Can I be this relaxed every Saturday?!

In short - it was a great Saturday! We looked out at this beautiful sight called the Poli.

Kev's Blog

My brother's blog currently has more pictures than mine!

Please visit his until I can add more to mine: )

kevoland.blogspot.com

*Also* Say a prayer that I get hired when we get back... It's still there in the back of my mind.

Thank you! : )

July 21: Matsumoto's Shave Ice - North Shore - DOLE Pineapple Plantation

Tuesday: July 21 Going to the beach is so tiring that we try to rest a day in between. This time our rest included visiting the pineapple plantation and going to matsumotos for a world famous shave ice! : )

This is "The Place" to eat shave ice... Yes, it looks like a snow cone, but don't you dare call it that!
It is Shave ice! There was pictures of Adam Sandler there when he filmed 50 First Dates.

These are pictures from the North Shore - a very popular tourist location.

We just dropped by to see it, but didn't swim.


More Pineapple Pics to come... : ) So tasty and sweet.

Fact: In order to pick the best pineapple, you have to consider 3 things:

1. The size of the eyes - make sure they are around the same size

2. The bottom of the pineapple should be white - careful for mold!

3. The smell - It shouldn't smell strong of pineapple - just a hint

YE in Photos

Where's Nau Nau? Uhhhh? (Note the upper inflection on the Uhhh!)

Sweet Leis!

You know you're a reading teacher when....

Nap... look at my eclectic reading selection!

The Palms from ShuShu's perspective!

Cold wawa!


1st day @ the beach!

My 1st real shave ice!

Hawaii (YE)

In case you haven't heard, ShuShu, SIL, Wei J, Uncle K (Lelo), and I decided to celebrate all of our important milestones in Hawaii this summer. Wei-J turned 2 & it's our first summer with him! My MIL also had a special birthday this year. We are also celebrating my college graduation.

Whatever the reason - after some planning, saving, and 3 plane rides, I find myself sitting in the most relaxing place I could imagine - Hawaii.

Before I attempt o describe some of the wonderful things I have seen, I must thank all of ShuShu's family for making this possible. We couldn't have come if we had to pay for a hotel room... it's that simple. They made this vacation possible for us - not to mention all they've done for us since we arrived. From providing food and housing to giving a full tour of the island, I am so grateful for their generosity! Thank you!

Postcard picture perfect beaches. Turquoise clear water complimented by icy white sand and strong palms. The best I've ever seen. : )

Since arriving we have had the opportunity to boogie board and snorkel - two things I never pictured myself doing. Ever. I have turned down the chance to boogie board countless times at Schlitterbahn, (the local water park). This time I couldn't say no. It was SO worth it! I'm still sore two days later, but it was SO worth it! The snorkeling was easier than I assumed it would be - guess all that pool practice came in handy. ; ) Lelo LOVED being able to see his fish in their natural habitat. The boy needs to be a marine biologist... that's another blog.

ShuShu and me with the boogie board.

I have eaten more food in the past 4 days than I even want to admit to. Allthe local Hawaiian favorites that I can't spell - (aside from shave ice). The basic idea is noodles with char su meat and green onions, stemmed buns, rice and fabulous Chinese food.

I am running out of time, (this is a busy vacation), but I wanted to give everyone a quick update. Hopefully I can add pictures later!

With love,
Chelle

Graduation... finally

Not that anyone still reads this blog - (because of my slacking off of course!), but I thought I'd try to catch up... ; )

Paris and I (We finally made it!)

In May I reached a huge milestone - my bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies. Additionally, I passed both state mandated tests required to receive certification in the state of Texas, (4-8th reading/language arts/ social studies) What does all this mean?!

I'm looking for a job!

Over the last few weeks my world has been turned upside down. For so long, school set my schedule and placed boundaries around my time... now that it's gone, I feel a bit lost. I'm transitioning from student to teacher, but I don't have a job yet, so it's difficult to prepare. I know it will happen! It's only the beginning of june and I've had several interviews for possible openings.

Enough of all that!

The best part of everything is my nephew. That lil' guy is the light of our lives! His smile, sense of humor, loving nature, and charming good looks, (need I go on?!), have captivated just about every inch of our family. Take a close look at his little finger, that's where you'll find us... wrapped very tightly - at his beckon call.

That's about all I have time for today. In short, things are going well, just transitioning. ShuShu and I are happy and trusting that it will all work out.

Oliver

I have failed to mention that Marty is a daddy! He and his wife, Cassie, have an adorable son named Oliver. He lives with my parents - Marty has weekend visitation rights... ; )

"Oli" at two days old


Father son bonding time