A Peek At Our Life

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Shameless Self-Promotion

Hey, guys, it's Carina.

I recently started a blog of my own, and since I like traffic on it, I'm going to shamelessly promote it on here. It's just me, with some of my life and stuff I'm working on on it.

The URL is:
thewhimsyofmymind.blogspot.com

Check it out. Thanks so much!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Peter got inspired by some leftover pieces of wood from making the bunk boards for the bunk beds. I gave him free rein and my backyard has been the happiest place for the last 2 days. The sounds of hammering and sawing have rung out all afternoon!

James holding down the wood for Peter to saw

Peter's project. A shield from nerf darts, a fort... whatever his imagination wants to do.

I can't wait to see what develops!

Inside view!

Good job, Peter

Sunday, May 20, 2012

We had 11 Valedictorians at Kahuku High and Intermediate School. So they all gave a short speech on a trial and how they can "handle" that! It was cute. Carina is at 2:26. I wasn't able to record all 11 speeches due to camera issues. Enjoy!

Here is a video of Kahuku High's class of 2012 graduation melody. It was a fun part of graduation. Enjoy and try to find Carina. She's sitting on the right hand side..

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Well it has finally come. Graduation time.

Kahuku High and Intermediate School proudly presents the class of 2012

It was a nice graduation. Carina marched into the Cannon Activity Center at BYU Hawaii wearing her regalia.

She and the other 10 Valedictorians gave an amusing Valedictory speech on a trial and how they can "handle" that!

Carina marched across stage and did her model wave, than got her diploma!

There were the obligatory talks and then the senior class performed a final show routine (very cool) and the boys did a Haka (war chant) and graduation was over.

Carina and her friends, Talyn and Ashley

Afterwards there was the stress of finding each other in the mob. It was like Mardi Gras outside the CAC. The entire community seemed to be there. Carina received lots of leis from friends and family.

Carina walked home triumphant and tired. A good end to a high school career.

On a side note: We counted her leis when we got home. She had 42! There were a mix of flower, fabric, and candy leis. The candy leis alone yielded 8 lbs of candy. Very generous friends, family, and community. She is loved! As a sweet gentleman was putting another lei on her, and Carina was amazed at how many leis she had, he laughed and said

"Welcome to Hawaii!"

I love this tradition!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

David had a 2nd year spanish project to make a video. It was a fun experience for him. Here it is to watch!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Last year, we participated in a free temple picture session with Jotography 96762 and was entered into a drawing for a family picture session. So we finally did it! We went to Malekahana beach park. It was a fun session and we got some cute pictures


Emma stealing the show in the family picture at Malakahana Beach Park

Emma, of course, was the darling of the show. She wanted to be photgraphed constantly and followed Jolene around.

James had been begging to get his baby picture on the wall replaced and luckily we got some good shots of my blue eyed boy. I printed up the bottom picture for the wall.

Jared found this bow at the park and was very happy during our photo session playing with it.

Well, what can I say about Annie, other than Wow! This picture is so fabulous of her!

Peter wasn't really happy about picture taking, but submitted anyway.

We were able to get some wonderful pictures of Kathleen. I can't decide which one I like more. I love the wind blowing her hair and I love her closeup!

Hey, we got one with David smiling!

We also took a few moments and let Carina have her senior photo session. Jolene was able to get some fabulous shots of Carina with her glasses on and off! (Sorry folks, she won't wear contacts...)

I inserted myself into Carina's senior session by announcing "Mom picture!" and plopping myself next to my oldest girl! I wanted a picture with Carina!

Right when Jolene took the picture Michael pulled me backwards...

(I was sitting on a piece of driftwood)

My all time favorite!

But this picture is My VERY FAVORITE! I love all my kids are smiling and laughing. I love Kathleen restraining Emma so she won't jump off the picnic table.. I love that we are all together on this day...

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Random happenings and pics!

Hey guess what? The grass is green, the sky is blue and it is a beautiful day. I'm taking a brief break from all chores and updating the blog. (I'm trying to be better) Emma and James are playing outside and enjoying digging up the grass... So much has happened this past few weeks, I'm just going to throw out a few things for your enjoyment.

We enjoyed a nice visit with the Aldrich Grandparents. They came for a week. The weather was rainy at the beginning but cleared up by the end of their visit. We were able to go to the zoo as a family and enjoyed seeing all the animals. Emma really like the gibbons (sp?) Monkeys. They were hooting and putting on quite a show. I had to carry her away from that exhibit. She kept going back to it.

Kathleen and Annie

We stopped and had a picnic lunch at the zoo. Emma zoomed in on the cookie bag...

Well you know the rest of the story! She shares nicely though..


David

Emma and Grandad Aldrich


Grandma and Grandad Aldrich , I love this picture of them!

After the zoo, we drove home and stopped at the Pali Lookout.. It was super windy and chilly but the view was incredible.

The next day, we got the great news that Carina had won a scholarship from McDonalds!

Hip Hip Hooray for fast food!!

Carina got the letter right before she had to head off to work.

We are so excited and so grateful!

David and Peter had a court of Honor. Peter has achieved the second class scout rank and David earned a few more merit badges. Afterwards, the kids enjoyed figuring out Granddad's new Ipad.

Here are some cute pictures of Kathleen. She is developing into a beautiful young lady.


Carina in her suit

After the grandparents went back home to St. George, I got busy doing some more sewing. I made Carina a suit for her We The People competition in Washington DC next month. We had tried buying one, but it just didn't fit right, so I decided I would make one for her.


Carina trying on different combinations... I like this one.

Jared

Emma in her Sunday dress. Such a cutie.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

PROM!

Carina is going to her Senior Prom. She is so excited. We made her dress and picked out her jewelry. Than we practiced hairdo's and did her nails. This has been very exciting for all involved. Carina has grown up to be a beautiful young lady.