Category Archives: Boys

Boys, Family

Be Boogy Boarding and Busting Your Shorts

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We went to a new beach today. It was suppose to be family friendly, have great sand and be a fun place to boogy board.

Look at this postcard, it looks idyllic:

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We received a few clues that the day was going to be a wild one when a Hawaiian boogy boarder screamed as a wave threw him into the air then the lifeguards came over the loud speaker reminding everyone that the current waters were unsafe for swimming, children and anyone inexperienced boogy boarding.

Checkout this photo I took of the bay and compare it to the postcard:

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Steve decided to give it a go anyways. Here he is with the blue board contemplating his entry:

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And this is what happened to his shorts:

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But then he decided to take our oldest son in to give it a try…

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Mama Bear and the lifeguards had to both yell at him. Me up close and personal, the lifeguards from the tower at the top of the beach.

The boys stayed on the sand for the rest of the morning building a rescue boat and a command centre. They had a great time. I was the only one traumatized by the crazy surf!

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At sunset, we went back to our favourite beach beside the turtles so that everyone could do some boogy boarding.

Checkout this perfect little wave lapping up onto the beach:

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OC and I were able to rest on the beach and make a bus:

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Another incredible day! OC got his feet wet by a wave for the first time and no one was sucked out to sea or pulverized too badly by waves. 20140322-214958.jpg
Tomorrow, we will be shopping for shorts!

Boys, Family

Be Hunting for Turtles

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Today, we went on a turtle hunt. The honu, or Hawaiian sea turtle, is the Hawaiian symbol of longevity, peace, good luck, humility, long life and the spirit within. I could use all of those things in my life. How about you?

We started off the morning at Turtle Beach, the unofficial name for Laniakea Beach, hoping to snorkel and see the turtles. No turtles and no snorkelling as the currents were too strong.

We headed north down the island to do some snorkelling in an incredible area at Pupukea Beach Park. We were able to see whales in the distance.

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Tonight, we went to Haleiwa Beach Park to have a picnic dinner and what did we end up running into at the beach right beside the Haliewa Marina? Seven humongous turtles!

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Turtle hunt was an unexpected success !

Expect the unexpected!

Boys, Family

Be Having a Double Double.

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If you know the coffee shop, Tim Horton’s, you will understand my pun on double double.

In the land of palm trees, pineapple and coconut peanut butter (oh ya!), we are soaking up a double double: Day two of double beach days!

Waialua Bay – Paddleboarding.

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We were able to enjoy our last couple of Grandma’s spelt cookies. Yum! Perfect to go with a double double!

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Boys, Family

Be Expecting Nana

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We are on day one of a gift we didn’t deserve. A gift that unfolded three weeks ago when an old teammate and dear friend said her house would be available while they went away. A gift that was unexpected, unexplainable but extraordinary.

A beautiful home in small town Oahu, very close to the famous North Shore surfing spots. Mountains, birds, orange staining soil, trampoline, flowers, warmth… and oh the smell.

This morning at breakfast Owen exclaimed, “Where is Nana?” I guess he thought that she would meet us in her favourite place in the world.

Mom has shown up.

Day 1 Morning – Playground Beach

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20140318-195633.jpgOur Homestay Backyard – Climbing!

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Day 1 Afternoon – Turtle Beach

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I am grateful that I often get what I don’t deserve.

The gift of life.

The presence in death.

Mom is all over this.

Thanks friends.

Thanks God.

Thank you mom for your life and leading us into death. You are amazing in the past and now in the present.

Off to smell the flowers.

Boys, Family, Grief

Be Happy/Sad Hockey is Over!

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Hockey in Vtown finished this afternoon. We love the coach, Z! She is the perfect balance of firm, fun and technical skills. She has continued to fuel our boys love for hockey.

We love the midweek connection we have had with papa and nana.

But frankly, I am exhausted. All of this driving, delving back and forth into my old life and how this season of our lives has unfolded.

I am happy/sad. My life is a dichotomy of mixed emotions most of the time, this is just another simple example.

OC got his first stick today:

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20140312-161747.jpgOC is a star hanging out for two hours while his brothers skate.

JC and Papa getting the equipment on:

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CC with his post-practice sweaty head:

20140312-161913.jpgAfter practice they had pizza for the players:

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Letting go.

Saying goodbye.

Sitting in happiness with sadness.

He shoots.

He scores!

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CC and JC on the ice together.

Boys, Family

Be Having a Snow Weekend

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Goodbye winter! We celebrated our last weekend up at the hill.

Saturday was the last day of cross country ski lessons. CC was very excited about his cookie race. JC loved going down the jungle trail and playing in the trees with his friend, K.

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Sunday, OC and I hit the cross country trails again. The big boys strapped on their downhill skis and hit some trails. CC went on the chairlift for the first time. The boys loved the Peanut Trail.

I think my boys will choose to take the ‘road less travelled’.

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Boys, Grief

Be on Blades (Skating again!)

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In my grief, I am learning to hold captive to every moment. As winter comes to a close here, I decided to take the boys for one more skate on the outdoor rink.

JC and CC loved racing and playing tag. OC took his first tentative steps on his ‘cheese cutter’ skates.

We all had a blast.

20140303-211609.jpgYup, those are boats in the background. We are skating right beside the lake.

20140303-211615.jpgCC with a full mask of snow courtesy of his big brother.

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I laughed.

I raced.

I am still faster for one more year!