Snorkeling for Treasure

All those swimming lessons this summer sure paid off.

Jackson loved to be in the water. No fear of putting his face in time and time again.

He found the mask great for finding his 'treasure' sticks in the water and no saltwater in the eyes.

With a little more practice on the snorkel breathing we should be diving by our next visit to Hawaii with Daddy.

'Firsts' Hawaiian Style

Although it was Jackson's second trip to Oahu, Hawaii, he and Mommy did experience some new 'firsts'. Including our first vacation without Daddy :(

But lots of exciting firsts too!

Like...

Our first vacation with Baby Cousin Hannah, Aunty Joy & Uncle Scott.

Jackson's newest nickname for his cousin...Hannah-lulu!

He was pretty proud of himself for that one!

Jackson-style surfing on his little blue boogie board.

Gotta catch your waves quick, they can be something fierce!

Shave Ice from one of the best little kept secrets on the island.

So 'ono' it 'broke da mouth'.

Getting a little snorkeling in at the Ko'Olina lagoons.

We love the man-made lagoons without all the wicked waves for the little swimmers.

Petting our first goat at the Keiki Zoo in Honolulu.

He said it was a little rough and scratchy.

Watching all the cute hula dancers at the Dole Planation Family Day Celebration.

Mmmm....Dole Whip Pineapple Ice Cream!

Making our first 'sand-angel'.

We'll be making snow ones in just a couple of months at home!

And visiting with all the little geckos in our yard and around the neighbourhood.

Lots of great visits with the ohana in our little beach house rental in Ewa Beach.

Look at all the local yummy sweets; Hupia Chocolate Cake, Lilikoi Cream Pie & Strawberry Cream Pie.

Sorry that Daddy wasn't able to join us after all that planning, but schoolwork comes first.

And so many fun memories to share when we got back home.

Growing Pains

Jackson has been a biking machine. He only just received a two wheeler bike from his cousin, Travis just over a week ago and he has practicing almost every day since. We have gone over all the precautionary rules of safety for Mommy's peace of mind; always wear your helmet, how to slow down/stop and keep your head up and looking forward to see what's coming at you. The last one needs to be reminded constantly as he has a tendency to be easily distracted while cycling (not unlike his Mommy).

Not really sure of this thing called balance to which we keep referring, but it will come. As you may notice, he is definitely in the training wheel stage. But that doesn't stop our little daredevil from wanting to try to ride off the end of a ramp or down a dirt bike hill.

He's our fearless little toughie who's not afraid of falls and scraps. Each tumble results in a quick bounce up followed by 'I'm good' and back on he goes. Mommy on the other hand, waits with her breath held, biting her tongue while he slowing grows up before my very eyes. It's so hard to release him and let him have that space to explore his boundaries but still want to keep him safe and sound without smothering. Oh, the lessons we are both learning during these growing pains...

Date Night: Dinner Out!

I purchased our first TravelZoo group voucher (like Groupon) for a 'newish' restaurant on the coast. Frankie's Italian Kitchen. I happened upon these great deals from the weekly email I receive from TravelZoo.ca They now offer these great local (BC) deals and we decided to act on it since we would be in the area. The deal was a dinner for 2 for $35, how could we go wrong with a steal like that... So here's what we ate;

Calamari

Gently fried served with fresh lemon & Tzatziki sauce

Queen Charlotte Halibut

Pan seared halibut fillet served on pesto cream sauce served with vegetables & scalloped potato

Gnocchi and Chicken

hand made Gnocchi with Ricotta, sliced chicken breast tossed in a Pesto cream sauce

And we finished it off with Creme Brulee.

Delicious!

We will have to keep our eyes open for more deals closer to home.

We'll keep you posted of any more food adventures as they happen...

Bon Appetit!

Splish Splash!

Another session of swimming lessons completed by our little fishy, Jackson. It was his first lessons without a parent and he did amazing. No fear or hesitation on getting right into it on the first day. We are so very proud of him. At the beginning of the first week he wasn't quite ready to dunk his head and jump off the diving board in the deep end, but into the second week and it was hard to keep him off the diving board.

He has now passed his Sea Turtle level and is well on his way into Salamander in August. Gotta get him ready for all the snorkeling in Hawaii this fall. He is great at floating on his back and staying under water for about 3-5 sec. We had a great teacher this session with Katelynn and look forward to the next round of lessons in 2 weeks.

Piggie Party

Time for this little piggie to roast on a spit.

First there was four and how there is one...

And she was 'Delicious'!

And we had so much fun. Thank you so very much to all the Schafers and all those who added the great outdoor feast.

Munching with the Mighty Machines

While 'treasure hunting' (geocaching) this afternoon with Jackson, we stopped for our picnic lunch. We were headed for a nice river setting but found way too many mosquitoes wanting to make us their lunch. As we headed down the road a little further, we came across some 'mighty machines' in action. So Jackson was treated to a little show with his meal.

He helps us to stop searching for the next big thrill and just enjoy the simple thrill of the every day.

Mesmerized...

Look at these 'Mighty Machines!'