Hawaii Vogelzangs

Aaron and I tried surfing twice last week – definitely works some different muscles 😅 I’ve been volunteering in Brooks’ computer class on Fridays which has been fun to get to know some of the kids and teachers! Eden got to go with a friend for an overnight birthday trip to a beach cabin at Bellows Air Force Base, in Waimanalo (20 min south of us). We all went for the afternoon Saturday to check it out. Brooks and Olivia had play dates, revisited a potential church…it was a good weekend of getting to know some families/parents better!

Graham and Aaron enjoyed a Friday afternoon pool viewing of the Phillies and Eagles from the pool. The girls made a good profit on their lemonade stand in the neighborhood with friends. We tried out a new water park – not quite the same level of thrills as some Kalahari rides but still lots of fun! Evening bike to the beach for a beach walk and dip, and multiple playground visits…

Enjoyed the long weekend in the neighborhood and at the beach.

The playground at school is big and shady and a 3 minute bike ride, making it a popular spot for our crew on evenings and weekends.

Explored the Bishop Museum on Saturday – we maxed out the kids’ museum hours at the science center (volcanos, lava, Hawaiian critters…) and planetarium so will be back for more of the Hawaiian history and culture. Went over to Waikīkī Beach – very busy with fancy shops and crowded beaches but enjoyed watching the surfers! The last photo is an overlook of Kailua (full view of the mountains cropped due to several feral cats and a kind gentleman feeding them wet food along the wall)

A short but very muddy Saturday hike at Likelike (lee-kay lee-kay) Falls with giant trees and roots and leaves along the way

Explored a new spot on the west coast of the island – 4 man made lagoons, specifically for resorts and a state park.

Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail

2.5 miles in Kaneohe, overlooking Kaneohe Bay, MCBH, Kailua and Coconut Island (the location of the Gilligan’s Island opening theme song). Eden was busy singing the whole way back…”just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale…” 🎶

Kids were excited for the first day! Biking to school, no uniforms and 3 recesses are the popular parts. We left early Tuesday and met a friend to walk in together. Brooks had some tears but had a positive report after school.

On Day 2 Graham and Olivia went with friends early and dropoff for Eden and Brooks was smooth.

Thankful for a good start at a new place, and proud of the kids for being brave and making new friends!

Beach and back to school night! A bit more chaotic than we’re used to but some very nice teachers and families in the Aikahi community! School starts tomorrow. Meeting friends in the neighborhood at 7:30 to bike to school for the first day 😁

Halona Beach Cove, Wawamalu Beach Park, Castle’s Beach, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens, shelling on MCBH at sunrise, the Kailua Public library…and staple removal! 🏝️

Lots of new (to us!) things and experiences here!

Beaches, animals (big bugs and sea turtles!), bikes, churches, playgrounds, neighborhood friends, bookstore, and a truck!