Christmas Vacation...

...and yes, at times, it was as crazy as the Griswold's!

Disney Pics...

Entering the Magic Kingdom

typical Disney tourist

Caleb and Mickey at lunch

We also enjoyed being at home and seeing family!

Two of my favorite kids!

Tanner--no stopping him now!

Jake loves pizza!

We are now back on Oahu and trying to get back into the habits of school and work. It has been hard! We are looking forward to our family coming to visit soon, though. Don't know when we will be in Virginia again, but we will be back!

A fun Veteran's Day weekend!

We cheered on the UH Warrior football team...

Visited the beach...

Slid down some sand...

Caught some choice waves...

And had a lot of fun!

Fun Times

This past weekend, we planned on traveling to the North Shore to spend a lazy day in playing at the beach. Apparently, Mother Nature had other things in mind. We drove for a while in the pouring rain and decided to head back home.

On the way home we stopped at a little shop on the side of the road. Come to find out, this place also does tours of the land they own (fruit trees, tropical flower gardens, etc.). It was cheap so we decided to go on it. This was by far the best tour we have ever been on and can't wait for people to come visit so we can go again. We were led by Native Hawaiians and told all about the history and culture that has taken place on Oahu. We saw the most beautiful plants and flowers and learned how the Native Hawaiians survived on them many years ago. Out tour guide even picked the flowers for us to take home. We also we able to sample fresh star fruit and coconut--straight off the tree. Next, they took us out in a canoe on a lake that is said to have built by the Menehune 400 years ago as a place for King Kamehameha to train his warriors. We also got to see where many TV shows and movies have been filmed.

Watch Lost? This should look familiar.

Where "Da plane, da plane" landed.

"Juuust sit right back and you'll hear a tale..."

Look closely and you can see that the mountains form a turtle (honu). We live on the tail of the turtle. Caleb was really excited when he found this out because he loves honus!

Just another day in paradise!

Mr. Hawaii himself!

WOW! The past few months have been C R A Z Y!!! So busy.

Well, we are all moved in to our new house and are loving it. We have a great view of the Ko'olau Mountains in our front yard and the beach in the back. Our neighborhood sits on Kailua Bay--my most favorite place in the world.

Caleb is very busy with school and karate and football and church activities. If you need to talk to him, you might be put on hold by his secretary! He just got his report card today and is meeting all standards with a few exceeding! He is also an orange belt in karate working toward his purple belt. His first football game is this Saturday. He hopes to playing quarterback. At church, he is involved in RAs and MusicMakers. He leads a very busy life but loves all of it and cannot wait to go to all of his activities!

My school is as crazy as ever, with us trying not be taken over by the government and all. The kids are good this year but make my job VERY tough. I have also taken it upon myself to start a cheerleading squad at school. I have 16 girls that know nothing about cheerleading--we have a lot of fun, though. Randall is fine, too--not too much news in that department!

We'll be home for Christmas...Love you all!

Before and After

This is our view from our old house:

This is from our new house:

We are almost done moving in--not too many boxes left! We are liking it very much. This place is so much nicer than our other house. I'll take some pictures when the inside is finished.

We still have room for visitors!!!

Making Like Tourists

We we able to get in a little sight-seeing this weekend. We went up to the Pali Lookout. It is a cliff on the side the Ko'olau Mountains that over looks the entire east coast of Oahu. It is also VERY windy!

Looking over Kaneohe Town and Kaneohe Bay (our new home!)

Taken by a Japanese tourist that used hand gestures as his sole form of communication

Day Off = Update!

Caleb and I have a day off from school so I thought I would post a new blog! Although, there is not too much going on here.

Caleb is, as usual, doing fantastic in school. I just hope he keeps it up! He goes to a great school and I know he is learning so much. He is still very into karate and football season will be starting soon.

My school is a little rough. We are under very strict sanctions from the govenment because of our poor test scores. This year is our last chance--if our students do not do well, the government will completely take over. My students this year are so wonderful, though. Most of them are so sweet and so polite and so cute! I can't remember being that small when I was in 7th grade. I think that they are still scared of me, though. I am trying to be mean for a while but it is not working!

As most of you know, we are getting ready to move next weekend. I am excited to have a house that is new! It is only about three years old--meaning NO ROACHES! Really, I asked the man who lives there now. The house is on the other side of the island so the drive to work will be a long one. Caleb will stay at the school he is at now (because we love it so much) as it is on my way to work anyway.

So, about a week after we move in, Randall will be going to Korea for about 10 days. Thankfully not longer! I don't know what he will be doing there. I'm sure he has explained it to me but I don't get it. Still no word on recruiting orders yet. Hopefully soon, though, so we can start begging to go back to Virginia. Or maybe somewhere near to Memphis to be closer to Mark and Amanda's new baby!

Come visit soon! Love and miss you!

All Grown Up

Caleb started first grade today. He was so excited he couldn't sleep last night and was ready to leave before 7:00 this morning!

SO TALL!!!

A little nervous going in

Adventure

Caleb and I have been busy being tourists today. We drove over to the other side (a.k.a., the nice side) of the island and rented a kayak. Once we (a.k.a., I) finally got the thing past the shore break, we were off! About 300 yards off the coast, there is a small island--well, more like a giant, flat rock with some grass on it. Anyway, we (again, a.k.a., I) paddled all the way out there to explore. It was really awesome to look back toward Oahu and see almost the whole east coast. It was also really neat to look farther out into the beautiful turquoise ocean. We were on the little island for about 10 minutes when Caleb got bored and wanted to go back. Knowing my arm and shoulder muscles needed a longer break, I talked him into exploring more. We finally left and we (a.k.a. I) paddled back to shore. Hey, at least we got off the island for a little while!

On the little island--the two islands in the back have some Hawaiian name that I don't know!

Looking out into the Pacific.

Last week of summer

Summer break never lasts long enough. However, in Hawaii, when all schools are year-round, summer is even shorter! Caleb and I have had so much fun this summer going to the beach and the pool and just hanging out. I can't believe I have to go back to work next week!

Good news...It looks like we will only be here another year instead of two. Randall was selected to receive recruiting orders. He goes to school next May for seven weeks. After that, hopefully we will be going back home. We won't know exactly where for a while, though. At least this next year will go by fast!

Even the Globetrotters come to Hawaii. We got a chance to see them last week at a free show they did for the military. Caleb caught a ball that was thrown into the stands and after the game, we were able to get all of the Globetrotters' autographs. Caleb didn't get called out onto the court this time, but still had fun!

A typical morning at our house:

The King and Princess (the Queen position has already been filled)

A new name written down in Glory...

Probably the most proud parenting moment...

What is different?

Notice anything different about Caleb?

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On Sunday, July 9, 2006, Caleb accepted Jesus into his heart. He will be baptized next week!

Summer Fun!

School is out and summer has started--not like summer here is that different from the winter, though! We are enjoying not having to get up and get ready every morning. And we have definitely been hitting the beaches and pools almost everyday!

Mom has been here for a week and she will be here for two more. Caleb sure was happy to see her (or just someone other than me). It has been really nice having my laundry done and the kitchen cleaned after dinner! We haven't really done too much, just pools and beaches. Yesterday, we went to Waimea Bay on the North Shore. I love it when people come and visit so I have an excuse to do some sightseeing!

Caleb has also been very busy with Karate this summer. Just last weekend, he earned his yellow belt. Don't mess with Caleb!

An Update...FINALLY!!

What a great year for Caleb! He has passed kindergarten with flying colors--like there was ever any doubt. He has learned so much. I can't believe that he can read, do math, and even write stories. Not only did he make the Principal's List for the first semester but also for the second semester. His teacher, a.k.a. Teacher of the Year, told me that he is reading on second grade level. I just hope that he keeps up the good work and doesn't hit his "peak" in kindergarten! He is very excited to be in first grade next year!


Well, my first year of teaching has come to close as well. Throughout the year I keep asking myself why I wanted to become a teacher. There were so many ups and downs and stressful days dealing with 7th graders. During the last week of school, when the kids are absolutely off the wall, I realized why: summer vacation. It is so nice to have nothing to do but hang out with Caleb at the beach or pool. Although I still do not know if I will be rehired for next year, it looks promising. I have registered for more "teacher tests" and sent an application for admission to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. (I just hope I can pay in-state tuition.) Since I do not have my license to teach, I have to show that I am working toward it in order to be rehired.


The big news with Randall, though, is what is sitting in my carport taking up space. Most of you already knew, but Randall bought a Harley. It must be a guy thing because I have no idea why anyone would want to drive that rather than a nice, comfortable car. Whatever. He loves it and it is supposed to save on gas. The gas prices in Hawaii are predicted to get over $4.00 this summer!


Well, there you have it...the update you have been anxiously awaiting. This next week, I will busy cleaning my house waiting for my mom's arrival. Hopefully, my best friend will be coming soon too!

love and miss you all!!

Caleb has been for a ride a few times--not me!!!

Spring!

Finally spring is here! After about 5 months of rain, it is finally nice in Hawaii again. There has been really bad flooding all over the state. We have heard that this is the worst rainy season in over 10 years. Lucky for us, huh?

Anyway, with the spring, comes tball. Caleb is loving playing ball again. He is one of the oldest on the team this year and it really shows. He is really good at playing. His coach has him playing at first base (because Caleb is one of two that can actually catch a ball). Almost everytime he is up to bat, he hits the ball past the outfielders!

This spring was also our first Easter together. Caleb looked sharp--except he complained the whole time that he didn't like his sweater! The Easter Bunny came and hid eggs. Caleb had a great time finding them, and hiding them, and finding them , and hiding them, and finding them again. After church, we hung out at the pool with some friends. And it wouldn't be Easter without dying eggs! After the eggs dried, we hid them and found them, and hid them and found them, and hid them and found them again.

At the Hale Koa in Waikiki

Happy Easter!!

Spring Break in VA!

What a wonderful spring break!!!

Since Caleb and I are at year round schools, we get two weeks off in the spring. We were both very excited to be spending those two weeks at home in Virginia. Randall had to stay home and work and take care of the animals--the dog and cat, not the roaches and geckos!

Anyway, we were excited to see our family. Although we talk to Ma and Na and MawMaw and G often, it is not the same as actually seeing them. And although Lara keeps us posted with Logan pictures, it is not the same as seeing and playing with him. Caleb couldn't wait to go to Logan's house!

I was also very excited to see everyone. However, I was more excited about possibly having a new nephew born while at home. Because Lara is so thoughtful, she had baby Tanner one week early so Caleb and I could see him! Thankfully, I was able to take Caleb back up and we got to spend some time with Tanner.
I miss him already!

It was so good to be back home. Now, it is back to reality in Hawaii. I keep telling myself, "nine more weeks!" I am looking forward to not working in the summer (but still getting paid!) and hanging out with Caleb. I think that mom is actually planning a trip out here as soon as she can! Also, my best friend, Sarah, is planning on visiting this summer as well.

And for all of you dying for a Caleb update...

He is busy with t-ball and karate now. Everyday of the week we have some activity that he has to do! He has a very full schedule! He is still doing very well in school, hopefully Principal's List again! And to the Gatlin males out there...thanks for the genes to make Caleb colorblind! We had him tested before srping break and he is definitely color blind. We already knew it anyway. I hope he finds a wife as good as Nana to lay out all of his clothes for him!

I guess that is all for now--I'll keep you posted!
love and miss you all!