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!

6th Birthday Party!!

For Caleb's birthday this year, we decided to have a pool party. Only in Hawaii can you have a pool party in February!

We were really worried about the weather. It has rained here almost everyday this month. Thankfully, it did not rain on the day of the party.

Caleb wanted to invite all of the boys in his class. So, of course, we did. We also invited the three boys next door, a new friend that just moved in, and two kids from his football team. It was a pool full of boys! None of them really swam much--they wanted to play tag or football instead.

We were able to cook out at the pool. The menu consisted of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and Kool-Aid.
The theme that Caleb wanted was King Kong--Kong invitations, Kong plates and napkins, Kong party favors, and most inportantly a Kong pinata. Unfortunately, I could not find a King Kong cake. Caleb had to settle for Darth Vader and Yoda on the cake.

He got too many presents to even remember! I think his favorite, though, was a Ninja Turtles video game.

Although it was hard to not celebrate his birthday with our families, we all had a good time. Caleb and his friends pretty much had the whole pool to themselves and the made a pretty good mess of it.

On the day of his real birthday, I took off work so I could bring cupcakes to his class at school. I was also able to bring him a Happy Meal and eat lunch with him. We had his favorite for supper--pizza. After we ate, he opened his presents from us and the rest of family.

He says he had a really great birthday! Now that he is six, he says he can do more things by himself now--make his bed, take a shower.

If only his daddy could do things for himself...

:)

Home, Sweet, Home

Just in case anyone was wondering--here are some pictures of our house.

This is our living room...

Here is Caleb's room...

And here is our bedroom...

Hopefully, you will all be able to see it in person one day! We miss everyone so much!

More pictures to come of Caleb's birthday...

The Few, The Proud

Well, the Probowl was AWESOME! It was really cool to see all of these superstar athletes right up close.

However, it was even more exciting to see Randall representing the Marine Corps and our country. For those of you who didn't know, Randall was a member of the color guard, holding the Marine Corps flag during the National Anthem. He was even on national TV--they showed his right side (covered by the flag) for about 1/2 of a second! We are still very proud of him, though!!

I think that Randall was more excited about being able to be on the field with all of the players. Although he didn't get to stay there for the whole game, he was able to meet and get his picture taken with Michael Irving. He also got to meet Troy Aikman, who was a total jerk, and Ronde Barber. The football he brought is covered in autographs!

Caleb and I had great seats! We were on the 10-yard line on the NFC side. During warm-ups, we were about 10 feet from Michael Vick, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Delhomme, Santanna Moss, Tiki Barber, and Lofa Tatupu. During the game, we were able to see Peyton Manning (who is also a jerk to fans), Troy Polamalu, and many more. Even though it poured down rain the entire first half, Caleb and I had a blast! We were soaked, but happy!

The Probowl is definately the best reason (if not the only) to live in Hawaii.

ProBowl 2006

One of the most exciting things about living in Hawaii is going to the ProBowl.

When the tickets first went on sale, we realized that we could get pretty good seats for pretty cheap. However, we tooled around enough and all of the good seats are gone!

Randall found out on Monday that he will be representing the Marine Corps by holding their flag during the singing of the National Anthem at the ProBowl. A close friend was supposed to be on the color guard, but gave his place to Randall. So, my question was, "Do I get free tickets too?" Of course, the answer was, "No."

So, until yesterday it looked like Caleb and I would be sitting in the nosebleeds. Randall called me yesterday and told me that he bought some tickets from someone he works with. Come to find out, they are on the 20-yard line, two rows from the field, NFC side (Santana, Michael, Tiki)! Caleb and I will probably have better seats than Randall; although, Randall is hoping that they will let him stay on the field!

I WILL be taking my camera!!

just a little update from Hawaii...

Things are going fine here. It is hard to believe it is January--you know, because it is 80 degrees and sunny all the time! Actually, this is Hawaii's rainy season. It has rained (hard) everyday this week.

I guess the big news around here, as usual, is Caleb. Caleb's school just finished their second semester. Caleb, being the genius that he is, made the Principal's List! Randall and I attended his awards ceremony last week. They called his name and he got to go up on the stage to receive his certificate and "goodie bag." He was very proud--not as much as us, though! His birthday is next month and I can't believe that he will be six! He is getting SO big.

Randall is doing fine. He is FINALLY getting some college out of the way. I guess all of my nagging has paid off!

I am doing well too. I'm not as scared of the geckos anymore--I dont like them or anything, just not as afraid to go outside! My school is going well. I am getting more used to the kids and they are getting more used to me. I still dont understand what they are saying sometimes and the cops still come almost everyday. But, I do like my job and (most of) the people that I work with. I may even go back next year without Randall even having to make me! I am still not quite sure of God's purpose in putting me in this school but, I know that I am here for a reason and I'd better hang out long enough to find out!

I think I am speaking for all of us when I say that Hawaii still does not feel like home. When we were home for Christmas, it felt like we really belonged there and fit in. We are just not as happy being here--I dont think that it will ever feel like the home that Virginia feels like. But, I guess that we dont want to be miserable for the next two and a half years so, we need to make the best of it. Thankfully, we have made some really good friends in our neighborhood--so, we're not totally alone.

well, I'd better go do a "gecko check" before bed! I love and miss all of you!