Henry Bowler

Graham's best friend from our time stationed in Sigonella, Italy came to OAHU!  Henry Bowler and his dad, Will, came for the week and took Graham on all of their adventures with them.  It was so fun to see them together again.  

Hermans Come to Town!

This...the sight of all these double big gulp cups on my counter is what got me crying after the Herman's left.  

We had so much fun with the Herman crew.  They stayed nine glorious days and it felt like a true vacation from our regular life.  They brought the fun and the party to us.  I loved hanging with Jason and Beth, but I LOVED getting to know Tommy, Flynn, and Lewis better.

It was hard to say goodbye.  We filled the days with activities and fun.  Lots of beach time and incredible food.  

One of the highlights of the trip was the Macademia Nut Farm Tour.  The kids had fun breaking open nuts while we waited for the tour to start.  

This guy was hilarious.  He put on a great show and taught us a lot about Hawaiian culture.  

Jason Herman took this hilarious portrait of Lois.  

One of my favorite days was spent at White Plains Beach helping Tommy learn to surf.  He's a natural!  

Uncle Jim's Funeral

Last month I was grateful for the opportunity I had to attend my Uncle Jim Wilson's funeral in Long Beach, CA.  What a generous, kind, hilarious, wonderful man he was.  I am grateful for the memories we were all able to share and for the chance to see so many loved ones.  I wish I would have gotten a few more photos.  

All of the original Hickmans came together for the funeral.  All of us left our spouses at home and we rented a house for the few days we were in Long Beach.  It was sooooo fun!  And exactly what Uncle Jim would have wanted.  

Benny Flag Football

Benny played another season of flag football this April.  He really enjoyed his teach this go around.  His team won the majority of their games and he learned.  His favorite part was playing in the games.  He loves when he gets to be quarterback or running back.  

His coach gave out the medals at the end of the last game.  He mentioned how Ben kept him laughing all season.  He is quite the character.  He is still always doing ninja moves and dances around like there's a song in his head all the time.  

We sure love our boy, Benjamin!

Alvah Scott May Day Celebration

What a blessing it has been to spend these years here in Hawaii!  We get to learn all about so many different cultures and traditions.  One holiday they celebrate here is May Day or Lei Day.  It's a day where they celebrate Hawaii and the custom of making and giving beautiful floral Leis to others. 

They celebrate by wearing Aloha wear and having festivals of beautiful leis on display.  There are parties and celebrations throughout the state.  

Alvah Scott had a great program they put on this year.  The boys learned different hula dances and each grade performed wonderfully.  It was so fun to see them doing something new and fun.   

The 3rd graders hula danced to Holo Holo Ka'a.  It's a song about people cruising in a car here in Hawaii.  

Mother's Day 2019

Jason and the kids made sure I had a relaxing, nice day on Mother's Day.  I got to take a long nap and enjoy my favorite "Kalleen White Cake" that Jason makes so wonderfully.  It was a special weekend.  

I am so grateful I get to be a mother to these four unique, crazy, fun, loving kiddos.  Motherhood isn't AT ALL what I really expected, but I am thankful for all that it has taught and continues to teach me.

Sullivan Preschool Graduation

Sully had a great year at Tiny Tots this past school year.  He went every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:45-11:30.  His teachers were Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Amber.

Graduation was so fun!  They sang songs they had prepared and each child got a moment to shine and get their diploma and a lei.  

Ms. Jennifer gave out awards for each child in the class.  Sully got the Rocket Reader award!  He's so excited to learn and has been trying to read everything.  

I'm not ready for this kid to go to kindergarten, but it's coming...ready or not.  

Sully makes me laugh every day and keeps us on our toes.  He's the perfect caboose to our Ray train.