Grace Writes a Letter

It certainly has been some time since Grace or I updated the blog and I fear that today's update will not serve much of a quench to any thirst our loyal readers may be experiencing. You see, my circumstances right now are such that adding lots of pictures to the blog are challenging due to the debilitating upload speed we are suffering. That said, I really wanted to show off one of my sister's more recent manuscripts. You see, we are both getting very excited about the upcoming visit of our dear friends from Jacksonville. It has been nearly a year since we last saw eachother and in my opinion, that is way too much time. Needless to say, we are very anxious for them to get here.

Life in Hawaii has been wonderful. I don't mean to boast, but it should be known to all our readers that I was selected as the Superstar of the Quarter. I won't go into the low probability of selection or the fabulousness that I may have demonstrated to be selected, but I will tell you that I was very happy. Even better, Grace was very happy for me and told me. She even gave me a hug and told me that she was proud of me. I thought that was pretty awesome.

Mommy is a wild lady. That is all I can say about her newest and crazier than crazy hobby. You see, mommy is a surfer girl. She goes as often as possible. I think her trip today was just a bit more rough than normal as she has a significant number of boo boos all over. I myself do not see the allure of purposely inflicting pain and getting boo boos, but she seems to have no problem with it. Good for her!!!

Daddy is doing good. He doesn't surf. Not sure why, but I did hear him talking to his friend about getting shamed by mommy when they rode the waves together. Something about mommy riding three waves to every one of his.

Okay, like I promised this can not be that amazing update catching everyone up on the last 5 months. Suffice to say life has been busy. I will talk to mom and dad about giving me some extra time on the computer to post more pictures. Until then, I will post a current one of Grace and I showing off our fabulousness.

The Meatball.

A Day on the Flatts

As promised, Abby here with this week's update.

Since it is my week to write, it would be most fitting for me to tell you about the most amazing part of the week first. We took the jeep out for some playtime last weekend. Mom was the driver and fun was had by all. Our friends Tom and Hall were there with us along with some other friends of Dad's and Tom's. The day started out at Denny's for breakfast before we hit the trails. After a couple delays on getting to the trailhead, we were off. Tires deflated just to the right amount (15psi) and everyone buckled in - the harrowing trails were just asking us to come on in. This trip would find us mostly staying on the main trail as we just wanted to get familiar with our surroundings before we hit it hard in the next couple months. Mom and dad had not been on a trail for some time and they wanted to make sure they knew how to operate all the bottons and the like. Grace and I were doing just fine in the back soaking it all in.

We stayed out for a ton of hours. I think a bajillion. Fortunately, we did not really break anything and nobody was hurt. We saw some amazing views - including some good ones of the North Shore. It was a great day and I can't wait to do it again. (Grace is cool if we never do it again).

So, without any further delay, here are the pictures from our trip. Enjoy.

Family Pictures - 2011

Hi Everyone!!!

As far as we can tell, it has been about two years since we had some quality family pictures taken.  Well, there is no better time than now to take care of this deficiency.  Last weekend, mommy and daddy took us all to North Beach in Kaneohe where Abby (not the co-author) took our pictures doing all kinds of crazy things.  The weather was perfect and we had a blast.  I think mom and dad were a bit bothered by how windy it was, but when you see the pictures you will agree with Abby (the co-author) and I that it made for some great pictures.  Anyway, you can see them at the end of this post.

Today we went to the new Disney resort in Ko'Olina for breakfast.  Mom and dad surprised us as it was a character breakfast with Mickey, Minny and Goofy.  We had a great time and the food was pretty good.  I could hear dad kinda grumbling at what I am sure he thought was an obscenely high bill for what was average food.  Anyway, since we don't have a job Abby and I were mostly interested in the scenery and how quickly we were going to get to the beach.  Now, I should be quite honest with anyone reading our posts - The Aulani Disney Resort is not what you would expect if you have spent any time in Orlando.  There is not the bright colors and "flare" one may be used to with mainland Disney.  As a matter of fact, you would have to look hard to be convinced you were on a Disney property.  Not saying it wasn't beautiful, but they seem to have gone out of their way to remain authentic to Polynesian influence without the noise of normal Disney.  Okay, so aside from that comment, the meal was par (at best).  The beach is nice, but it is a lagoon and has no surf.  The overal property area is small and for what we believe is $399 lowest rate rooms, Abby and I are just not sure this is a place we will ask mom and dad to vacation at any time soon.  Maybe we were spoiled with Orlando and all the coolness that is in that area, but as two kids who have some serious Disney time under our belt, we give this two sideways thumbs.  I will post a couple pictures.

Thanksgiving was wonderful  We had some of mommy and daddy's friends over and mom cooked a non-traditional meal that was just amazing.  I type this full well knowing that I really did not like it, but everyone around me was saying great things about it.  I happen to have a palate that needs some serious refinement and until that happens, I will refrain from making harsh judgements on my mom's hard work.  There were two boys that came over and we had a nice time playing with them, even though they were boys.

This weekend we are taking the jeep out to Peacock Flatts.  I write this as someone who did NOT have a good time the last time we took it out.  Let's hope dad does not almost flip it over again!!!!

Abby and I are doing great.  We LOVE that we go to the same school and get to see eachother during the day.  Sometimes we wear the same outfit (not the exact same one!!) to be twins.  Our teachers gave us report cards and as best as we can tell we are doing just fine in school.  I am working on my multiplication tables and Abby is working really hard on her reading.  I recently took a science test and ACED IT and spelling tests are currently just too easy.  Mind you, I study for them every day, so maybe that is why they are easy. 

So, some things happening in the future that we are very excited about.  1. Granny is coming in January for two weeks.   There are no words to describe how awesome this is!!!  2. Heath, Olivia and Kennedy are coming in July.  We are going to go to a couple of the other islands and yuck it up with them for a week or so.  Again, the words escape me on how amazing this is going to be.

Okay, I am probably rambling right now.  Abby says hi and wanted to let you know she will write the next entry (whenever that is....).  Hope everyone is doing well.

The Manchi.

School Pictures

While a couple months overdue, we have completed our move and are enjoying life in Hawaii.  We are settled in at school and mom and dad seem to really be enjoying their jobs.  The scenery is out of this world!!!!  We spend tons of time outside and love every second of it.  There is no lack of awesome beaches to hit and now that winter is starting to creep up on us, the waves are just killer.  Abby and I are inspired by Soul Surfer and may try to convince mom and dad to hook us up with lessons.  We will see.

So, I started the second grade and love my teacher.  She is very smart and thinks I am pretty cool.  Abby is in Kindergarten and is doing really good.  She really enjoys reading and gets a kick out of recognizing words on her own.  I think she is pretty smart (but please don't tell her I said that).

Mom is in Texas right now accepting an award for being awesome.  Not sure what the deal is, but her school sent her to some fancy schmancy conference and she got a pretty outfit to wear.

Dad is dad.  While mom is gone, it is safe to bet that we are not going to be as clean and well fed during the week he is in charge.

There has been so much going on over the last several months that I am not going to have time to detail it.  Suffice to say, we are very busy and happy. We have made some really good friends and don't even think about  the potential of having to leave in a couple years.  That will be very sad.

We just got back from our swim lessons today and are looking forward to going to the beach tomorrow to see Hal and Tamra.

Okay, that is enough from me.  Dad wants to get back to playing on the computer and I am in his way.

Manchi out!!

School Picture - 2011 - 2nd Grade

School Picture - 2011 - Kindergarten

A couple more pictures

Daddy asked that we put these picture up from yesterday. We went to the pool in the morning and then to a blues festival in the evening. At both places, we had a blast. Abby's swim class asked me to come in and teach them a few things. I think mommy and Granny were besides themselves with this unusual responsibility I was given. Fear not, I was aces in my performance. I am sure the tikes are better swimmers because of me.




At the swim lesson


Being goofy


More silliness

~ The Manchi

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Granny is here!!!

Hi everyone, Abby here. Hope everyone is doing great!!!

So, this has been the best week ever (please don't be upset mommy and daddy)!!! Granny came to visit us for the first time In a VERY long time. Suffice to say that Grace and I missed her very much. Also suffice to say that we have been so spoiled in these last few days.

The week started off with Granny and I hanging out together. Mommy and Grace did their thing at school and work, while Granny and I got our shopping on. We got clothes, a raincoat, an new umbrella, some craft stuff and stuff to make little bunt cakes. I was in charge of decorating them and I used lots of sprinkles. The next day Grace and I both stayed home with Granny and we went to the beach. We LOVED it!!! When we got back, we went to the pool and even got a haircut. Mine is pretty much the same, but you should check out Gracie's!!! She looks so grown up!!!

On the next day, I unfortunately had to go to school so that Grace and Granny could hang out together. They also got their shop on and did some pretty cool crafts. (I think Granny probably had more fun with me, but it is not a competition - so I hear). Anyways, on Friday we both went to school so that mommy and Granny could have a girls day out. They went back to the beach and hung out with Aunt Pam (us girls would have liked to have seen Aunt Pam, but we got snubbed.). However, when we got home we had to get ready 'cause we ladies had another adventure to enjoy. We got to got to go to the zoo and check out the dinosaur exhibit. It was AMAZING!!!

So, today was swim lessons and chillin' at the house with Granny while mommy had some alone time. She so deserves it. Tomorrow we go to church and hopefully get to take Granny out for a birthday dinner. Unfortunately she has to fly home on Monday night. Just thinking about it makes me already miss her.

As you can see, we have had an action packed week. The only thing in my mind that would have made it better was if daddy was here to be with us. The good news is that he will be here soon and I have it on good authority that he is going to get lots of hugs. From what I hear, all he is doing is sulking in his loneliness in cold Newport. He keeps saying he has some big paper that is keeping him really busy (then he winks like it is really not keeping him as busy as it probably should). Whatever. The faster he gets back, the faster we go to Hawaii. We are very excited.

Okay, I have run my mouth long enough. I know that most of you only check in to see the pics. With that said, enjoy the rest of your weekend and remember to give your mommies and daddies (and grannies) a bunch of hugs. (oh, and Grace says hi)

The Meatball




























- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Hello Spring!

Hello Everyone!!!!!

Abby and I hope that is all going well for you. We have been doing great and are loving life. Looks like the cold of winter is behind us (mostly because mommy has taken the doors of the jeep and she has dared winter to rear it's ugly head!!! Unfortunately, I don't care for the doors to be off, regardless of the weather. Abby does like it and she and mommy are kindred spirits due to this mutual enjoyment.

So, we have had a busy couple months. Aunt Alex came down for a whole week and we had a blast. Again, in an effort to force summer in, we made several trips to the beach and played in the pool. If I was completely honest, I would say it was just a bit too chilly for such adventures, but please do not tell my mom. She is convinced the weather is perfect. We also went out for dinner when she was here to celebrate mommy's birthday. We had so much fun!!!

I had a dance competition a few weeks ago, and despite my lack of love for the shirt I had to wear, I ended up having a great time. I will make sure a video of my moves are posted on the blog. What was most cool about the dance was that daddy was able to come home for that weekend. I am not certain, but I think I saw a tear or two in his eyes when I walked back from the dance. I tell him that it was nothing, but he seems to be overly proud of me. I will see if I can get that to translate into something tangible, like clothes and shoes.

Abby is doing great. She has become quite the artist. Every day, she probably comes home with tons of pictures her and her friend , Ava, make. Her favorite thing to draw is rainbows. But lately she like to draw the family and is really doing a great job. Abby is probably the best sister in the world. She thinks that I am amazing and how can I argue with that?

Okay, there is not much else to say. We are counting down the days before going to Hawaii and can't wait to see the ocean over there. Wish us luck, rather say a prayer that we can get into the school we applied to. Supposedly there is alot of competition.

Until the next post, have a nice day!

The Manchi

My dance video


















































- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

A Bayshore Walk

Dad came home for the weekend and it was AWESOME!!!!  We went to Dunkin Donut and then bought some cool stuff to make a dress and pillow.  After a grilled cheese sandwich lunch on Saturday, we played around while daddy worked on mommy's computer.  Mommy met some friends for dinner that night while we gals got to play with daddy.  On Sunday, we went to the late service at church and then to First Watch for lunch.  We are pretty excited because they built a new one down the street from the house and, well,  we love it!!!!  After that and some grocery shopping, Daddy took us to Bayshore to get some exercise.  Needless to say, when it was bedtime we were tuckered out.  We asked Daddy to take some pictures of us out there which we posted below.  As well, Daddy offered to take a couple videos of us.  Nothing terribly special, but something to help us remember our day.

We hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying the extra day off.  I know mommy and daddy enjoyed sleeping in till 9:30.  They must really appreciate that Abby and I let them.  Mind you, by 9:30 we were starting to get a bit bored and decided it was time for them to wake up.  

Okay, we are socked in with the rain.  Figured I would take the break and show you some pictures.

Grace (and Abby)

It was a really nice day!!