They were far too excited about throwing rocks into the marsh rather than catching up with us on our way through Waimea Valley so I threatened them with what I thought for sure would have them running to catch up!
"Girls who don't catch up with us have to pose for a sisters photo!"
They briefly smiled and then kept right on throwing rocks.
I love these girls.
Today was delightful.
Believe me, not all days are like that.
We go through "those days" (and sometimes weeks) of hardness...days of complete exhaustion from constant whining, fighting and grouchiness... and days (and occasionally weeks) of sweetness. It is especially on those days that I'm reminded of why I LOVE being a MOM... their mom. The days when I just can't get enough of the sweet little jabbermonsters that are the very center of my universe.
The combination of extra sweets from the Easter bunny, a trip to the doctor for immunizations (both girls at the same time), and this momma's crazy hormones last week resulted in one of "thoooose weeks".
I'm so grateful last week is over. This week is proving to be much much better.
Yesterday we spent the afternoon exploring in Waimea valley. The girls loved the freedom to roam, explore and have the attention of both mommy and daddy (Mark has extra play time this week during his spring break). The girls slept really well last night (halleluiah!) And today... Naomi got dressed and ready for preschool AND let me comb her hair - ALL without complaining. When I dropped her off for preschool, she turned back at least 7 times on her way up the stairs to wave, blow me a kiss and call out "I love you mommy!" *melt* Kalea and I enjoyed the company of good friends while she was at school and when she came home, the girls happily played and played until Kalea's nap time. The little one went down for a nap without crying and even better yet, woke up in a GOOD mood. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE. This evening after gymnastics, Naomi wrote sweet love notes to me and Mark, and get this - after dinner the toys were scattered across the living room and Naomi said, "Hey guys! Let's clean up so the room is clean!"
ARE YOU REALLY THE REAL NAOMI?
Sweet to the core. All.day.long.
It was awesome... amazing... and a little unbelievable. Today was delightful.
Can we do it all again tomorrow? Pweeease?
Two thumbs up. "This is a good day, mommy."
Half of our preschool group braved the rain last week and hiked to Waimea falls (otherwise know as Paradise Falls in South America to the kids - you know, from UP!)
It rained. A LOT.
Jared burned the bottom of his foot a few days earlier, so he was in the stroller and the other three switched off riding/walking. They definitely enjoyed splashing in the puddles.
Kalea, who loves her little friend Ryan, took a new liking to his older brother, Jared. (I'm a little nervous about these girls actually growing up and dating!)
I asked Naomi what was different about the waterfall this time. She thought about it for a while and then replied, "It looks like chocolate! Muddy. It's very muddy." Yes, it was very very muddy.
My mom came - oh how I love my mom. It was SO nice to have her help. She's sure to never forget hiking to Waimea Falls in the down-pouring rain!
Side note: We tie-dyed "preschool outing t-shirts" with 6 little kids at our house a while back and didn't stain a single thing! Amazing.
It was a fun adventure in the rain.
