Adventures in the Lord

My brother Craig flew into Honolulu Airport last Saturday. We hit the ground running! We had such a great time driving all over the island, searching for "Lost" locations and making sure we got to every side of the island. We stopped at lookouts and went on hikes that I had never been on...it really hit home that we are moving in 2 months! So so grateful he came. We went to all four corners of the island, see here:   You can see that we made the most of the 5 days we had!! Here are some pictures from our journey to the south shore... (Click on any photo to make it larger) A secret beach that was used for the filming of Pirates 4 - set to come out May 20th! Here we are on a hike to Muanawili Falls: Muddy, Rocky Mess! But worth getting to the end... The water was freezing. I cannot wait to go on this hike with you Nicolas! Now, to the North Shore to dive with Sharks! I just went along for the ride... On the way out. They did not have to feed the sharks or entice ...

My brother Craig is here! He flew in on Saturday and we have been driving around doing all sorts of fun stuff! Tons of things I have not yet done and places I have not yet stopped at, which has been really great. We are still compiling photos, but we took this one today after grabbing dinner downtown and I wanted to share. So fun!!

My mom came to visit me!  8 days to relax, sit by the beach, exercise and cook food together. We made it to all four corners of the island; hiked, swam, beached, read books, laughed, massages, the works! Here are a few photos of our adventures. first day: Lani Kai (east)  day two: Kaena Point (west) day three: Hike Lani Kai (east) {I wish I could take you all here - one of my favorite hikes} day four: hike diamond head (south) day six: Royal Hawaiian (south) day seven: Waimea and Pipeline (north) She leaves early tomorrow morning to head back to Missouri. yuck. I don't like goodbyes very much.  Thank you Jesus for every moment we had together! You were here with us and we are so grateful. -Becky

Our little two bedroom house by the beach was instantly transformed into a cozy 3 bedroom when the family finally arrived here! A few highlights for me from that time... Learning some mean tennis skills from Coach grandpa Sitting on beaches with turquoise water and white powder sand with Julia Beginning my culinary PHD training as grandma's sous chef Having Dale show us how to grill like a champ Just having everyone in our home was such a joy for Nick and I. To be able to share all our favorite spots, favorite food was so exciting for us!  Now, Nick took a few pictures on his camera of our time there, but he took his computer with him on their ship (they are out this week, be back in the next few days). SO I cannot share any photos yet. But J herself has put up a few and as soon as Nick is back I will provide some. ~becky

And boy was it a party! The last three weeks, we have been spending time with our family, the Dellar's and the Hargroves. It was such a sweet time for all of us to spend time together! The first two weeks were in Kona and the next two, everyone came to us on Oahu! ~Our time in Kona~ Taking time off to really relax and put no pressure on yourself to accomplish much is truly a luxury. I realized this was Nick and my first real vacation (where you don't have to do anything ) since our honeymoon! I mean we have taken some AMAZING trips since being here, and we have had time off together, but this was time off where we could really unplug and just do things as they came; Each morning waking up with no real plan, just doing whatever we felt like doing. We did not lay around everyday, all day long... but here is a typical day: Waking up, not to an alarm clock, but to the smell of freshly brewed coffee or chattering from the kitchen (I love waking up this way. I have so many memorie...

May 20th 2010 - The Life Aquatic.  Baby Dot in her masquerade debut, red beanies, mustaches, fish tacos, and Nick's short shorts made for quite an evening.  These pictures were taken with Nick's new toy - the FujiFilm Instax, which was another highlight of the evening. It is already fully customized :)

For the last two weeks I have had the most wonderful house guests!!  It has been so wonderful having quality time with my mom and sister. From day-to-day happenings to vacationing downtown Waikiki, we have had many memories and lots of laughter! That is one gift the Lord has given us three girls: Laughter. No matter what the situation, we always end up laughing our way through it.  The timing for this trip was absolutely from the Lord - even though it was a bummer Nick was not able to see them, it was perfect for us girls to have time together. The Lord knows my fragile heart It is so fun gradually realizing through life that the Lord knows you. The Lord knows that the last few weeks before Nick returns from a patrol are the hardest weeks for me...It does not matter if it is 6 months or 1, the last week or two are always the hardest for me emotionally. But the Lord knows that and planned ahead for me by keeping my schedule nice and booked right up until Nick comes home! T ...

My mom suggested I wear these to pick up Nick from the ship when he comes home...

Clares accessories have never been so fun!

 This Past week we were so blessed to Have Dan and Erica Brynildsen in our home.  They flew in from Illinois last wednesday and we just got back from dropping them off at the airport today.We had an action packed week for sure,new years eave was Dan's Birthday, so Becky made him an awesome breakfast, while I set up a table on the beach by our house so we could eat in the sand. Later that evening we went up to our friends the Acostas for their new years party where we had a blast as usual. The Rest of the week was full of Island trekking, eating, and lots of beach time, It was an awesome time.                                     

The last few weeks, I have been getting so excited about Thanksgiving and fall decor. I started looking through Pottery Barn online and some other magazines and found a few ideas. Really wanted to share! Since Nick has returned home, we have decided that this year we will be having a Thanksigiving dinner for two :) I am excited to take the opportunity to make really delicious sides and really take the time to make them with love and detail. Still finalizing my menu... that is another post entirely :) Here below are some ideas I have found, love and hope to make this coming week! Ingredients for a cool table from Real Simple: Greenery and twigs (free, from the yard)  Linen napkin (free, from cupboard)  Bottles (empty wine bottles, Peligrino bottles, or other fun shaped bottles (like the Kambutcha ones) - free)  Carpet tape Paper Tags Twine How To Suggestions from Real Simple: To cover bottles in twine, use carpet tape and start wrapping from the top of the obje...