Kost Ohana

Fall 2009 - Trip to Georgia and Halloween!

2009-11-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

Oktoberfest at Fort Benning, Georgia. Everette and I went with Mike while he did his CRC for his next mission. It was a great visit... mom and dad drove up and spent the first weekend with us! We did several things there around Columbus, and then Everette and I drove out to visit with my dear friend Nellie and her big family! Nellie and her husband Rob have triplets! they were born in Hawaii just months before they moved, so I had not seen them since they were tiny tiny!

Mom and dad enjoying some Oktoberfest food and beer!

Father and son! So handsome!!

There they all are! Left to right the babies are Matthew, Austin and Emily. We had such a wonderful time visiting with them... they are such happy babies!!!

Matthew and Everette

Austin and Emily in the same swing!

While in GA we made a visit to the Atlanta Zoo! Rhett just loved it... Mike and I did too! They have a really nice set-up there. Once Everette realized that there was a 'train ride' it was hard to keep him focused on the animals though!

Really scary huh?!

oink oink!

My two goof balls!! i LOVE them so much!!!

At the pumpkin patch!

Everette and I went to visit my cousin Kim and her family while we were in Atlanta. We only spent one night, and I wish we could have visited longer :( We went with them to a pumpkin patch to take some pics....

My cousin's daughter, Sarah, with Rhett

My cousin's son, Clayton, with Rhett.

Halloween 2009

Everette dressed as a big scary dinosaur this year!!! (not so scary.... adorable if you ask me!) But he sure did enjoy 'growling'! We headed out to the fetivities with my friend Valerie and her two kids, Mathieu and Luca. We went to a Fall Festival before trick or treating to play some games and then braved the sprinkles and the cold to get the CANDY!! The weather cleared up nicely though, and we really enjoyed the whole trick or treat experience (Rhett's first!) He really got into and was sure to growl and say "trick or trick" at every house!!

April 2009

2009-06-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

JACKPOT!! Easter Egg hunting at the Makoff's house!

Rhett had to stop and look in every egg as he found it, so needless to say he didn't get too many ;)

Go go!! Funny how all the parents in the background are taking pictures!

They had sooooo much fun! Thank you Tina and John or hosting such a wonderful party!

Rhett's Easter basket full of goodies!

Snuggling in mommy's bed...

He looks so innocent when he is asleep!

I just love him to pieces!!

Watching... learning... won't be long son!

"Mowing" with his new "boots" on

March 2009

2009-06-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Making pictures for daddy! Ikaia's daddy is in Iraq too, so they decided to make a card to send :) They were so funny about it!

Rhett's little buddy at school. He went to preschool at SeaGull School Mauna Lani for 2 months in the Spring.

Having fun at school!

Making cookies with the cousins! Alika brought the kids over for a sleepover and we had fun making sugar cookie cut-outs.... made a mess, but had FUN!

YUMMY!! Bekah enjoying the fruits of her labor

Sidewalk chalk art at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Waimea. We met Valerie and her boys, Luca (same birthday as Rhett) and Mathieu. It was a beautiful day!

More pics of Rhett having fun at school! he really did enjoy going there... and I enjoyed the relief!

Daddy came home for a SURPRISE 4 weeks visit in March!! It was so wonderful!! Unfortunately, all the pics are on his camera and computer since he took them with his new camera :( We love you honey!!!

Posing on one of the statues at the Hilton Waikoloa.

Forgive me....

2009-06-22T01:10:00.000-07:00

I am finally updating the blog!!! It has been over 8 months since I put anything on here, so I have a lot of catching up to do!! I made it through February, and will try to get more up tomorrow :)

We are doing well... lucky to have mom here this summer! Rhett is doing a great job at potty training and learning to swim :) Mom and I are working on getting the landscaping under control as well as some other projects around the house. It sure is nice having her here to help! Dad was here for a couple of week as well.... I am so grateful to have such a 'handy' daddy! He fixed everything around here!!!! I love you daddy!!

February 2009

2009-06-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

Silly boys! They had so much fun with the bubbles... this is of coarse after they got filthy outside in the dirt!
Everette and his buddy Ikaika

Making 'bubble whiskers'

Rhett's attempt to put his shoes on by himself... co cute!

Playing at church

Rhett always runs for the pastries outside after church.... here he is obviously enjoying a big peice!

Pool play at Oma and Opa's house

I think this photo is sooooo hillarious!

Unce Alex grillin'

Opa with little Isaiah

Rhett watching Alex's every move! He just adores him!

January 2009

2009-06-22T00:25:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad came out for Christmas and boy what a help that was! Dad was my 'Mr. Fix It' and found himself working on everything from refrigerator filters, to busted pipes and plumbing! Everette was right by his side for all of it trying to 'help'. I think it took dad twice as long becuase of it, but Rhett enjoyed it. Thanks Daddy!!!
He also installed a new sign for our Fish and Chips Restaurant... it really looks great!

Rhett riding his little girlfriend Alice's bike. He did really good... she taught him how to pedal!

Heading to the beach!

... and then heading back when we saw how big the waves were :( Too rough for the kiddos! This winter was unusually wet and cool! (for Waikoloa standards!)

Rhett loved playing in the Mauna Lani fountains

We got tons of snow on Christmas day up on Mauna Kea! It stayed for months... quite a sight to see!

Another day at the beach...

Rhett making his mommy proud!

December 2008 Photo Shoot

2009-06-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Our friend took these fantastic pictures back in December. I think that they really catch Rhett's personality at the time. (he was 26 months old)

December 2008

2009-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Christmas Parade in Waimea. It was actually cold up there that night!

I loved this float... those are port-a-potties with antlers!!! HA!!!

Okay, these are a bit backwards... starting with Christmas morning :)

Yup, they are pretty much all for you Rhett!

He had to stopand play with each gift. It took hours to open all the gifts!

Of coarse he had to have a tantrum somewhere in there ;)

Grammie and Ceasar

Rhett's new train table from Daddy!!! It was a huge hit... wouldn't even nap becuase he was so consumed with it!

Dinner was nice and intimate with the parents and inlaws

Christmas church service at Alex and Alika's church in Hilo. Rhett climbed up on stage and was trying to get to the instruments!

There he is!

At it again... climbing on stage at our church too!

Everette and I made a trip to Oahu to visit Nellie and Rob and thier new babies!!! He has to ride the train that was set up at the mall.

He thought he was so cool!

Making chocolate dipped pretzels with Nellie for the nurses taking care of the triplets

This was the trip where Rhett opened my body spray and in fear that he had swallowed some, I called 911. Didn't realize that the police, ambulance, MPs (Nellie lived on a millitary post) and the firetrucks had to come check out Rhett. It was a huge ordeal, but Rhett was just fine and got a kick out of all the attention.. not to mention the trucks and sirens! No more than an hour after they all left, Rhett proceeded to lock me out of Nellie's house (they were both gone to the hospital to visit the babies). I almost freaked out thinking that I had to call 911 AGAIN! Luckily once Rhett stopped laughing at me, he was smart enough to unlock the door and let me back in. UGH! What a stinker!

Oh, and we had to make a second trip to the mall to ride the train before we left.

A trip FULL of excitement... finally on our way home on the plane.

The Christmas cut out cookies I made as gifts and for a cookie exchange party

Rhett wearing his motorcycle goggles, being silly

October & November 2008

2009-06-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to get these pics in order!

Thanksgiving this year was also Isaiah's 1st birthday

Marion made the Turkey and Alex, Alika and the kids all came over for a huge feast!

YUMMY!!

Beautiful table setting

These are 'Turkey Legs' made out of rice crispy treats (plain and chocolate) wrapped in celophane. I made them for the crew working at arby's that day :) I thought they turned out pretty cute!

Making Thanksgiving Card for Daddy!

Turkey Hands.. Messy!

Eating Thanksgiving dinner at church

Sunset over A-bay

Learning his letters

Jammin' to his headphones in the new van

Pretending to be daddy on his motorcycle... buddy Ikaika at his side

Not sure what this was all about...

Dinner with 'Uncle Matt' and his family at Tommy Bahama's

Celebrating with a kids meal after his doctor appointment

Halloween... my little rockstar!

Owie mommy!!!

Playing in daddy's big motorcycle boots... having a hard time walking

Mom's Little Monster....

2008-11-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is what it says on the t-shirt he is wearing in these pictures... which I find very appropriate some times ;) On this beautiful day in Florida we made yet another visit to the playground in Cocoa Village. Everette was like a monkey running around. He wore out all of us and just kept going! Maybe I should say he was more like a bunny... the energizer bunny! HA!

RHS Homecoming Game... still in FL

2008-11-11T00:58:00.000-08:00

My highschool girlfriend Kelli (Riggs) Melin and her 3 kids (plus one on the way!) drove up from Stuart to visit us for the eveningat my parent's house. Rhett and her son Matthew were born only 2 weeks apart,but had never met. Boy, they were like 2 peas in a pods... such similar personalities. We visited some old memories by going to the Rockledge High School homecoming football game! WOW! It had been a long time since we stepped foot in that stadium, so MUCH fun:) The kids really enjoyed it and I was surprised at how interested Rhett was in watching the game! Tjay(behind the wall, Kelli, Matthew, Everette, Me and Summer

very intently watching the game

Kelli, TJay and Summer. Doesn't Summer look just like her mommy?!

Grammy Lia, Tata, me and Rhett :)

Finally in FL!!

2008-11-11T00:27:00.000-08:00

For some reason these pictures posted backwards... or maybe I am just getting too tired ;) Anway, we had finally made it to FL to visit my parents (after a Loooooooooong eventful plane trip. Rhet didn't want to sleep and ofcoarse DVD players have limited battery life....not good on a 10 hour plane trip!

After catching up on some sleep, Rhett got to open some birthday gifts from grammy and Tata Grassman :) He was in heaven for the next 2 weeks!

I also managed to get his hair cut at one of those 'kids cuts' places. We went through about 4 lollipops and lots of tears, but all I have to say it thank goodness this lady knew what she was doing! As much as he was wiggling around there were several times that I thought he was going to loose an ear!

Stopped for dinner on the way to my parent's house from the airport. Funny how I looked so WORN out after traveling for 16 hours and he is STILL wide awake! Little stinker!!

Chasing the jumping water

2008-11-11T00:19:00.000-08:00

Rhett has become VERY familiar with all the fun stuff down at the marketplace where our restaurants are located. Whether it's chasing the jumping water fountains, watching the koi in the ponds, feeding the fish, putting on the charm to get a free cookie from the aunties at Subway or scaling any and all walls, steps and stairways, he always has a mission as soon as we get there!

Hangin with his favorite girlfriend, Alice ;)

Wheel of Fortune Taping!

2008-11-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, the night before Mike left for Iraq, I was lucky enough to be one of few contestants on Wheel of Fortune Hawaii!!! It was sooooo much fun!! After the show it was bitter sweet... we celebrated my winnings, but had to say goodbye the next day :(

The show airs FRIDAY November 21st, but the Wheel is in Hawaii all this month, so check it out. You will also be able to see my contestant video clips on the wheel website www.wheeloffortune.com I will be on "Wheel Goes Waikoloa" week.

In the lobby of the Hilton Waikoloa Village

Vanna and Pat... my friend Stephanie snuck in her camera and snapped a few shots from the audience

Vanna, Pat and ME!!

I love this man!!

My sister-in-law Alika and her sister Rachel came to watch the taping and cheer me on!

That's me on the big screen that was shown over the stage

Me spinning the wheel... Come on!! BIG MONEY!!!!

The set before taping started. It was quite a production... took over 2 weeks to build the set!

Happy Birthday to Me :)

2008-11-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

On September 27th I celebrated my birthday with my some of my favorite girlfriends by watching the 'Sex and the City' movie and making sushi! It was such a fun night! Thank you to all of you that shared it with me!!

Jammin' Out

2008-10-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

This was so funny I had to get it on tape. Listen closely to what song was playing in the backgroud!

Bay Club Fun with the Gohns

2008-09-21T17:06:00.001-07:00

Since both Ikaika and Autumn Gohn have birthdays this week, thier family decided to spend it the BayClub Resort down at the Waikoloa Beach Resort! We have already been down there a couple of times to play in the pool :)

New Toys!

2008-09-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Everette has grown out of most of his "baby toys" so we went shopping to get him some big boy toys!!! I found this great kitchen set at K-Mart and managed to put it all together by myself! I am so proud.... even if it did take his entire nap time! It was worth it because he just LOVES it... I do to! I set it up in the playroom.. it is pretty big, but I was not about to put it outside.
One side is a kitchen...
The other is an outside BBQ and table...
What ya cookin' Chef Rhett?
Love the hat!
Ofcoarse mommy had to buy something for herself... I found this great rug on clearance. It matches our living room perfectly and I have been looking for one forever!

Night at the Hilton Waikoloa

2008-09-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Since I was filming Wheel of Fortune on Monday, we decided to spend Sunday night at the Hilton so we could play! We had a blast at the pools :) I will have to post the actual WOF pictures later.
Riding the boat through the lagoons...
Soaking in the hot-tubs
Under the grotto
Father-Son play
Mommy-Son play.... Rhett was reluctant to pose for a picture.

Everette Live!

2008-09-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

We can't go to Costco without passing the music section. Lately they have had many instruments (guitars, ukuleles, pianos) and Rhett has a fit if we don't stop and check them out I think he looks forward to it! Here is a clip of him giving a little concert at Costco!

Dog Food

2008-09-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

I took this video last week when I caught Everette turning over the dog food container and climbing in! I could hardly believe the length he would go to get to the dog food!!! You would think I never feed the kid!!! YYYUUUUUKKKKK!!! I guess he just loves those dogs so darn much that he even wants to eat what they eat! ;)

PS Excuse the snotty nose... he was getting over a cold :(

Update!

2008-09-20T10:48:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few pics from when Mike was home last week in-between training :) We were so happy that he was able to come home for 10 days... especially since his first departure was so sudden!

More pics to come... bare with me!

The Circus Came to Town!

2008-09-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

All the kiddos :)
Alice and Everette
They are so adorable together!
Everette, Lucas and Alice eating their mini cupcakes from the bakery at the new gourmet market.

Today was the "official" Grand Opening of the Queen's Marketplace where we have our Arby's. They put on quite a show for the kids... clowns, magicians, jumping castles, balloon animals, a band, cotton candy, popcorn... and the most exciting part, a NEW gourmet grocery store! WHOOOHOO!! We stayed down there for hours checking everything out, playing and feeding the fish. We ran into all of our friends.... the whole town was there! Rhett was pooped by the time we left! (me too)

Rhett's animal balloon was in the shape of a honu!

Feeding the fish

Koi
I know he is thinking 'how can I get in there with those fish without mommy stopping me??'!!!

Boy: Noise with dirt on it!

2008-08-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Thought you would enjoy a small taste of a 'day in the life of Everette'!

Coloring a birthday card for Tata Grassman.
I think Rhett thought that the markers tasted good... he had to put each and every color in his mouth before using it.
Nice green lips!
Yes, they are washable markers (do you think I am crazy?!) but he was so covered in them by the time he finished (or should I say, when I decided he was done) that his skin was stained and would not wash off!
Okay... nap time! But that only lasted a very short time today ... not sure why, he usually will sleep for 3 hours!

I had to run up to the market for a few things and Rhett insisted on wearing these motorcycle goggles. He wore them all around the store... soooo funny!
When we got home, he was very upset and did not want to get out of the car since he was very into watching his movie on the DVD player. I had to take out the movie and put it on again in the house. It definitely made him happy! He sat quietly, very captivated by it while eating his snack and playing his ukelele.

That did not last long at all.... it was time to go outside once again and dig in the dirt with the dogs (a daily activity). Here he is bringing me a special rock he found!

Notice he STILL has the goggles on ;)
DIRTY DIRTY feet!
Whew... he was filthy!
Hugging Coco girl... poor dog got chased out of her dirt hole and now is being bugged in her dog bed! Everette just has to be close to them all the time. Kaiser has gotten smart and has found a few places to hide when he gets tired of Rhett!

Feeding the Ducks??

2008-08-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

We went for our nightly walk and brought some old bread with us to feed the ducks on the golfcourse. We kept Rhett in his seat since so he wouldn't chase them away. Turns out that they were pretty darn brave ducks and they really freaked me out. Many of you know that we have wild turkeys that roam our neighborhood, and these ducks look like they have a little turkey in them!! YUCK! They had the freakiest faces and were so big! One of them bit Mike's hand trying to get the bread! Needless to say, I don't like those ducks!!!
Watch your toes!!!
Beautiful evening in Waikoloa
Taking our nightly walk through the neighborhood!

The Great Waikoloa Race

2008-08-24T15:24:00.001-07:00

Our canoe club hosted an annual long distance canoe race this past weekend down at our very own A-bay! Canoe clubs from all over the island were there along with crews from even Canada and Washington DC. It was a great day... beautiful weather, fabulous food, a fantastic band, and great friends! Although I didn't race (missed practice this week due to Wheel of Fortune audition!) it was still an awesome event to be a part of. GO WAIKOLOA!!!
Beth and me... notice the Canadian team hat I am wearing. I traded my Waikoloa hat with someone from the Canada crew!

Beth, just after finishing the race! You go girl!!
Mike and Rhett.... my favorite guys!!!
Rhett and his buddy Ikaika taking a snack break in the wagon :)

Paddlers lined up on the beach, ready for a running start
GO!!
They're off!
See you in about an hour and a half!

Wheel of Fortune Auditions!

2008-08-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I got a crazy opportunity to audition for Wheel of Fortune. They are filming here at the Hilton Waikoloa Sept 12-16, and they were holding some last minute auditions in Oahu this past Tuesday. I got the chance to audition for 'Best Friends' week when a friend of mine decided to pass on the offer and give me a call to see if I was interested in taking her place. Of coarse I called up my girly Nellie on Oahu to see what she thought....... DUH!!! YAH!!! "Of coarse we should!!" she said. Well, since Mike has not recieved his departure orders yet, we booked a last minute trip to Oahu. By the way, my girlfriend Nellie is prego with TRIPLETS (2 boys and 1 girl)!!! Congratulations Nellie and Rob... you guys are going to be AMAZING parents :)
Anyway, we went to the audition, played some W.O.F. and had a blast. We made the cut and now we are waiting to see if we get a call. We should know in a week! Funny thing is that I don't even watch W.O.F., but I sure will now!!!

100% BOY!!!

2008-08-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

This is one of Everette's favorite places to play... in the DIRT!! I filled some holes a while back that were close to the screen door to the playroom. The dogs would dig and the dirt would blow in by the bucket loads and make a mess. Once the dogs were prevented from digging there, they started digging big holes to lay in under the hibiscus bushes. Everette loves to go in the holes and lay with the dogs. He gets FILTHY!!! But, he loves it and it makes him so happy... it's hard to get mad at that sweet face!

Fountains at the Mauna Lani

2008-08-18T13:24:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday we went to lunch at Tommy Bahama's with some friends after church. The jumping fountains were on at the shops where the restaurant is and once Rhett got a look at the kids playing, it was all over. He had such a great time chasing the water and watching the 'big boys' playing. It's a perfect set-up.... a Starbucks right there and a little 'gormet' style grocery market with a fabulous deli right there at the end of the shopping center by the fountains. We went back Thursday to get lunch and let him play, but the fountain lights were being repaired :( Next time I will call first! I have a feeling this will be a weekly stop from now on...

Family Time at the Kost House

2008-08-18T12:55:00.001-07:00

We got together with the Kost crew at Oma and Opa's house for some more swimming, food and family fun!!
Princess Bekah
Opa, Isaiah and Rhett
LOVE this picture of Mike!

Higher!!!
Rhett is really gonna miss his papa!

Little honu!
Catching rays..
1..2..3.. JUMP!
YEAH!

Bon Voyage BBQ

2008-08-18T12:25:00.001-07:00

Matt was in charge of the grill!
John, Jennie with her daughter Avery and Jennifer
Callie and Michela
Mike and Ava... our friends Michela and Sacia's daughter.
Christian and John

We had a few friends over for a 'going away' BBQ for Mike a couple of weekends ago. It was a great time... but I think the kids had the most fun!

Fun shots of my boy!

2008-08-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have been horrible about keeping up with this blog!! I am determined to updated it by the end of today!!! Things have been like a whirlwind with Mike's upcoming departure to Iraq. We still do not have a firm flyout date, but we know it will be before the end of this month... probably in the next week.

We miss you already!!!

2008-07-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

We were sad to see you go Mom :( Can't wait to see you guys again soon!!!

More Beach Days...

2008-07-17T00:21:00.000-07:00

Everette, Grammy and Coco playing at the beach last Thursday down at A-Bay
Once again, playing the ukulele while watching cartoons
Rhett and his buddies at our MOPS Beach Day last Friday:)

Matt's 30!!

2008-07-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Our friend Matt McGill turned 30 last Wednesday, so we went out for a fantastic dinner at Donatoni's. We were there for hours and enjoyed the great company while mom watched Rhett at home :)
Matt and Sarah
Mike and I
Michelle and Tony
The Birthday Boy!!

My Little Guitarist

2008-07-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Every time Everette is playing his ukulele I say I need to record him... well, I finally did. This is his favorite place to play... in front of the mirror! He loves to play!!!

Sunset Dinner Sail

2008-07-16T13:08:00.001-07:00

Beautiful 'fire and ice' sunset
Mauna Kea reflecting the sunset
Isn't is beautiful how the sun is glowing out from under the clouds above the water

Dad stayed for 2 weeks (mom for 3) so the evening that he was flying out, we surprised them with a sunset dinner sail out of A-Bay. It was pretty rough, but the views were incredible and we had a wonderful time together!!

Just as we got aboard, before we left the shore
captain Rhett... he has been practicing on the Ruby B, but never tried a sail boat ;)

More pictures from Mom and Dad's visit

2008-07-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Rhett and GrammyLia reading stories before bed
Mom and Dad on thier way to watch the hula show at the Mauna Lani shops
me and Everette watching the honu at the Kona Harbor
Rhett playing in his "pool"
Mom and Dad snorkeling at Kukio

Kona Regatta

2008-07-08T01:19:00.001-07:00

WHOOHOO!! That's my boat just after we finished our race(I am second in)... that was a tough race, but we are really starting to be able to work as a team and get a real feel for the canoe.
Switching out for the next race

Whew... that water is beautiful and so refreshing after a race!

Our last regatta in Kona was this past Saturday. Mom and dad were able to be there again to cheer me on (and watch Rhett!!!) Afterwards we went to the Hard Rock cafe for lunch and watched the rest of the regatta while we ate. Next week I have one more regatta in Hilo and then we are on to looooong distance season..... hmmmm... still thinking about that one ;)

Fun Time with GrammyLia

2008-07-08T01:16:00.000-07:00

While we were out diving, Everette has been having LOTS of fun time with Grammy :) I love this picture because they both have the same happy look on their faces!

More SCUBA :)

2008-07-08T00:54:00.000-07:00

More pictures from our dives last Tuesday...

Some pretty colored coral

That's our favorite spot on the boat!!
Not sure what this is, but it was pretty cool!
Matt being goofy

A HUGE conch shell eating a sea urchin
That's me...
There's daddo...
Daddo in a cave...
I love these soft corals... they are my favorite!

Ono!!!!!!

2008-07-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Mike, Dad, Matt and I took our boat out last Tuesday for some fishing and some diving. We did 2 great dives and then on the way back in to the harbour Mike caught 2 Ono (Wahoo) at the same time!!!!
Bring 'em in baby!!!

We took some home to grill, but left the rest at the restaurant :)
YUMMY!!!! We ate until we were ready to pass out! The fish was incredible and we had an amazing dinner :) Thanks honey... way to go!!

Happy 35th Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!!!

2008-07-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

June 30th was my mom and dad's 35th wedding anniversary! That day mom and I went to a craft workshop at my girlfriend's house. she made a great brunch for us and we made a fun project. That evening mom and dad went out to dinner at Tommy Bahama's to celebrate :)

Sunday... we are so blessed!!

2008-07-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have both sets of grandparents here with us right now.... and Rhett is LOVING it! Sunday we all went to church together and then headed over to the Kost's home for a wonderful German meal followed by swimming in the pool. It was a beautiful day with family!!!

Rhett learning to swim without his floaties!
What a gorgeous tablescape.... Marion put out her best china and gold flatware for us

me and my honey :)
Mom and Dad
Marion and Al

A few more from Hilo...

2008-07-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Mike and our ADORABLE nephew, Isaiah (7 months)
In front of the big banyan trees in Downtown Hilo Bayfront
Alex, Bekah and Rhett checking out the "shhhhhish" at the Discovery center aquarium. (Shhhhhhish is Rhett's word for fish)

More Regatta...

2008-07-02T20:32:00.001-07:00

Our niece Bekah and nephew Alex came out to cheer me on :)
Team prayer
Beth's son Ikaika got in a fight with the canoe ;)
too cute!
Alika and Isaiah

Regatta at Hilo Bay

2008-07-02T13:25:00.001-07:00

Saturday was another Regatta... this time on the other sideof the island in Hilo. Mom and dad loved it! it was a long day for me though... I had a race at 9:30am and then again at 4:30 int he afternoon! For the in between time we went to lunch with Alex, Alika and the kids, walked around the farmers market and explored an under water discovery center. We even made a pit stop at the cutest little candy shop! Too bad I had "taffy tummy" for my last race... I felt like we were moving as slow as molasses after all that candy!

That's me... second seat from the front!

3 Dive Day!!!!

2008-07-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

can you see the red fish in the cave above??

Friday we went out for 3 dives!!! It was sooo much fun!

Dad checking out a tank that was left at the bottom
Puffer fish in a cave (not puffed of coarse!)
Can you see the eel?
Beautiful soft coral... it literally looked like a flower made out of fabric!
Mr. Flounder

Me and Dad!
Big beautitul spotted eagle ray
Pretty fish :)
me in a cave
2 spotted eagle rays

Beach day with the Grandparents

2008-07-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we met Oam and Opa Kost down at Mauna Kea Beach for some fun in the sun. Dad and I did lots of snorkeling... the water was crystal clear and just gorgeous!!! Rhett had fun playing in the sand and getting GOBS of attention from his grandparents.

That evening Mike and I went on a date to the movies and when we walked out of the theater, we were greeted with this amazing sunset (yes, that is the view from the parking lot of the movie theater, Macy's and K-Mart) a perfect end to another perfect day!

Night Night!

2008-06-27T00:23:00.001-07:00

Bath time... Story time.... best of all, RELAX time for mommy and daddy!!! Thanks Grammy and Tata! ;)

Day 1... part 2 ;)

2008-06-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

After some naps we headed back down to the beach for some swimming in the tide pools with the dogs! We finished off the day with steaks on the grill, wine and a beautiful sunset :) It was a perfect day and a fantastic way to kick off mom and dad's visit!

The dogs were loving it!! They have been so neglected since Rhett was born ;) DOgs aren't allowed on any of the beaches on the big island, so we had to sneak them down there... it was a looong walk! (but well worth it!)
me pointing to where I have my paddling practices with my canoe club (that's the Waikoloa Beach resort and "A-Bay" in the backgound)
Grammy having soooooo much fun with Everette
He is such a 'Daddy's boy', it really is amazing and soooooooo sweet!

Our little paradise...
There are actually 8 turtles in this picture! One of them is on top of another, trying to get to the water!
We had so much fun playing in the tide pools.
A VERY happy boy :)

Day 1

2008-06-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

We took a little adventure around the Hilton Village... just a relax day to break mom and dad into the Hawaii time zone :) We got a kick out of these two fish. You don't usually see a baracuda and a blowfish hanging out together. The Blow fish was HUGE!! You can't tell in this picture, but it was about 2 feet long (imagine if it was blown up!)
At the dolphin quest it was all we coulddo to keep Rhett from running in with the dolphins!

Me and my beautiful boy!!!

Saying hi to the parrot in the lobby of the Hilton

Rhett is loving the attention from GrammyLia

It was an amazing morning!!!

Aloha Grammy and Tata Grassman!!!!

2008-06-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad arrived Tuesday for a nice long visit :) We were so excited to see them!!! Something tells me that they were even more excited to see Everette ;)

The Kost Ohana

2008-06-22T15:15:00.001-07:00

The Kost crew soakin' up the sun!
Rhett loving on his cousin Isaiah
Rhett, Isaiah and Oma

Rhett loves to jam on Oma's piano
Lounging :)
Cousin Alex and Rhett
Uncle Alex helping Rhett with the water gun
Cousin Rebekah and Rhett playing with the waterfall

It has been a while since we have seen Mike's brother Alex, Alika and the kids. On Saturday we spent the day catching up over at Oma and Opa's. Marion made her famous spaghetti and we swam for hours and hours in the pool.

Park Day with MOPS Buddies

2008-06-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderful big park in Waimea, about 20 minutes from our house. On Thursday we met some moms and kids from our MOPS group up there for some playtime. Rhett had a great time running around with the big boys!

Joshua played with Rhett the whole time... he really was great with him. Not to mention it gave me a little break ;)
Noah, Joshua and Everette

In Our Shoes

2008-06-22T13:54:00.001-07:00

Rhett has a fascination lately with our shoes :) He is always bringing them to us when he wants to go outside and play!

our little monkey LOVES to dance!!

2008-06-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Kepa's Frist Birthday Campout!

2008-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

I am trying to catch up on a few posts. These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago. Our friends Ellen and Lance have a little boy named Kepa. For his one year birthday they had a big campout party at the beach! This was our first time camping in Hawaii. I can't say that I loved it... it was VERY primitive and the air was too still and stale. We had a very hard time sleeping as it was pretty sticky. BUT we are willing to give it another try sometime! It was beautiful, that is pretty much a given anywhere out here ;)
Birthday boy Kepa!
Rhett and his new girlfriend, Coral (we celebrated her first b-day that day too)
The party site
Matt, Mike, Everette and Ceasar walking out the the water (that's lava rock)

Boating fun!

2008-06-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry these are all out of order....
Captain Matt teaching Rhett to drive the boat.

We took our boat out today with our friends Matt and Sarah... we were 'fishing' but didn't catch anything but some great views, great weather and some color!! ;) We had a fantastic time!!! Many of you know that my boy does not like to fal asleep in the car, however he did fall asleep on the boat, sitting up! He just loved the boat! Me and my little man out on our boat off the Kohala coast.
My everything!
Little fish in a BIG ocean!

'Captain Matt' taught Rhett how to drive the boat and gave him an 'intro' to scuba diving ;)

Another Beach Day

2008-06-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Everette and I met Oma and Opa at the bay at the Orchid Mauna Lani on Friday. We had a great time swimming and digging in the sand as always :)
Going swimming with Oma
Looking for treasures
Found one!!

Trying to pose for a picture...
Handsome!
Me and Marion

Little Fishy!

2008-05-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Rhett has become sooo brave around the water lately. (Kind of scary) Yesterday he was swimming his little heart out all around the pool at Oma and Opa's house. He had no fear! We still need to work on swallowing all the water while he is laughing though ;) I think he will be swimming on his own be the time he is 2!! He is definitely 'his mother's son' when it comes to the water!

2nd Regatta

2008-05-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

We had our second regatta in Kona on Saturday... this time I got to race!! Our Novice B Wahine (Women's) crew placed 4th out of 11 boats (only 2/10 of a second from 3rd) Whoohoo!! I was the stroker (seat 1) and it was a tough race! We race the Koa wood boats which are significantly heavier than the fiberglass ones we practice in... I felt like I was going to loose my breakfast after sprinting only 1/4 of a mile! We did great, but next time we will medal!!!

Kona Pier : The weather was MUCH better this week!
Novice B Guys Crew
Mixed Novice B crew

Honu Watching

2008-05-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Can you see it??
Everette and Ikaika

Friday Rhett and I joined Beth and her family for a day at the beach. This particular beach is our favorite because it is so calm and perfect for little people ;) Everette got a kick out of the turtles (Hawaiian word: Honu) sunning themselves on the rocks!

Regatta

2008-05-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our first Regatta race for the Waikoloa Canoe Club that I have joined. We practice 3 morning a week at 6am! Yikes! I never thought I would volunteer to wake up so early... let alone get in the water at that time of day. But, it is absolutely beautiful out on the ocean in the morning!!! I just love the workout and it is really getting my abs in shape! After I had been at the regatta for a couple of hours on Saturday I found out that I had some paper work missing and was not able to race :( BUMMER!! The volcano has been wreaking havoc on the air quality out here. The skies have been so full of vog (volcanic ash/fog) that the sun is sometimes not been visible. Saturday was like that.... really weird!

The water is so clear and blue... even when the sky is grey.
Rhett was a busy busy body and made Mike chase him around everywhere. There is so much going on, tons of people and of coarse water everywhere. I think next race I will leave him with a sitter.... less stress!
Look at that Hawaii sky... not typical for sure!

Pool Time

2008-05-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

We finally decided to blow up the kiddy pool that Rhett got for Christmas from his Oma and Opa! Rhett has recently become VERY brave at the pool and loves to jump in off the side and swim back to the side (with a little help!). Since he couldn't jump off the side of his 'blow-up' pool, he just kep plopping down on his bottom... sooo funny (watch video)

Mowing with Daddy

2008-05-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Rhett always gets so excited when Mike mows the lawn. He wants to be outside watching everytime, but I think it is too dangerous for him to be out there, so he watches from the playroom window. Last week watching from the window was not enough for him, so I put him outside in his stroller to watch. Mike couldn't stand it and go the great idea to hold him in this carrier..... JACKPOT! Now Mike will have to do this every time he mows, or mow when Rhett is not home!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!!! I had such a wonderful day... Mike made me breakfast this morning. He made yummy pancakes and even Rhett ate them (he is being picky about what he eats lately) After breakfast we went to church and Mike"s mom and dad joined us! My wish for mother"s day was to hike down to a black sand beach that is north of us past Hawi town> we recently bought a backpack to carry Rhett and I Was anxious to try it out!!!! I just absolutely love these guys! Aren't they handsome!!!
Here we go...
I thought these warning signs were funny :)
My precious boy!
Top of the trail... yup, we are hiking down to that beach waaaay down there!

We made it all the way down to the beach :)
Rhett can finally escape from the pack.
Awe-inspiring! This is absolutely gorgeous!
There I am... all I had to carry down was the camera :)
Ceasear was on our heels the whole way, so Mike carried him for a bit to keep from stepping on him.

We turned this corner and found some bulls hanging out. Isn't that a beautiful view?!
I love this picture. He looks so independent giong down the path by himself.
Rhett and Ceasar had blast running all over the place exploring.
So many places to explore... where do I start?!

We made it back up to the top!! Whew! That was a great hike!
I carried Rhett for the hike back up. It was my idea... I wanted some excercise. Ummm... I definitely got it! Mike was embarassed when we passed people on the trail, since I was holding the pack and it was Mother's day. He kept telling people, "She wants to hold it!"
Rhett loves rocks.... there were millions of them down on this black sand beach!

Daddy's Motorcycle Goggles

2008-05-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

Rhett is always trying to be like his daddy. Yesterday he got a hold of Mike's motorcycle goggles (I guess that is what they are called??) He kept trying to put them on but they would not stay and he got frustrated. I finally tightened them up to fit his head and he wore them for atleast 20 minutes... all around the house, playing, 'mowing' the living room with his new lawn mower, etc. He really thought he was so cool! Oh, and the only reason his lawn mower is in the house is because it was the only way I could get him to come inside yesterday.

Bare Bottom!

2008-05-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

We went to visit Oma and Opa with the hopes of going swimming in thier pool. Too bad it was overcast and chilly..... and even though mommy had no desire to get in that cold water, Rhett was ready to go! Oma let him stand on the steps with his feet in the water but he got his diaper wet. I was being too lazy to get him another one, so he got to run around with a bare bottom :) It was so cute to watch him run around the yard with his bare little butt cheeks hanging out from his t-shirt!! Someday he will be so embarassed to see these pics!! ;)

Where's Everette?

2008-04-27T14:24:00.001-07:00

Tata gave Rhett these camo Pjs last time we were in Florida. Of coarse most everything camo comes from Tata Grassman!! Can you spot him??? ;)

Puppy Love

2008-04-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

Rhett hangin' out with his Kaiser!
Rhett feeding Coco girl.
Taking turns...
Both at once... good job!

Lately we have started to let Rhett feed the dogs. I give him the scooper half full of dog food and he puts it in their bowls. He always wants to give them more and more that is why I only give him a half a scoop... that way he can do it 2 times for each dog. If any of the dog food falls out onto the ground, Everette is quick to pick it up and put in in their bowls or feed it to them from his hand. The dogs are so gentle and Rhett gets a kick out of them licking his hands! Kaiser is the most gentle and lets Rhett sit in his bed with him (although mommy has to give Rhett a bath immediately afterwards!). Unfortunately, we had a big thunderstorm yesterday (we only get them a couple times a year) and Kaiser ran away. He is terrified of thunder (any loud noises for that matter) and tries to get in the house when he hears it. Yesterday, Rhett and I were down at the community pool for a friend's going away party when the thunder started. I knew that Kaiser would be gone by the time I got home and sure enough, he was :( It has been nearly 24 hours and no Kaiser. The last time he ran away because of thunder the humane society picked him up. I hope that he is safe somewhere and not lost. Of all the dogs, he is the only one that I feel could find his way home from anywhere, but the longer he is gone, the more I worry!!! Coco seems pretty lonely without him :(

Helping Daddy

2008-04-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

A while back my dad (Tata Grassman) gave Rhett his very own rubber mallet. Yes, he most definitely did. Who else would think to give an 18 month old his own full size REAL hammer. Well, he has finally figured out how it work and needless to say it is an "outside toy" now! Mike was assembling some shelving for Arby's and needed a rubber mallet. I said, "just get Rhett's out of his toy bin". Mike let Rhett help him..... and the rest is history. Thanks dad! ;)

Hilton Lagoon

2008-04-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

Our friend Michela invited us to enjoy a Hilton Pool pass on Saturday. It was a bit overcast (extremely rare here) so the air was kinda chilly. We ended up spending the whole time at the lagoon.... the water was a bit warmer and the kids enjoyed it just the same!
Slowly Rhett is getting braver when it comes to the water!
Michela and baby Liam.... sooo cute in his little beach outfit!
We could barely get Eva to stop for this picture!
Fun time!

Brrrrrrr... COLD!!

2008-04-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

After playing in the tide pools and in the sand, Rhett made a bee-line to the showers. I think he enjoyed the showers more than the beach! He was shivering the whole time but did not want to stop playing!!

Playing in the Tide Pools

2008-04-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

We went down to "A Bay" on Thursday with my friend Callie and her two kids. We found a great little spot with lots of rocks and tide pools. Rhett enjoyed exploring, but it really worried me becuase he seems to think he can do anything! The rocks were pretty dangerous and i made him hold my hand the whole time we were walking on them. It didn't take long before we moved over to the sandy beach area.

Talkin' Away

2008-04-21T16:58:00.001-07:00

Rhett made a surprise call to Tata and GrammyLia last week. He was talking away as if they coud understand him... it was so funny. Usually he walks around the house with his fake phone "pretending" someone is on the other end :) He loves the phone... wonder where he gets that?!

Wild Little Man

2008-04-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

This was last Sunday afternoon. We had to make a run into Kona to get some things for the stores. On days like that Rhett gets kinda antsy to run wild after being stuck in a carseat for hours. By the time we got back to Arby's to dropoff the stuff Rhett was more than ready to RUN!!

Rhett and I posing at the Koi Pond down at the Queen's Marketplace where our Arby's is located. Lucky to get him to stop for the picture!
Chillin' at the Starbucks eating his cookie. This break didn't last long. Before I knew it he was going up to the windows pressing his face up against the glass saying hi tp the people inside.

Trying to 'pet' the Koi. Mike had to hold onto him tight or he would be in there in a second! There are dozens of these koi in the ponds! They are so pretty!
Playing rough with daddy!

Picnic

2008-04-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

After church (between the two services) there is always coffee and pastries outside on the lanai. Rhett is always so happy to get a piece of a doughnut and last Sunday he went into this little house on the playground to hang out and eat. Mike decided to join him..... and I just couldn't resist a picture! They are having a little father-son picnic :)

Snuggles

2008-04-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last night we were watching a movie and Mike took some pics of Rhett and I snuggling :) Rarely am I in pictures with him.... I am usually taking them!!

Ukelele Boy

2008-04-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Playing it outside on the slide
Playing it in his play car... I promise he did this on his own.. doesn't it look like I posed him or something?!!
Carrying it around everywhere
STILL carrying it arounfd in the house!

Rhett stayed the night this week with my freind Beth and from the minute he arrived until the minute he left he carried around a Ukelele...... strumming it and bobbing his head to the tune! We got a kick out of the stories she told us about it and Mike surprised Rhett with his very own Ukelele yesterday morning. He was so excited and sure enough, he did carry it around all afternoon. I even had to bring it with him in the car!

Anniversary Dinner at Donatoni's

2008-04-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

Cheers to three wonderful years!! Look at all the food... and that was just getting started!
what a sunset!

Yummy!
Compliments to Chef Sascia.... it was all delicious!!

Mike and I had a beautiful sunset dinner at an Italian restaurant called Donatoni's. Our friend Sascia Marchesi is the executive chef there and it was voted the best restaurant on the Kohala coast! We figured out why!!! ;) They treated us like royalty with a champagne welcome and very special appetizers that the chef did up just for us! They kept it coming with risotto and a special wine that Sascia chose for us... by the time our entree arrived we were stuffed! Imagine how we felt when our very own cake was brought out!!!! We left with bags full of leftovers ;) WOW! It was a very romantic and memorable evening!

Anniversary fun at the Waikoloa Hilton

2008-04-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Mike and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary by staying a night down at the Waikoloa Hilton. Rhett sated with my friend Beth (and he behaved very well for his first time away from us over night, I must add) If you have never seen the Waikoloa Hilton (it's in the same resort area as our restaurants) you have to know that it is Ginormous! There are atleast a dozen pools, many of which are connected by slides. There are waterfalls with grotos underneath, hidden hot tubs and even a big lagoon for snorkeling and paddleboats. If you prefer not to walk the nearly 1 mile hike from one end to the other, you can hop aboard the tram or even the boat! Our close friend Sascia is an executive chef there at the hotel and he hooked us up with a beautiful suite for the evening! The next day Beth brought Rhett and her son down to meet us so we could all play in the pools... it was a great 2 days!!! Mike and I even went down the big water slides over and over like kids... we saved the little ones for Rhett ;) We highly recommend this hotel to any family coming to visit. You could stay here for a week straight and never run out of things to do!
My SuperMan!! Mike going down one of the baby waterslides.
My little man is getting so independent! He LOVED going down the slides by himself :)
Again and again...he didn't want to give us a break!

We watched people swim with the dolphins. There was a baby dolphin in another pool that was just born 10 days ago! This picture has the dolphin upside down/belly up and if you just glanced it kinda looks like a shark!
There was a baby pool with a sand bottom...
Rhett went down on Mike's lap the first time, but that wasn't nearly as fun as by himself!

The view from our suite!
Ocean view from our suite.

New Play Slide!

2008-04-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my girlfriend Nikki, Rhett now has a new hand-me-down play slide! He LOVES it and would play out there all day if I let him!!

I just love this picture of Rhett in the bushes.... he look slike he is on a safari ;)

MOPs day at the beach!

2008-04-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

We spent last Wednesday at the beach with a bunch of my girlfriends and thier kids. The two other blondies in the picture with Rhett are Mahialani and Alika. They are twins that were born on the same day at Rhett.... several hours after the earthquake.

Easter fun!

2008-03-25T11:24:00.001-07:00

We traveled across the island to Hilo to spend the Easter afternoon at Mike's brother's house. We ate waaay to much and the kids had so much fun playing. I couldn't believe how much food was there! I thought Rhett would really have fun with the egg hunt, but turns out that he had no interest in it. Once outside he was more interested in dirt, rocks and puddles. Go figure!
Hunting for eggs :) Bekah, Alex and Alush.
Rhett's one and only egg. In fact, I found it for him. He really would rather play!
"Look at all my eggs Aunty!!!!"

Could not keep him still for a picture!
He had to get to the "gow gows". That is his word for dogs. (Except for Coco.. she is Coco)
LOVES pretending to talk on the phone! Do you think Mike and I are on it too much??
I have a picture of him last year sitting in the same chair. He is a little big for it now, but seems to be cozy and relaxed after loads of playing!

This was another goody that I made for our Easter feast.... Brie en croute with caramelized onions. Mmmmmmm.. it was soooo yummy!
Our newest nephew, Isaiah! He is 4 months and getting so big. He has beautiful blue eyes with that dark hair... such a cutie-pie!

This was Rhett's toy of choice. I think we may have a chef in the making?! ha! It was not raining in Hilo... amazing! The kids had a great time outside.

Easter Sunrise Service

2008-03-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Goodmorning! Happy Easter!!! We were blessed with a beautiful morning and we got to watch the sun come up over the mountain at our church's sunrise easter service. It was outside in a field by our church ... a bit windy and chilly, but I guess I really should not complain ;)Afterwards we had a potluck breakfast and Rhett just wanted to run around and play as always. During the week our church is a preschool so there is a great playground area. Every Sunday Rhett can't wait to get out there! Today was nothing different!
When Mike was done dressing Rhett this morning he stood in front of the mirror smiling at himself for about 5 minutes. I guess he likes his little outfit I got him ;) I sure do!! He looks so handsome!!

I lOVE my family!!! Happy Easter to you and yours!!

Mike's New Toy

2008-03-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Mike is thrilled to have a new motorcycle to drive to and from work (and everywhere else!). It is a Kawasaki Versys and gets over 60 miles per gallon! Great since the price of gas has gone up to almost $4 a gallon out here!

Beautiful!

2008-03-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

These are some of the flowers in our yard. Most of the time I don't even notice, but today they really caught my eye! Aren't they beautiful?!

Easter Cookies

2008-03-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

I decorated some sugar cookies today to take to our Easter get-together at Alex and Alika's house tomorrow! I am so excited about how they turned out :)

Mega Blocks

2008-03-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

I got these mega blocks as a hand-me-down from a friend back in January. Just recently Rhett took interest in them . He spent a while the other day putting them all together and taking them apart. He is really getting good at building towers!

Reading again...

2008-03-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Once again... the house got quiet and after a few minutes I went to find Rhett. (I have every

thing childproofed so there is not too much he can get into.) There he was!This chair is his favorite place to climb up and look at his books. I love it!

Glass Bottom Boat

2008-03-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Beth's mother in law is in town and her family has been doing all the fun touristy stuff the past week or so. This morning Rhett and I joined them on a glass bottom boat trip. Rhett really enjoyed it!

Beth and Ikaika
Buddies :)

It was such a beautiful morning!

So handsome... my little man!

Rhett and Ikaika looking at the fish in the fresh water spring fed ponds by the beach
This is the same area that we had our famliy photo shoot for Rhett's birthday
Rhett made a little friend. Isn't that sky just beautiful?!!

Where are you going???

2008-03-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

We went to dinner at a new sushi restaurant Sunday night with our new friends, the Marchesi family. Rhett was dressed up so cute, but would not stay still for a picture! The picture of him running away is the typical view I have of him lately. He is always running all over the place and I am behind him trying to keep up ;)

Mmmmmm,,, Ice Cream!!!

2008-03-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend came over for dinner the other night with her daughter Ava who is four. After dinner she was eating icecream in the lanai and left her half eaten bowl on the coffee table. Rhett climbed his way on top of the table and this is how I found him.... eating icecream from a big boy bowl with a big boy spoon. (this is a first for him, he usually eats from the tray on his highchair with his hands)

Not sure if you can see it, but the icecream was dripping through the slats on the table and onto the carpet. If he wasn't so darn cute I might have cared!

I am training him well :)

2008-03-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

I don't think I ever told you how much Rhett LOVES the vacuum cleaner. (maybe because I have been vacuuming since the day he came home from the hospital just to keep the Waikoloa dust at bay) Anyway, since we don't have a 'play size' vacuum for him to play with, I give him a dust brush and swiffer duster to use. He goes all around the house with them 'helping' mommy clean! This morning I caught a few pictures of him helping....

Rhett's Better!

2008-03-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

We visited the doctor today and were given the 'all clear' to remove Everette's bandages... he is all healed!!! YEAH!!! So when we got home I gave him an extra messy snack (I had been trying to keep his bandages clean by avoiding messy stuff). So here he is having fun with his berries and cheerios!

Owie!

2008-03-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

We spent Friday night in the ER after Rhett burned his hand on the humidifier steam. he is being a great spot about it all... you would never know that he had a horrible burn on the palm of his hand unless you look at the big bandage! He acts as if it never happened!! Here are some pictures of him playing in a little car we bought him at a MOPs garage sale fundraiser on Saturday.

Surfer Boy!!!

2008-03-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend Beth and I took our boys to the beach Friday. It was a perfect beach day... we stayed for hours!
'Ahhhh... not another picture mom!'
Rhett took quite a while to get used to the water. Luckily the beach we go to has no waves and is perfect for toddlers.

He finally got used to it and didn't want to get out!!

Look at my boy trying to surf ;) He thought this surfboard was the greatest thing!!

Rhett kept running up and down the board just laughing and giggling. Notice all the boards in the background... they are definitely a hit with the kids!
WIPEOUT!!!
Mommy wanted to surf too!
Watch out! Rhett is bustin' out on the surfiin' scene ;) Boy, is he going to be a heartbreaker!!

Sneaking outside...

2008-03-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

Rhett knows how to open the doors, so we try to keep them locked all the time. The other day we left a slider open so that Ceasar could go outside and of coarse Rhett discovered an escape. Doesn't take him long!! He was already out in the birdfeeder and playing with the watering can.
He was so happy to be outside!
Rhett doesn't yet know how to water the plants with the watering can. He just likes to collect things in it... rocks, leaves, dirt.
Here he is taking a poop break. He always pulls up his legs and grabs his ear with his look on his face while his eyes glaze over. It is quite amuzing ;)
This mud hole keeps getting bigger and bigger thanks to Rhett and the dogs. Notice he is collecting dirt for his watering can.

Sour!!

2008-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon we decided to go to Tommy Bahama for a cocktail and appetizer. I gave Rhett a lemon to suck on, just to see his reaction. These are some pictures of his 'sour' faces!! We got the biggest laugh out of this, but he just kept eating it... he really seemed to like them!

This is Rhett posing for the camera.... ha! What a look! He almost seems proud of himself!