Lovely Little Lana'i

Lana'i -- A weekend away!

Our little family hasn't been off the island since October. We were aching for some colder weather, open fields, and giant trees! Probably even more than that we just wanted to slow our pace way down.

We figured Lana'i would be just the place!

Simple, quaint, and quiet. We were in outer-island heaven.

While there are pretty much just two options for lodging, we opted out of dining at the resort in favor of as many local eateries as possible. Each was unique, local, and delicious!

We loved the lawn bowling and croquet!

I tried to soak in some of the history.

• In 1922 Jim Dole bought Lana'i for $1.1 million and converted it to pineapple fields. Wow...I'm sure $1.1 million was crazy money in the 20s, but I'm sort of floored that the entire (or perhaps most of it) island was bought for just that. I mean there are plenty of modest homes on the West side of Oahu that cost more than $1 million today. 

• Supposedly, at one time Lana'i supplied 75% of all the world's pineapple. That's a heck of a lot of pineapple from a pretty small island!

• Along the way I read that Lana'i was once (much earlier) inhabited by evil spirits until Maui Chief Kakaalaneo exiled his mischievous son, Kaululaau to Lana'i. 

Exploring Lana'i City was my favorite part, but I also loved the time the three of us spent indoors. Turns out that Blakely's not half bad at Chess and I pretty much stink at pool! ;)

Feeding the fish and horses were easily Blakely's highlights!

My pool girl xoxo

My handsome hubby! I'm pretty sure he forgot that he was wearing Blakely's bracelet to keep it safe for her. He's a good daddy.

Both my girls. :)

I also found out that there is not an OBGYN or mid-wife on the island. Good thing baby girl stayed put for our little getaway. I hear that expecting mamas who live on Lana'i have to relocate to Oahu or Maui a month before their due dates. After delivering baby, they can come back home.

It's a very sweet island and I hope we can visit again. If you ever get the chance, I highly suggest some time on Lana'i.

A Reason to Celebrate

Easter Sunday may just be my favorite day of the year!

I'm a holiday girl. I'll celebrate anything 110%.

As a kid, I remember this one particular Memorial Day. I woke up and raced into my parents' room. I excitedly shook my mom from her sleep and exclaimed Happy Memorial Day! I anxiously waited for my parents to rise and shower me with holiday surprises. Little did I know that not every holiday in the book meant that a giant celebration ensued.

Anyway, I digress.

Of course I'm giddy about Christmas season, but as much I love remembering the birth of Christ, there is just something so culminating and powerful about celebrating the rest of the story.

It would be a beautiful story to remember the birth of a great man, but what makes Christmas truly meaningful for me is actually what happened to that great man three decades later. The power is in the cross.

Thank you Jesus for dying for our sins--for all of us--and for rising again to wait for us in Heaven. I love you!

And let me tell you, a sweet way to celebrate such a gift is to gather with island family on a beach and enjoy God's beauty and presence.

Strawberry Shortcake Party

A Strawberry Shortcake birthday party for my little strawberry!

My snapshot memories:

Cranking the AC and Pandora while prepping sliders and mac salad with Timmy.

Tasting (and gagging) on the overly sweet Diamond Head strawberry soda. At least the kids liked it!

Making gallons of strawberry lemonade.

Sewing centerpieces and banners to give just the right touch.

Finding B the perfect Strawberry Shortcake dress on Etsy and finding myself a vintage looking Strawberry Shortcake shirt on Amazon!

Picking up 2 dozen balloons plus and untangling all the ribbons. :)

Watching Blakely's face light up as she recognized all of her little friends from daycare, church, the neighborhood, and more.

Seeing the sheer joy of the kids in the bounce house.

Capturing little ones under the parachute and hearing them squeal.

Running circles while playing "Strawberry, Strawberry, Shortcake!" (think: duck, duck, Goose!).

Watching the men use the field very appropriately for ultimate frisbee.

Glancing at the craft table to see it full of guys (the adult kind) as they plaster on the Strawberry Shortcake tattoos.

Waiting for the paint to dry on the placemats and cups to cover in contact paper and send home with the kiddos.

Slicing up my strawberry potato stamps with a pairing knife at the very last minute!

Serving up individualized strawberry shortcake cups as the sun set.

Watching Blakely's face reflect pure wonder as she realized everyone was singing to her!

Begging for a kiss from the birthday girl, but she was simply too busy. ;)

Noticing the love that came with each person and feeling immense gratitude for our home and loved ones on this island.

My own amazement when so many helped us "break down" at the end of the night. It all went so smoothly and delightfully!

Driving home with my hubby and feeling so blessed by so many and so proud of our little girl!

Feeling my second baby girl roll around throughout the night; reminding me that she's about to make life even better!

Being so thankful to God that He is with us in the hard times and the sweet times.

*Most of these lovely photographs were taken by my talented and artistic friend, Lindsay of Hello Hue. I encourage you to check out her sweet blog or find her shop on Etsy!*

Blakely's Birthday Morning

She turned TWO!!!

My St. Patrick's baby (conveniently with red hair, blue eyes, and beautifully pale skin) -- turned two last weekend.

She was due on St. Patrick's Day, but was in no hurry to leave her space. She joined us (thanks to to being induced) about a week later on March 24th, 2010.

Oh how I love her. I didn't even know I could love a little one this deeply. Thank you Jesus for letting me feel a small depth of what you feel for your children!

Last weekend we spent the morning doting on our Blake Potato.

I snagged this kitchen at Bed Bath & Beyond in January. It was already pretty well priced, but was way marked down!

All my life, my parents brought me birthday breakfast in bed on a red You Are Special Today plate. It was a highlight and a tradition I can't leave by the wayside. Just ask Tim... hehe (now I get breakfast in bed on my birthday and Mother's Day! Score.)

We are still working on holding up two fingers for two. Who knew that coordination could be so tricky for little fingers.

After a family breakfast of egg dish, cinnamon rolls, cantaloupe, and juice, we headed to the living room for her birthday surprise! Funny how they always know just what to do. Smart--those two-year-olds.

I asked Blakely to make me some lunch.

She said it's coming, mommy... all morning.

Needless to say, she never brought me anything!

Before her nap, yes, even birthday girls have to sleep, we showed her the second year video we made.

It was a precious morning. Just mommy, daddy, and Blakely.

Next year at this time, her little sister will be cruising around! I can't wait!

Alright, I have a Strawberry Shortcake birthday party to throw. Blakely has these adorable little friends and I'm on party-planner mode this weekend!

Have a lovely weekend!