Realizing Identity

We have been going to the beach a lot lately. What can you say- it's beautiful weather and there's not much else to do on Kauai with preschoolers. Anyways, on the way home from the beach the other day, Lyon pipes up "Mom, I'm brown. Kiri is brown, Dad is brown. But you're white. Look at you."

Little does he know that I'm actually off-white or caramel-ish depending on what light he sees me. Either way, it's time for a trip off-island to see real white people.

The following day he had another realization in the car ride home: "I'm brown like chocolate"

Yes, my little man, you are brown like chocolate.

Kiriana's First Day of School

Sept 7th was Kiri's first day of Preschool. For most moms, they have one little one go off to preschool and a baby still in the arms to hold for another 2 years before the whole preschool cycle starts again. Not me. One month after Lyon started preschool, I barely had time to regroup before it was Kiri's turn to start. While Lyon looked out the preschool window when we left, big brown eyes full of tears as if we were leaving forever, Kiri specifically told me "Mommy, I'm not going to cry." And that she didn't. If I could sum up her first day of school, it would be something like:

Hey guys. Great job raising me. Because you had me so close to Lyon, I've learned to be independent since it was kinda hectic. I've got this whole preschool thing down. Thanks for raising me from scratch for three years. I'll see you at 3pm sharp.

And with that, she went up the stairs to the door, waived goodbye and was gone. Be still my aching heart...my babies are growing up.

Gap-Tooth Smile on the way...

Well looks like Kiri is going to have her front tooth pulled out (it's dead). That means for the next 5 years she will have every picture with a gap smile. When Kiri came home from the dentist, Lyon asked me "what happened to Kiri?"
I said she is going to lose her tooth.
"I have a loser tooth" he replied.
That's going to go well driving his garbage truck.

First Day of School for Miss Kiri

Kiri had her first day of school on Wednesday. We told Lyon he is taking her to school and he has to take care of her. His comment on this situation: "Do I have to wipe her butt?"

Summer of 2011

Giant slip and slide at Camp Slogget for LMC family camp
Kiriana and her new friends
The kids first farm fair!
First boat ride to Na Pali Coast. So handsome!
Lyon's first day of preschool. Oh my baby is all grown up now...mixed feelings of relief yet sadness because time flew by :(
View of the Wailua River from our kayak
We kayaked up the Wailua River with our friend Frieda. Kiri wore her Kayak hat. She did incredible for only being two years old.
The Foster's first home. After 5 years of saving...we did it!!
My beautiful daughter of so many countries. Anais made her bikini!
Lyon's 4th birthday at Poipu Beach. I used to have my birthdays at this beach. Life repeats itself.
She was so well put together for the party...five minutes into it she found the flour pit.
when your dad is the drummer you think you can run on the stage and invite your friends. I wasn't about to go get them.

Fourth of July 2011 PMRF sunset. Love.
This is my child, I promise. Before I met Ariki or had kids, I always envisioned a brown polynesian child with big curly hair. Here she is.

Sweet family portrait...Lyon 3, Kiri 2



Almost three!
All smiles
What to do on a cloudy day? Fill up the buckets with warm water and bubbles!

Where's Your Money Kiri?

Carmel: "Kiri do you have money?"
Kiri: "yep"
Carmel: "Where is your money?"
Kiri: "Its in my daddy's pocket"

No Training Wheels!

August 4, 2011...Lyon rides a bike without training wheels at Family Camp in Koke'e.