett's class - a 1st/2nd Grade split. Happy Day!

Standing in line.

You may recognize these ladies from last year (in her K classroom). Sierra and Alexa are in Olivia's class (as well as Andrew who didn't get to share in the girl love)

See you later mom!

Maeda Flats

I should title this blog: One of our most favorite days on the island thus far.

We headed out to Maeda Flats this week. This place is well known for it's snorkeling and scuba diving, and I had heard that there were great tide pools to explore... so off we went.

The day was perfectly overcast (a good thing when the temp is 92 degrees and 90 percent humidity). The clouds were rolling in on our drive up and gave us some great sun coverage.

The tide pools were amazing! Some of them were 12 feet deep and full of cracks and crevices. We saw all kinds of fish, crabs and sea cucumbers. It was fantastic!

The other great thing about this area was all of the natural cave like areas that come out when the tide is low. Lots of great exploring!

Crazy brain coral

A shot of Alessandra and the rains coming (that did drench us for a few minutes)

Brad and A exploring...

The girls took on a big cave to walk through (lots of sharp coral etc). They made it to the middle and then daddy went to help them get through the other side.

Brad - climbing a pretty sharp coral/rock.

Enjoying a swim in the pools

I loved this photo (above), This is Olivia and Brad both back floating in the pool. Olivia is on the left - Brad on the right... Heads, feet and hands is all you can see.

Thumbs up - we will be back again!

Birthday Fun

We should go ahead and call this the Alessandra post, because daddy Brad documented every moment of this little peanut's 3rd birthday. :)

We started out the day before (the whole family) and headed to Cocoks and had pedicures. (Note: Brad and I actually had pedicures, the girls had "nail art")

Little Miss's with pampering... loved it.

Those ladies with their tiny little paintbrushes amaze me every time. Olivia chose some cats and Alessandra chose Elmo - (None of my photos came out that well, but I will keep trying).

Having fun.

Brad enjoying some R&R

The actual day of her birthday was pretty low key. We waited until the afternoon to do some present opening. She enjoyed every moment: some of the highlights (and there were a lot of them)

A new panda from Connor (amazingly we lost Lamby that night, and she slept with Panda for 3 nights until we re-found Lamby)

A really great turtle that daddy got her in Iraq.

Alessandra's new favorite movie Wall-E. We had rented it from Netflix and she kept asking for it. She was very happy about this.

A new Barbie from Nana and Poppi

Some great Stamps from Gram (we love the stamps)

A lovely new dress from Granny and Grandfather ("so pretty" she stated)

Our cheeselicious birthday girl in her glory (and note: Susu and Grandpa gave her the fancy dress this summer and she has been WAITING to wear it. She was SO happy she finally got to wear it)

Working on some stamps waiting for Cooper and Caden to come over

Birthday Sunset...

The intensity of fire at the table.

She blew out the candles and then decided that the most important part was licking the candles...

And eating cake... who doesn't love cake?

Happy Birthday sweet girl.

the BIG 3!

Happy Birthday to Alessandra!

(more photos to come....)