Now what?

The last six months or so have been filled with hoping and planning and exciting events and now that the new year is already almost a 12th over, it leaves me wondering "what now?" There aren't any major holidays, no visitors, no up-coming trips, or big events. So, what do you do when there's nothing going on in paradise? That's when the Lord desides to have a laugh and gives the mother of six girls a calling in CUB SCOUTS! Really. Yes, I'm serious. Cub Scouts. For everyone that thinks I'm clueless about boys, I DID grow up with three brothers, and I actually really like boys, but like a friend of mine said..... I already have my own GIRL scout troop.
Here's to a new adventure, and a new year filled with surprises!

Coming back to Hawaii, we realize more than ever how much we've missed everyone. Its easy to take family and friends forgranted until they're not around anymore. We wish we'd had more time to spend with family and with all our friends. We don't plan on being here too much longer, so for those of you who haven't had the chance to visit, and want to, you'd better make plans quick!
We also want to say thank you, once again, to the two families who were willing to share some sky miles with us so our trip was more affordable. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you and will never forget it!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

On the 30th we got together with some friends and had a fun Halloween party for all the kids. We played some fun games and made "mummy" hotdogs (like pigs in a blanket). The kids all had a blast.
On Halloween, (we're slackers I know), we took the kids to find some pumpkins to carve. Not even one store had pumpkins!!! Luckily we'd heard about a pumpkin patch that had been open weekends during October. We decided to give it a try. After walking around in the dust for 30 minutes, we gave up on the finding a pumpkin idea. All of the ones left were rotten or smashed or bug infested. So instead some of the girls went on a hay ride and we tried to get Addie to go on a pony ride but she was too scared. Isabelle got to go in her place. Then we bought some shaved ice and went home to get ready for trick-or-treating. (I was thinking about how it was funny that we were having shaved ice while most people were sipping hot chocolate and eating chili).
Trick-or-treating was tons of fun and the girls, once again, got quite the loot. I loved that some people were sitting out in their lawn chairs, on the grass, passing out their candy. One of the things I love about Hawaii is warm holidays. The kids didn't have to bundle up to go out and could wear their flip flops instead of snow boots!
The first thing the girls did was dump out their candy and start sorting, trading and eating all the goods. Too fun! We love Halloween.

Two Weeks

My good friend Katie took some pictures of Malia for us. Here are just a few. She is now two weeks old and Justin and I think she's growing faster than any of the other girls did. Maybe because she's the last? (NO COMMENT MEGAN!)

Dressed for the weather

When I dressed Malia I realized how crazy it is that I'm putting her in a tank top shirt and shorts.....in OCTOBER! Its kinda nice not having to worry about the cold... she doesn't need socks, or hats, or heavy blankets.... its great!