Volcanos and Birthday Cake

Last week was Danielle's birthday!! We had some friends over for dinner and cake.


Gabbi and Jacqui, also took the occasion to show off the volcano that they constructed. We built the inner workings of the volcano earlier in the week.




Then filled around the lava tubes with sand and prepared for the explosion.






Turns out that all of the lava came out the side tube. So, we have plans to plug that up and try again for a bigger explosion out the top!

Budding Artists

Gabbi and Jacqui have really blossomed into quite the artists! They took an art class at the Academy of Art in Honolulu this past fall that culminated in an art show and reception on December 20.

It was quite fun to see the girls artwork displayed. They really enjoyed the class and their teacher, Miss Pearl.

The pictures absolutely speak for themselves!









As a separate project, they drew incredible self portraits for me for Christmas. We opened presents early, so that we would not have to bring them to Hawai'i island with us. The portraits are hanging in our entryway, so come visit and see them for yourself!

Homeschool Camping

Earlier in November, we went camping with the Hawai'i Homeschool Association. We camped with them in April. This was at the same campground (Kualoa) on the windward side of O'ahu, about a half hour north of where we live.

This time there were 4 other families(quite a bit fewer than last time). We enjoyed exploring the beach, taking a canoe ride, and walked to "secret beach." We had to leave for a few hours on Saturday to take the girls to their aerial silks class.

After some rain Friday night, we stayed dry and had a blast!



My, what short legs you have...


Playing in the sand at Secret Beach!