Makapu'u Ridge

This past Saturday was one of our rare rainy days on O'ahu. Generally, we'll get a five to ten minute passing shower. But as (I hear) they say in England, it was "chuckin' it down!"

The forecast was for rain across the island, but we had been talking about going for a hike. We decided to head to the southeast corner of the island (which also tends to be one of the drier spots). Sure enough, within a mile or so of the point, the rain had slowed to a mere drizzle.

Right near the beginning of the hike we spotted these beautiful cactus flowers growing near the trail.

We've hiked the point, out to Makapu'u lighthouse a number of times (including a full moon hike). This time we sprinted across the road to hike along the ridge that forms the start of the Ko'olau Mountains. We started up what seemed like an old access road and worked our way up to a lookout. We built a cairn along the way.

We picked some prickly pear fruit to bring home, Then spent the rest of the day picking tiny sharp hairs (called glochids) out of our fingers and arms.

From there, we kind of lost the trail and spent the next half hour picking our way through, grass (thankfully there are no ticks here), prickly pear cacti, some nasty thorns, and lava rock formations. Eventually we worked our way back to the trail. We enjoyed some great views (despite the clouds) and got a little a freaked out when the girls got too close to the edge! (Danielle said that it kind of reminded her of a hike we did with my parents in Yosemite.)

The surf was up at Makapu'u Beach ( a great boogie boarding spot!)

The view of Sea Life Park below. It's on our list of places to go.

Makapu'u lighthouse in the distance.

The ladies with Manana and Bird Islands in the background.


It was tough to motivate to go with it raining so hard at the house, but we're really glad that we did!

After the hike we stopped at Shriners to swim. It's the rock wall formed "pool" in the ocean where Magnum used to swim in the TV show...

Neighborhood Kids

Generally, if we have been out and about. Within about 30 seconds of walking in the door, we will hear a voice coming from the driveway..."Gabbi, Jacqui can you play!"


There is quite a collection of kids (Jackie, Alia, Tehani, Justice, Kaulipe, Jordell, Alex, and others) that come over to ride bikes, scooter, jump on our mini-trampoline, limbo, dance, play hopscotch, tag, etc.


They share jokes -
Jacqui: "Gabbi, I'm going to tell on you!"
Gabbi: "Why?"
Jacqui: "Because you put ants in my pants and made me do the hula dance!"

and share made up stories about 81-year old sisters that were eaten by sharks -

and do cheers (see the video)!

It can be tiresome to have them vying for our kids' attention whenever we are home, but it's also really nice to see such a diverse group of kids playing every chance they get!

Mamas' Hiking Day

Khris, Gretchen and Liza (from left), taking a rest.

Liza and Khris.

Yesterday, I (Danielle ) and 3 other friends(Gretchen, Khris and Liza) went for a great hike to Mt. Olomana (which we've done several times at this point with the kids). The top of Olomana is very narrow and exposed and every time I've been on the top, it has been with Gabbi and I've always felt very nervous (not knowing if the nervousness came from my own thing or being nervous about her up there). Well, as it turned out, it wasn't nearly as scary up there without worrying about Gabbi.

Me, almost at the top.

Gretchen and me.
Me, Khris and Liza at the top, but as you can see, the trail continues on to two other peaks...I'll have to do that with Bill some day!!

It was a great day. After the hike, we went and picked up another friend (Maria) and went to my friend Khris' favorite store for a whirlwind shopping trip (a used clothing store called Savers). Then we went to the "most-authentic" Tiki-Bar on the island called La Mariana's to have a drink. Lastly, we went out to dinner at the same place we went to for Bill's birthday, Pyramid, an Egyptian/Mediterranean Restaurant. We had a beautiful day, filled with fun chatter and laughter, celebrating Gretchen and I's birthdays this month. I am blessed to have these amazing ladies in my life here.

African Dance Class

Gabbi and Jacqui have really been enjoying their African Dance class that they've been taking for the past month. They are taking it from some of the same instructors that teach Danielle's class, but at an elementary school's after-school program. It meets outside under a nice shady tree, in a big field. Live drumming is accompanied with the dancing. I (Danielle) love to watch them during class, they are so darn cute, taking it all pretty seriously. The teacher has complemented them on how good they are (I think so too, but I'm a bit partial!). It's great fun and we feel lucky to have this cool opportunity.

Underwater Shots

Danielle and the girls got me an underwater camera for my birthday. So, over the past 6 months we've remembered to bring it on some snorkeling trips (and forgotten it on more...) Still getting the hang of exactly where to point. I seem to be shooting high on many.

We finally got a roll of film developed from the camera (when was the last time you dropped off and picked up film??!?)

I think I see it!


There it is!!

The not so elusive, but slightly blurry humuhumunukunukuapua'a


It's always exciting to see and swim with a honu (Pacific green turtle)


That is a red pencil sea urchin in the upper left corner.

Some of our favorite places to snorkel are Hanauma Bay, Shark's Cove, Molokini Crater, and Lana'i.

Smile!

Jacqui lost one of her top front teeth about a week ago. It is so cute!

She is planning on dressing up as a witch for Halloween, which will be absolutely perfect with her tooth the way it is!!

African Dance in Haleakala

Danielle has been taking an African dance class on and off for the past six months on the North Shore and downtown. Now Gabbi and Jacqui have been taking a class at the local elementary school. They have been having a blast and Gabbi really wanted to show off her talents for the camera!