Hawaii Vogelzangs

Despite a brief stomach bug we are settling back in to the Hawaii winter. Surfing, beach, paddling regattas, track and baseball filling our days.

We had a few days after school ended before we headed to the east coast for Christmas. 1 week in PA and 1 in Virginia Beach, we got to spend time in the chilly winter to see lots of family and squeeze in some time with friends.

Winter means waves for surf and lots of days with clear skies and sunshine!! We are so grateful to spend our days here right now and love the start of the advent season.

Boys are wrapping up flag football, Eden continues to do track at school, and Olivia just started paddling season.

We got our Hawaiian Christmas tree! Brooks also lost another tooth on the way which he was excited about.

I went on a field trip with Graham to the fish pond – learned lots about the historical purpose and preservation of this tradition.

Started off by helping with the Imu at school Wednesday night and Thursday morning (over 80 pans of meat cooked!). Aikahi 5k turkey trot in our neighborhood and then dinner at a friend/neighbors who hosted 80 people! Lots to be thankful for here in Hawaii 💕

Eden’s school symphonic band had their first concert last weekend with a few other local schools. They sounded great and she had a fun time! Next up: Christmas concert.

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A local house turned into a Harry Potter set! Donations went toward the Maui/Lahaina rebuild. They had 3D printed galleons to spend around the place – wands at Ollivanders, candy at Honeydukes, potions, butter beer…it was all so impressive!

We all were excited to have more family visitors! Enjoyed beach, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, puzzling, biking, and playing together. Aaron, Micah and our friend John caught some fresh Mahi for us!

For a while now, we’ve talked about doing special one-on-one trips when our kids hit 13. Eden had been planning her trip for a while, and chose to go to LA! So mom and E went from Kauai to LA while Dad and the others flew back to Oahu.

We packed a lot in our 4 days:

• Warner Bros Studio tour
• Phillies vs. Dodgers game at Dodgers stadium (unfortunately game 5, not game 4)
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Academy of Motion Pictures museum
• Santa Monica Pier
• Mountain and coast drive to see rodeo drive, Hollywood sign, Pepperdine and the remains of the Malibu fires

A packed full trip and lots of fun and special time with my not so little girl (she’s now taller than me)!

Exploring new things on the island

• Old Pali Road hike
• West coast beaches
• Kane’ohe Bay sandbar
• Evenings at Castles

A whirlwind weekend trip to celebrate one very special lady turning 90 – our Grammy Balmer! the entire family made the trip to Maryland for a fun weekend of games, memories and family time. We are so thankful to have friends for family and a Grammy who has been an encourager and supporter for our entire family. She’s generous, selfless, funny and never stops giving her time and energy for those she loves. The fact that my kids get to be loved so well by her is such a gift. What a blessing to call her Grammy!