HALLOWEEN

 

Tobin's school had a Fall Festival where the kids could wear their costumes, hang out with friends, and play some games.  This is Tobin and two of his classmates all decked out looking like tough guys.

 

 

He also had some girls chasing him around and wanting a picture with him.  The princesses and the ninja.

 

 

On Halloween, Tobin did some Trick-or-Treating with his friend Gibrial.  They collected so much candy that we had to empty out the buckets for round two.

 

 

Tobin used to be scared of trick-or-treating.  Now he's making friends with random sock monkeys on the street!

 

 

 

Maggie (penguin) and Jolie (deer) even joined up with Tobin for some trick-or-treating, before heading out with their friends.

TOBIN TURNS FIVE!

 

He's already 5?

 

September 12, 2008 the cutest, little guy came into our lives!  I can't believe it's been five years already, but what a fun time we've had getting here.  He makes us laugh every day, and is such a joy to have around.  Happy birthday to my favorite little dude.

 

 

 

 

Mopsy and Popsy had us over for dinner on Tobin's birthday.  Mopsy let him decorate his own cake.  Such a masterpiece.

 

 

 

Opening gifts - still into cool cars and all that boy stuff!

 

 

 

Spoiled rotten.

 

 

 

We decided not to have a birthday party for Tobin this year.  Instead we did a small family celebration at John's Incredible Pizza, which has pretty good food, rides, and games.  Perfect place to celebrate turning five.

 

 

 

Tobin, Jolie, and Maggie braved this Twister ride twice.  So much fun.  This in itself is evidence that Tobin has grown up A LOT!!

 

 

 

Tobin was so happy that Uncle John came to help celebrate too!

 

 

 

More gifts!  The perfect end to birthday celebrations.

 

 

 

TOBIN STARTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

CARVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Tobin started elementary school on September 4th.  He's in Mrs. Jarzomb's Transitional Kindergarten class, and seems to be the perfect place for him.  We can't believe he's so grown up and already in school!

 

 

 

 

 

 This is actually the day before the 1st day of school.  Tobin and I went to check out his new classroom and playground to make sure we felt comfortable and knew where we were going the next day.  Tobin practiced the going down this pole so he was ready for his 1st recess.

 

 

How cute is this TKer?!?  Ready with his new haircut and shoes.  Wasn't at all nervous.  Only excitement from this guy.

 

 

 

Showing off his personalized Monster Jam backpack.

 

 

Tobin and Daddy walking up to school.

 

 

 

Do I look nervous?  I am!  Tobin giving me a reassuring snuggle! 

 

 

 

A quick trip down the big slide before the bell rings.

All lined up for class.  Some kids looked nervous, a couple were crying.  Not our boy.  Silly and ready as ever!

 

 

 

Tobin coming out at the end of day 1.  They all had crowns they'd made.  He was just as happy as can be!

 

 

Mrs. Jarzomb made these for all of the kids on their first day.  So cute and made mama very happy.

HAWAII

 

 

Hawaii - August 2013

 

We decided to go big, and take the whole crew to Maui this summer.  It was seven days of heaven - such a good trip all around.  I have a ton of photos, way too many for the blog, but here's a sampling, so we can share our adventures with all of you.

 

 

This is our first night in Maui.  We went to Lahaina for a sunset dip in the ocean, shave ice, and to get into the spirit of Hawaii.  The kids were so impressed with the warm ocean water, perfect outside temp, gorgeous views, and sand that makes their skin soft when they rub it on themselves!

 

 

 

This is our favorite spot on the island - Napili Bay.  Daniel and I came upon it a few trips ago, and we never wanted to go to the beach anywhere else.  Can you see why?

 

 

Even with all three kids in tow, don't we look relaxed?!?! 

 

 

We snorkeled almost daily.  The kids all took to it like pros.  Swimming with turtles and all of the beautiful sea life was awesome. 

 

 

Again, Napili Bay in the background. 

 

 

We rented a Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP).  Jolie was by far the best - I think the heavier you are, the harder it is?  Anyway, all three kids could fit on it, and do a little boarding around the bay. 

 

 

 

I bought covers for our iPhones that enabled us to take them underwater.  They were a little hard to maneuver at times, but I got a couple of videos following beautiful sea turtles.  Coolest ever.  So graceful and peaceful.  Napili Bay had tons of turtles for our viewing enjoyment.

 

 

 

 

We could also take underwater selfies.  Very important! 

 

 

We spent one afternoon/evening driving up Haleakala Crater to watch the sunset.  It was well worth it.  The views of sunset were spectacular above the clouds.  At the top it was cold (and we weren't dressed very well for it), but it was an experience we were glad we had.

 

 

 

 

Thin air up here above the clouds.

 

 

Thought this was a nicer picture than the one of Daniel trying to get up on the SUP. 

 

 

 

Even the little dude got in on the action.

 

 

 

Great picture of these three.  This was from our last night in Maui at the luau. 

 

 

 

The girls in the glow of sunset atop Haleakala.

 

 

A beautiful mermaid.  Her name is Maggie.

 

 

 

The only Hackney actually at ease standing up on the SUP.

 

 

 

We had the cutest kids on the island for sure.