ALOHA!

Eric and I returned from Hawaii this week and had the time of our lives. It was such a relaxing trip, especially for me. Eric did work a few of the days, which I didn't mind. I kept occupied while reading on the beach, resting and shopping. I've decided I really like shopping more when I'm without kids. As much as I did miss them dearly and I can't wait to take them back. -yes we are already planning our return. Hopefully sooner than later. I did love having my little mommy vacation. I actually read a book in just a few days, mixed in with few People and US magazines. I don't think I've ever had that much time to myself for leisure reading, ever. And if I did it was before kids and I didn't appreciate it. Eric and I had a wonderful little second honeymoon. Eric went to Oahu first for work and then I met up with him on Maui and we continued onto Kauai. We spent three days in Maui and the rest of the time in Kauai. Kauai was absolutely our favorite. It is called the "Garden Island" for a reason. It's like the Garden of Eden on a island. Unspoiled, Lush greenery everywhere, and an even more relaxed atmosphere than Maui.
When we were in Maui we met up with Jenny and Phil Gee who coincidentally happened to be there at the same time and went to a Luau together. What are the odds... Eric enjoyed some snorkeling and jet skiing.
When we were on Kauai we enjoyed; nice restaurants with great views, seeing our friends and now locals the Culkins (best tour guides ever), many adventures with the Culkins, an amazing helicopter ride, sunsets on Poipu beach where we were staying, many virgin Lava flows, and a great massage on the beach. It was heaven. Just writing about it makes me miss it.
My sister Sarah and her daughter, Audrey came down from Utah to watch the kids and they had a ball. She is the best Aunt ever. They did lots of crafts and got to hang out with Tabitha, Sarah's sister in law and see Grandma Tibbitts in Hemet. I am so grateful for great sisters who would do anything for me. Taylor had a great game the Saturday we were gone. She scored 6 goals! She superseded her high this Saturday showing Eric and I what we missed by scoring 7 goals! I'm thinking we need to go over passing some more so she can share a few of the goals with others. But I am reminded by my highly competitive husband that "everyone can't be a winner." I'm not sure how I feel about the philosophy for a five year old. :)
It's nice to be home with our kids, we missed them dearly. Although as I was mopping the floor yesterday and washing Brent off after he was potty splashing in a toilet that Taylor forgot to flush I was missing my favorite spot on Poipu beach looking out at the ocean with my book in hand.

Halloween!

We had such a great Halloween! We started our day with Jack-o-lantern Chocolate chip pancakes (the chocolate chips were the eyes, nose and mouth). The kids got a kick out of it. Taylor decided to wear her Pumpkin shirt to school since she wore her costume last Friday for the carnival. I was worried when we got to school when other kids had their costumes on she would be sad and want to change. But surprisingly enough she was ok. A friend in her class was wearing the same shirt so it was ok with her. It's amazing that even 5 year olds compare themselves to others. I guess it starts early and if she's anything like me she'll probably never stop. (Something I'm not proud of)
Anyways we had some friends over for Halloween night and had Butternut Squash Apple Bisque, Chili and some yummy appetizers and desserts. The kids had fun going around the neighborhood and trick or treating. Brent wasn't sure what was going on but after a few houses, he ran down the sidewalk and squatted down and clenched his fists and yelled "CANDY"! with delight. He got it! It was so cute I wish I had it on video. I've never seen him run so fast for some more loot for his bag. Now I just have to keep the kids from over-dosing on candy. We have way too much of it.
(pictures aren't posting for some reason, so I'll post them later)