Sunday, September 7, 2014

Boats and Tents


We were approved for solar panels, so up
on the roof they went.  We are hoping for
a cheaper electricity bill!

Summer reading!  I think for Dev there is nothing quite like
coming home from the library with all her books!
I love her love of reading!
Sunset from our lanai
That is Carmel, our cat, on the neighbors roof!
We looked over and there he was!
Deveraux found this creation on Pintrest,
almonds making starfish shapes.
Tomatoes from our garden, red and yummy!
Braids are the hairstyle of choice these days....
"Video games are fun, aren't they mom"  Bobo said one day.
Media!  That ongoing battle of minimizing media in our lives...
but yes, it is fun Bobo.
"Look how close I am to being a grown-up"

Andrew found out through work that he receives
special deals through work each month for
different activities.  He booked a boat
trip.  And we were upgraded to a dinner cruise!
At the harbor, watching the boats and people....




Lahaina Harbor
Sunset.  It is wonderful to be on the water as we spend many
days looking out to the water, it is rare to look back on land.
We love excursions as a family.  After the boat ride we walked
along the harbor looking at all the boats until dark.  A good night.
Our second camping trip as a family.
Our long over due promised trip to Bobo for his
adventure weekend.  The first time we were going to
have his camping trip, our lovely friends surprised us with a
visit.  The next attempt, our lovely family a decided a day
trip to Hana would be better than an overnight stay.
So with a newly bought Costco Tent, we were ready!


Andrew found us a lovely spot between trees with a view of the
ocean (we camped on the beach).
Ready for your adventure, young Bobo??
(His life is an adventure)



Very inviting!  The kiddos loved the tent!
Our view.  The road is behind us, but if you can block that out,
it is close enough to home but feels like you are on a get away.

After camp was set up, time to hit the water!
Drew and I have a funny thing about fires.  Sometimes they work for
us, but it is always an ordeal.  We are not fire experts, but I love
what comes with fires...smores and the look of a camp fire, so
we have to have them!



I realized Andrew and I could remind each other to be faithful on
the journey together.  There had been so much raw pain through loss
and I still couldn't resolve it, but what I could do is remain faithful.
That He may call me faithful!
That is not said cheaply or glibly.
One of the best reasons to camp...Smores!
And to be more available without distractions of home.
We just chilled a lot in this spot for 24 hours....
.....and it was so what I needed!

We brought all the boards, I think it was a Bobo
dream, just choose a board and go!



It really is about this.



We did one "mock" ocean rescue, since this was Bobo's adventure
weekend.  Deveraux was in trouble and we came to rescue.



From my journal,
"Camping is pretty great.  It is so good to be here with my family.
Just us.
Waves are peaceful.  It is good to engage with where we are,
important when feeling homesick, to engage in people and the ocean,
what is offered where we are....even when it feels hard initially."
We camped on a Sunday to a Monday so it was pretty empty.
We took our sunset walk and came back to our tent house.


Again from my journal,
"Church was hard yesterday, I wanted to leave several times.  Not because
of anything anyone was doing, just my insides.  It just feels good
to be with God on my own right now, in this season.
I somehow don't feel strong enough somehow, too much performance and
having to "gear" up to chat with people.  I don't feel that energy right now.
My sails have lost wind
Last night was the first time I have prayed about having a baby since the miscarriage
 for the baby.  I still don't have resolve and I have not been able to draw
any conclusions.  Andrew reminds me God is actively acting. 
Do we open that door again?  Fear lives there.  I love our little family,
blessed, and yet....I love the fullness of more.  Can I just not let go.
or is God keeping this desire alive for a reason.....
I wish I could hear Him."

"Treasures" found on the beach....

My morning read from "Streams in the Desert" was based on the story when
Lazarus is still in the grave and Jesus thanks God for being heard.
 "The song of victory is sung before the battle has been fought. 
Who thinks of announcing a victory-
psalm when the crusaders are just starting out for the field?
Praise is really the most vital preparatory ministry to the working of miracles."
Faith...there is was again.
Restore my Faith.
Bobo is all about the fire...surprised?
We sang some worship songs with Bobo on the ukulele.


peaceful wake up on the beach...



The two littles took a little kayak adventure




We were going to take a family kayak adventure, but
Bobo did not want to leave the campsite.  So we just hung out.
At first I was disappointed because we had hopes to
explore a new area.  But it made for a peaceful couple of
hours.....this is what my little family did..
Reading in the tent
Building, creating, exploring, pretending
an ocean nap
We finally broke into a battle fighter meal that Bobo's Sunday School
teacher, Mr. Jonathan gave us a couple years ago.

Dev went and found this barrel an we had to
build one last fire.  Dev is a good treasure hunter
I am realizing.
Naked, beach, orange....does it get much better???

They got sillier and sillier as we took down our campsite.
They also lingered as we were getting the last things
packed.  I think they were a bit sad to leave.
Sweet cheeks!
 
I so needed this little 24 hour trip, so good for my soul. 
Every family should camp!
I can't seem to get enough of this face!
I always want to catch a moment without my subjects
catching me.  I woke to find Bobo on the couch just
staring out the sliding doors at the ocean.  He looked, I think he heard
 my click!
It was time for our third annual summer tradition of Rice Krispy
creations.  I found this idea a few years ago and it is the
summer version of the winter Gingerbread house,  We love it.

Smashing is a part of the creation!

Kimmy came to dinner and to stay and judge the creations.
We had two winners!
A favorite activity is looking at the albums I have made.
I do love that the effort put into these albums is enjoyed.
One day, a huge stack was brought upstairs and we have
slowly been working through the memories.  I realize
all the life we had before kiddos (you forget) and see
more of your life and all the parts of you.

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