Happy Belated Birthday JAYDEN!

Happy Belated Birthday JayDawg!

I love you!

My 9 favorite things about Jayden:

1. I love that he runs up to me everyday and gives me the biggest hug and kiss - even if his friends are around!

2. I love his smile and his mischevious eyes!

3. I love the imagination he uses when he plays!

4. I love that he loves his big Sis! He is always thinking of her and others.

5. I love his laugh! It is so contagious that I am always laughing either at him or with him!

6. I love his choice in friends. He has the best little bunch of buddies!

7. I love that he likes to look in the mirror and make sure he looks "good"! Not many tuff little boys really care.

8. I love that he is such a good kid. He loves to read. He heads right to the table to do homework right after school. He gives every sport his best and never gives up. He listens and does what is asked. He is quick to help anyone out. He is not afraid of work. He is amazing! He is willing to try new adventures and even new foods (sometimes)!

9. I love that he is a momma's boy and lets me spoil my baby with love! I love your squishy faces!

You are the BEST Jayden!

Aloha!

We went on the most amazing family vacation to Hawaii! ALOHA! We had the best time. We started on Oahu and then went to the big island. Jayden celebrated his 9th birthday there. He was kinda bummed that he could not be with his friends so we made sure to make it a great day! We were able to go to Pearl Harbor. We had been there a few years ago but Kyrsten & Jayden didn't remember. Last time we were there, Jayden had lost his shoe in the harbor, and Kyrsten made such a fuss that we were escorted out of the memorial. I must say, this visit was much more peaceful.

On Oahu, we tried to take in as much "touristy" stuff as possible as we really don't plan to head back to that island again. So, we went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation where we ate pineapple everything. Jayden was in heaven! We also went through the world's largest maze! We then headed to the North Shore to watch the surfers. The waves were incredible. The kids and I were barely at the water's edge when we were sent further back up the shore as the waves were so powerful. After that we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. There we celebrated Jayden's birthday in Samoa with a coconut juice toast! The luau there was awesome!! We also hiked up Diamond Head. The view from the top was spectacular. The blues of the ocean were so beautiful and endless. We of course spent time at Wikki beach and snorkeled at Hanauma Bay.

Off to the island of Hawaii! There we went to see the volcano. We could not get very close, but were able to see all the smoke billowing out. It never stopped. We were able to see some "hot lava" on the hillside but it was way in the distance. The black sand beaches near the volcano were incredible. Watching the white waves crash against the black sand was fun! We stayed at an amazing resort on Hawaii and spent a lot of time snorkeling and playing in the pool. We saw a ton of sea turtles and even an eel! Here we mostly relaxed and took in the sunshine and beautiful sunsets! I love my family and being able to spend such fun times together!