Monkey on the monkey bars

The monkey can now do the monkey bars!

Kyle's model airplane

When Jeff and I were in New York over the summer, we picked up some gifts for the kids. But somehow we didn't give them their gifts until this week. It has been cold and rainy and seemed perfect timing. We picked up a model airplane that flies for Kyle and a necklace beading set for Emily. 

 

So while Emily worked on making necklaces, Kyle worked on putting together his airplane. I worked together with Kyle since his instructions were quite complex and incomplete. And it was quite fun. My dad loved to build model airplanes and I got the chance to build some with him. It's fun, tedious, relaxing, and challenging all at the same time. This was a great chance to work with Kyle like my dad worked with me.

The neat thing about this plane is that it can actually fly. Despite the cold and rain, we took it out for a test flight together.

Sea World

Today we went to Sea World with Papa and Kari. We showed them the dolphin show and the sea otter show. The best part though was the dolphin encounter. We got to go behind the scenes and feed the dolphins, pet them and have them do tricks. They really are beautiful, intelligent animals!

Little Monkeys

This weekend, the kids and I went over to a local gymnastics gym. In keeping with their well earned nicknames, they were quite the pair of monkeys.

First, they had a blast running down the trampoline strip into the foam pit. 

Kyle on the trampoline

Emiy on the trampoline

Then they did a load of jumping and twirls into the foam pit. We played a bit like they were jumping into a swimming pool so I helped them jump super high into the pit.

Jumping into the pit

We finished off on the bars where they loved hanging. Emily figured out how to hang, tuck her feet through her arms and flip over! Kyle also learned very quickly how to do that. Quite the pair of monkeys!

Kyle on the bars

Emily on bars

Airshow

This weekend, it was perfect weather out, almost even hot! And it was the 100th birthday of Naval aviation. So there was a great airshow in San Diego. We rode over to the harbor and took in the airshow after playing at the playground and a picnic. 

Yes, it was a little loud

Love is in the air

In preparation for Valentine's Day, we talked about the holiday quite a bit. Emily and Kyle were certainly very excited for the day. They wrote all their Valentine's cards for their friends and family. And they gave each other gifts - a hug and a kiss. It was so sweet. Also, Kyle gave Emily one of his Mikos to "have forever". He has since reclaimed his Mikos because, well, they are his Mikos. It was a sweet gesture nonetheless. They sure do love each other.

Emily on the monkey bars

Look who can do the monkey bars!! Go Emily, go!!

Last night in Hawaii

For our last night in Hawaii, we found a place that has manabu. Jeff loves these. They are little steamed pork buns. So we had dinner and then walked along the water in Waikiki before heading to the airport for our red eye home. 

Nice view of Honolulu

Kyle & Daddy walking the rock pier

Mommy & Emily on the rock pier. We saw quite a few little crabs on the path, though they skittered out of the way when they saw our flashlight.

This was a cool tree. It had some great Tarzan branches which we all took a turn at.
:-)
Tarzan Emily

Tarzan Daddy

Tarzan Kyle

Tarzan Mommy

Pearl Harbor

Before leaving Hawaii, we visited Pearl Harbor. It is a beautiful memorial for a tragic day.

Kyle took this picture of the flag flying over the USS Arizona

On the boat outside the USS Arizona

Jerome Hagan - author of War in the Pacific.