Busy Days

I love busy days.

Today we had a fun (at least when you're in a family with 2 small boys) trip to the dump, then we were off to Charlie's first day of soccer. I don't think I stopped laughing and smiling the entire hour we were on the field. Imagine a pack of 3 year olds learning to play soccer. Too cute. I was actually impressed how well they followed directions. Charlie had a great time and has already named soccer as his favorite part of the day today. We even got him to pose, notice the shaka and the thumbs up. Soccer must be awesome to get both! And I'm only sharing this photo here, as I think this photo may be making it's way into some grandparent Christmas projects...but I had to share it somewhere - it's obviously a classic!

After soccer we then went to the park where Daddy plays volleyball. We had a picnic and learned the difference between acorns and pinecones.

And when the kiddos get up from naps we'll be off to the Harvest (Halloween) Festival at Charlie's Some Day School. That's what we call it for now when we drive by. It will be his school some day, 2 years from now. I'm sure that time will be here more quickly than I can guess.

Let's Play!

This is our new playroom. I think I'm in love with the IKEA Fabler design, slightly circus, slightly magical, definitely fun. The walls were painted "Dusk" by Restoration Hardware, a bold move painting such a dark color, certainly the darkest I've ever used, but I really like it. Paul wanted something "not too kid." Well, at least that was achieved with the paint color, but the room (for now) is all kid!

And this is our new friend, Aden. (Aden's in the middle.) The boys got to go to the Zoo last Friday and Aden came with us. (So did Hallie's friend, Jessica who is Aden's mommy.) And the next day we went to Aden's house, and Sunday Charlie begged to go to Aden's house or have him come over to ours. I think Aden is Charlie's best San Diego friend, I've certainly heard Aden's name more in the last week than I've typed it into this paragraph. ; )

Homesick

This blog page reminds me so much of our life that was in Hawaii. And it is hard to visit those memories while I am still so homesick. But, I couldn't bear not to vividly soak in those wonderful memories - so it's time to start posting again.

We are now in San Diego, California and we are making a house in Point Loma ours - slowly. This house (pictured here) needs much work, but it's potential is huge. The neighborhood is lovely and it's 1 mile to Paul's work, less to the kids school and if you can brave the very steep hill, a very short walk to the ocean. If we ever add a second story there would certainly be a water view.

Every day we do a little something to the house and it is certainly beggining to feel "ours." But I am missing my very dear "mommy" friends in Hawaii, the friendliness of life with Aloha and simply having a tried and true routine and an ease about having everything down pat.

Everyone is making progress letting go of Hawaii and embracing San Diego though. Charlie began his days here in tears asking for our "far away" house and his good friends Patrick and Ben. He was even asking for Magan and Caroline, although they moved away from Hawaii even before we did. Watching him struggle while in the throws of my own was about as heart wrenching as anything I have experienced. Even now, just recalling those nights, brings the lump of tears threatening in my throat. But at the very least we are all having more "good" days mixed in, and as often as not Charlie will tell me that he likes this house and he can have fun here.

We've joined the San Diego Zoo and may ask for a Family Membership to Sea World for Christmas. We can walk to our grocery store and neighborhood park and we've met a really fun group of mommies and kiddos that meet at the park every Wednesday at 9:30.

Nap time seems to be over for the day...but I'll try to return sooner than later.