Back to School 2019

The summer's here on Oahu are too short!  I wasn't ready for our relaxed days to end.  But, August 5 came and it was time to send these crazies back to school.  

Lucy took a few classes this summer and is skipping junior year!  So, technically, she's a 15 year old senior until her birthday on the 14th.

Graham started his first year at Aiea Intermediate School.  We're all a little nervous to be dealing with junior high again, but I know he'll be great!

Benny is back to Alvah Scott Elementary School as a fourth grader.  He was loving his new haircut.  

My sweet Sully side-kick starts FULL DAY kindergarten.  Cue the tears from Mom.  He is more than ready and is gonna rock this school gig.  

Elder Tristen

And just like that, Tristen has become Elder Henley!  He's a missionary getting ready to teach the people of South Korea.  

We are grateful for Tristen.  He has been a great example to our boys and a kind, thoughtful boyfriend to Lucy.  We'll miss him.  

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.