"You are my SonShine" -Author Unknown

After two years of growing his hair out, we decided that JT could use a little change. He'd been acting a little out of sorts, getting in trouble a lot. Our deal has always been, you can grow your hair out as long as you are good in school. Even though we're on summer break, we talked with Jack and he decided that we should go ahead and make the cut. After it was over, he just seemed so much older. Gone were his golden brown locks and in place seemed a new character. Once in the shower he called out past the curtain to tell us that without so much hair, he could do push ups easier!
He's been a much better listener and he told our neighbors father that it's because his brain can breathe a little easier now. The haircut combined with the purchase of new running shoes, he said he's faster, stronger, and a better listener. This boy is just the light of our life and we love him any way, shape or form!

"Age is an issue of Mind over Matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter" -Mark Twain

We had a small birthday party to celebrate my dad's birthday. Family, friends, gather and eat, sing, dance and talk story. 

Finadene, Ahi Poke, Teri Chicken, Pineapple with LiHing powder, Jello Cheesecake, Orange chocolate cake, and Pineapple Cream Cake. Not pictured but just as delicious, Kalua Pork, Potato Mac Salad, Rice, and Hawaiian Sun drinks. SOO yummo!

"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean." -David Searls

On July 5, 2001 we bid farewell to Maraea Nahaku Kaioelawea Lua Kamae. Every year we make several trips up to visit her but always especially on the 5th. 10 years went by very quickly. Miss her still, glad for the things she taught us and the impression that she left on our lives.

"In summer, the song sings itself" -William Carlos Williams

We kicked off summer at home in the pool. We'd spent the last few weeks traveling so it was nice to get to be home and swim in our own pool. Welcome Summer!!

"Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better" -Albert Camus

4th of July we traditionally spend with the other Long Beach Booths. We spent the first part of the day with our friends from Baseball the Saenz's. Yummy food, time in the pool, good friends and good times.

We spent the afternoon playing and visiting and eating before shooting off fireworks. Always lots of fun!

Visiting Texas

We spent the last week of June and the first days of July in Texas. Our Cousin Katie was getting married and we attended the wedding which was just outside Houston. Being adventurous, Mr B, the kids and I flew from Long Beach into Austin where we rented a car and drove up to Arlington to meet and visit with our Aunt Mickey. A GREAT Aunt in every sense of the word, we enjoyed visiting with her.

 We ate some fantastic Texas BBQ and stayed at a hotel in Arlington near the Rangers Ball park and the new Cowboy Stadium. The next morning we decided to take a tour of Cowboy Stadium which was actually incredibly fun! There had just been an event on the field the night before so we weren't able to take a picture on the actual star but it was so cool. Even though we're Charger Fans, Go Bolts! (and JT our lone Raider fan... don't get me started) it was a neat experience to be in the locker room and down on the turf. The facility itself is still so new! Absolutely worth the $17 (kiddos were free).

After our tour, we drove down to Houston and checked in to our Hotel, the Hotel Magnolia it was beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Houston. After checking in we changed in to our Astro Gear and walked over to Minute Maid Park to watch their game agains the Boston Red Sox. Stadium food was delicious, chili dogs, ice cream, cotton candy and diet cokes. Ugh so yummy!

After the game, a tough loss throughout which JT hard core rooted for the home team despite the unrelenting and passionate BoSox fans by which we were surrounded... we were treated to a fireworks show after they opened the retractable roof! It was insanely humid during our whole Texas experience. As soon as the roof opened up, we were drenched in sweat. Crazy how they were able to keep the interior of a space as large as a stadium fairly cool during the whole course of the game!

Our hotel featured complimentary Milk and Cookies every evening and we made in time to snag a few chocolate chip treats. Tired from yet another very full day (and the two hour time difference) kiddos went to bed without a single fuss. It was during this trip that we were trying to wean HeaBug off the  'Mommy helps you go to sleep' and this combined with our trip to Dove Mountain did great for that cause.

We attended the wedding the next day and afterwards explored the highway. We had to drive back to Austin to catch our plane the next day. In essence, we drove a giant triangle... From Austin, North to Arlington, South to Houston and back West to Austin. It was indeed a great adventure peppered with great food and fun. By the second day driving we had banned electronic devices, Leapster, iPad, iPhone i.e. all the things we'd brought to help us survive the car time. Funny thing was how they were just as occupied counting churches and water towers. Since the little miss is potty training as well, we had almost hourly stops for bathroom breaks. We tried buffalo jerky, venison, buttermilk pie, cobbler, and lots of other roadside treasures.

After flying home from Austin we got to get a peek in the Jet Blue cockpit. The pilots were awesome and let JT and HeaBug sit up front and play with all the controls they wanted. We really enjoyed our time in Texas but as soon as we stepped off the plane we were so happy to be back in Long Beach and the beautiful weather!

Love is a flower that turns into a fruit at marriage -Finnish Proverb

The event that was behind our whole Texan adventure was to celebrate and witness the marriage of our beautiful cousin Katie (formerly Booth) to her husband Scott Mills. Their nuptials were so special and we were so glad to be a part of such a special day. HeaBug was so exited to see someone getting married and to dance at the reception. As they were exchanging vows she not so quietly says, "She's is beautiful and now they are really really married!"
She was quite a hit in her pink boots as the whole event paid homage to boots and cowboys. We enjoyed the afternoon at Shirley Acres and spending time with Grandma GG and Uncle Ronnie. The day was beautiful as was the bride. Congratulations to Katie an Scott!

May the blessing of light,
Be with you always,
Light without and light within,
And may the sun shine
Upon you and warm your heart
Until it glows
Like a great fire
So that others may feel
The warmth of your love
For one another. 

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole" -Roger Caras

After our week in Tuscon, we had 3 days before we flew out to Texas. We decided to take Pexie out in the boat for the first time. She is 1 year old now! We drove out to Lake Elsinore (aka Smelsinore... it really does stink) and launched the boat. It was my first time there although Mr B and JT had been before. It's a resevoir so when that heat is pouring down, it activates some crazy underwater sea monster that farts as it swims under the water. Not really, i don't think anyway. But that's a fair description of what it smells like. After letting the kids drive a few laps, yes, the kids, we were heading in and all of a sudden heard a clunking sound and the steering got tough. We pulled the boat out and decided to take it by the shop to get it checked out. On the way we stopped for lunch at Tom's Farms. Turkey Burgers for us, peanut butter sandwich for the pup. Although it turned out that the boat needed a few repairs, it was a really nice day.