Tovi is using her potty.

While we were traveling in Hawaii Tovi started asking to use the "potty". She has continued asking now that we are at home with frequent success so we are officially starting potty training. Yay Tovi! I'll admit I'm less enthused when she awakes at 4:30 am and "A poop, A poop... POTTY!"

The "Big Island" part IV (lava tube)

Lava tube between Waikloa and Kona

Hawaii Part III (the volcano)

Zoom on the lava flowing into the ocean.

An absolute highlight of our trip was visiting the volcano. We drove to where the lava flow was reaching the ocean and walked a mile in the dark through the lava field to view it. It was amazing and we were in awe.

Volcano National Park.

Steam Clouds forming from edge of caldera

steam vents

The "Big Island" part II (dad's work)

Connor would wake up as early as 2:30 am to drive up to the top of Mauna Loa and prep his instruments before sunrise. Depending on the weather and the instrument's behavior he could be back as early as noon or just get back for dinner.

Mauna Loa at dawn.

The "Big Island" part I (adventures with mommy)

While Connor was working at the top of Mauna Loa the kids and I toured the island looking for fun things to do. We found several playgrounds and cultural/historical sites that were interesting but by far the winner was Kapuna beach.

Powder sugar Tovi.

This silly goose loved to roll around in the sand and didn't mind the sand in her ears, mouth, nose...

Taran was very focused on "making cement" and even carried a piece of cement back and forth from the beach to the car each day.

Taran conquered a huge abandoned sandcastle.

It took a lot of rinsing in cold water to get the sand out of Taran the conqueror's hair.

Taran said he was "shampooing" his hair.

Ruins of 600 year old fishing village.

Taran along the trail.

Taran, Tovi and mommy.

Maui visit, Part II

The kids picking citrus with Marilyn and Connor.

Taran and his fruit.

Feeding Lucky some carrots

Taran with cousins Tai and Taylie working on their construction project.
Taran and Tai discussing where to build their brick wall.

Tovi, Tai and a high five.

Tovi, Tai and Taran at the Haiku playground.

Oahu Visit!

Wikiki Beach
The guys playing in the surf.
Honolulu Aquarium

North Shore Beach. Parker, Mike and Taran.

Family shot at North shore beach

Happy Birthday Parker!

Cousins Taran, Tovi, Kendal and Parker with Connor and Keelin.

The Honolulu Aquarium.
The boys are captivated by the fish and girls are focused on Keelin's bag of pretzels

Parker and Taran

Sea turtle at the beach on the North Shore

The girls cooling off.

Maui Visit, Part I

Taran and Uncle O

Taran aka TARZAN

Tovi collecting dirt and snails

Our Tiny Artist