Super Simon

Simon has recently developed a love of Superman, springing from unknown sources. However watching the way he acts after putting him in his superman pajamas, I guess the Clark Kent into Superman transformation is innate. We had no idea he even knew who Superman was, but somehow Simon is aware that he has big muscles and flies. So when he gets to wear the superman outfit, which would be every day if he had his way, he tries to act like a superhero. I have not checked on him in the middle of the night to see if his bed was empty because he had gone out to fight crime and save damsels in distress, but maybe its a good thing he doesn't actually have a cape.

Birthday wishes

Today is my sister's birthday. She is a significant part of my life, so I wanted to give a shout out to her and wish her a happy day.

31 years of birthday cards: $155

31 years of birthday cakes: $310

31 years of birthday presents: $3100

31 years of Life: Priceless

Here's hoping theres many, many more to use our mastercards on!
I love you Sis!

Hawaii Highlights

In November, we were able to go to Hawaii for Joe's youngest brother's wedding. It was a wonderful week, that we also shared with my sister and her family (including of course Joe's brother Daniel). It was quite the adventure with 4 adults and 5 kids. The kids did really well on the airplanes, Simon made quite a few friends with his sweet smile and silly antics.

With the time difference of 3 hours, the kids got up pretty early the first morning, so we were able to watch the sunrise. Here it is from the deck of the house we stayed in -- Gorgeous!

The kids sure loved the ocean! The waves were like their own personal play ground, and it made me wish we lived closer to the water.

We visited lots of the old places we all used to go when we lived there, like Sunset Beach, Laie Point, and Joe and Daniel even looked around the house where they grew up. It was an interesting experience feeling like things were so much the same, and had changed so much all at the same time.

The whole gang at Sunset Beach. The boys at the Point.

Eli was fascinated by the hila-hila grass (I don't know the real name, but it goes to "sleep" when you touch it).

We also went to the Pali Lookout. The kids thought it was pretty cool, the adults thought it was weird there was no wind - there is always wind, strong wind, at the Pali!

We took a Catamaran ride out of Waikiki that was a lot of fun. On the way out, we hit a little squall, and got kind of wet. It rained on us and the boat was like being on a rollercoaster, up and down and up and down. Joe and Daniel thought it was fun to be up front feeling the full range of the waves. Simon was terrified and cried and finally decided to go to sleep. The rest of us just sat underneath the cover, and kept mostly dry. Once the rain passed though, the water was very calm and beautiful.

Here is a view of Diamond Head from the boat.

We even had a pod of dolphins come right up to the boat and jump around for us.



The weather was wonderful, warm, and wet; the wedding was beautiful and the reception a blast; the shave ice was delicious and the shopping delightful; the family and friends are always dear. We wish we could go to Hawaii every year!

Marler Men

I thought I would post this picture since it is kind of significant for my husband and his family. With seven boys all grown and living in different parts of the country (and world and times), having 5 all together is quite amazing. Hopefully one day they will be able to have all seven together again, as well as Mom and Dad. We were able to have them to our house during the holiday break. I know the brothers all have fun when they get together.

Christmas Joy

I think I may be working backward, chronologically speaking, for a bit in order to share some of the more significant events of the past few months for my family. So here is a little bit of Christmas. My mom and dad gave my boys and my sister's boys a bouncy house for Christmas. They weren't quite sure what to think of it when they saw it, but have had many hours of fun in it since. So here's to you Granmama and Granpapa -- Thanks for the Christmas Joy!

Beginnings

I have now joined the world of blogging. I hope I am ready to make this commitment. It has been a long time in the thought process, I even attempted to start a week ago but got hung up on a title. Silly I know. But finally I really have a blog. I am sure I will have nothing significant or important to say over the course of this record of my life, but maybe you will all at least be able to feel like you are a part of my simple existence. I imagine this to mostly consist of tales of my children and family life, maybe some snippets of meaningful things I have read, and hopefully lots of pictures and videos to illustrate what my words lack. So to all of you out there, happy blogging!