Our garden

This summer we planted a garden in our backyard. We don't have a lot of room so it is little but the kids and I had a lot of fun getting it ready and picking out the plants. We've started with tomatoes, cucumber, red/green bell pepper, watermelon and jalapeno. Having my own garden was something I always wanted to attempt and it was a fun summer project for all of us. We'll keep you posted on its progress.

Start of summer vacation in Maui

Brendon and I surprised the kids with a trip to Maui. We pretended like we were taking my sister to the airport and we pulled out their bags and checked into our flight. They were so surprised! We proceeded uptairs to eat lunch and wait for their second surprise: The LeClaire family was joining us on the vacation. They saw the LeClaires in the airport and it took the kids a couple of minutes to put it together that we were going together and staying in the same place. Madison heard about the news over spring break and did such a great job keeping the secret. Thanks mom and dad for letting us stay at your "paradise". We had such a great time and we couldn't have pulled off a 5 star, luxurious trip without your generosity.

We hiked through the bamboo forest. Madison made the entire hike with her fractured leg and her foot in the boot!
I giggle everytime I look at this picture........it looks like I'm holding Kirstin's hand but it's really Brendon's.

Snorkeling trip on the Gemini
Me and my sister Kandra

Playing in the waves at Kaanapali Beach
My sister Kandra flew in halfway through the trip and surprised the kids. I begged her to start the Twilight series and it took a couple days of my pleading before she picked up the book. Once she got started the picture above explains how we saw Kandra the remainder of the trip (when she wasn't eating). She ended up finishing the first and second book by the time we went home.
Pool time was a favorite everyday!

Sunset on the beach: My favorite part of the day!

Longhi's breakfast: A family favorite!!!!