Finally in New York!

Well, after 10 and a half hours of flight time, we made it to NY on Saturday May 29th. Our flight was good, Rylee and Colin were great! Mason, he was a bit fussy. Once we got to NY and were able to pick up our kitties, we were greeted with a stench of an elephant cage. The cats had both pooped and peed in their crates! It was so gross, not even RYlee, who loves the cats, would go near them.
Upon entering our shuttle to the hotel, which we shared with 3 others, we couldn't help contain the smell radiating from thier kennels. It smelled so bad in the van, that we offered the people $20 just for having to endure that during thier ride. They politly objected, but let me tell you, it was smelly!!
Once we got to the hotel and finally got situated, Jim gave the cats a bath, and then we all took a bath! Jim's friend Art came to the hotel and we went out for a NY dinner!!!
The kids and Jim went to bed around 6pm and me shortly after. We didn't wake up yesterday until 11am!!
We then ate, got ready and went out on the town. We went to Rockafeller center, Times Square and a few other places. Although Rylee, Mason and I are sick, we made it through the day.
We may try to venture out today, depending on how Rylee and Mason feel. If we do go anywhere, we will visit ground zero to honor those who lost thier lives on that September 11th.
We will keep you posted!!

Colin Graduates from PreSchool!

Colin graduated preschool on May 19th. We are so proud of him and are excited for him to start kindergarten!

Colin with his teachers receiving his diploma.

Before the ceremony. They all look so cute.

Golf with the ladies on Saturday, May 15.

The kitties.

Diamond Head Hike

On Monday May 10th, we hiked Diamond Head. It was beautiful, but exausting doing it with three kids. Thankfully Ashley was here visiting, so we had an extra set of hands. I ended up carrying Mason on my back for the whole hike, which was 2 hours!! The hike was .8 miles, 74 stairs, then 99 stairs, then a spiral staircase! Needless to say, I am a bit sore still!

Diamond head crater and the lines of people walking up.
Ashley and Colin

Taking a rest.

Can you see the sweat just pouring off of me?


At the top of the crater.
Me and Ashley.

Makapu u Lighthouse Hike and Hanama Bay Snorkling

On Friday, May 7th, we decided to get moving on our list of things to do before we leave the island. We hiked Makapu u lighthouse, which was neat and the kids had a good time. Rylee had to be carried mostly the whole way. After that we went for lunch at a local golf course and then went to Hanama bay to snorkle. Jim and Colin snorkled, Rylee wouldn't even try the stuff on and Mason loved to wear the goggles. I tried to snorkle but I cannot wear that mask over my nose, put that thing in my mouth and try to not touch gross stuff on the bottom of the ocean:) Anyways, we had a blast and the kids were beat!

Ride on trolly down to the beach.

Not what you think!! Rylee had a boo boo on her finger and she was showing us, Jim thought this was a Kodak Moment, so here is the snapshot.

This picture reminds me of the movie Ghostbusters.

All set to go to NY!!

So today we decided on a house in Nanuet, NY. Only 23 more days till we leave the island. We also shipped our truck today!
It is so bitter sweet to go closer to home and see family, yet leaving our friends and "family" here is so difficult.
The kids are so excited to see thier grandma and papa's and play in snow. The boys will share a room and the "princess" Rylee will have her own room. We also have a In Law sweet in the basement with its own kitchen, so all visitors are welcome to come!!

Just some random pictures.

Mason in Colin's bed, this was from a few months ago.

Colin with a playdough mustache and goatee.

Mason having a snack with Miracle

Rylee at Kokua festival with Diamond Head in the back ground.

Colin at the UH baseball game.

Everyday life!

Mason fell asleep today like this on the couch!

Miracle eating a piece of bacon. We call her scraps because everything Mason drops on the floor, she eats.

Jim and Mason watching american idol together.

The princess:)

Oh the poor kitty! We watched Hailey and Kailee on Friday while Leevi and Claud finished up with their house. The girls never, NEVER left the cat alone.

The mommy rocking her "baby".

Kailee at the pool.

Awww, what good friends sharing a towel.

Speaking of good friends, these two really love eachother.

Colin finally can swim!! He is doing awesome swimming on his own. He is still a little scared, but he has it!! I can't believe he is going to be 5!