One Month

So we've been on Oahu just over one month.
Our first week we had my best friend Erika out here and just before Erika left my mom and her friend Debbie Chambers came for a week.  We had two weeks of family and friends going all over the island.  We spent a lot of time in Waikiki.  The Friday after we got there, it was King Kamehameha's birthday which is  considered a HUGE holiday here.   Everything was shut down except shops in Waikiki, because there was a parade on the main strip there.  It was fun getting to go to their farmer's market, the parade, and all the fun restaurants and stores.  We came to Ewa a little later in the week and got to see our place- which is great, but needed a little TLC.  So, wouldn't you know it, as soon as my mom gets into town she buys us paint and helps us paint the living room, kitchen, and hallway.  (Ben and I painted the bedrooms two weeks later).  Which all looks SOOOO much better.  I'm very impressed with the work we all did.  We went to a Luau (the whole group, before Erika went home).  We went to Germaine's Luau which was actually about 10 minutes from our place.  Enjoyed Mai Tai's and some entertainment.  Later during mom and Debbie's visit we went to some botanical gardens on our way to the north shore.  Which honestly had to be some of the most beautiful plants and scenery that I've ever seen.  Even though, in the 45 minutes we were there I got at least 10 mosquito bites.  EEEEEKKK.  Anyway, we went to north shore and did shopping and walking around some local small towns.  Spent one day on the east coast in Kailua and did a hike to a lighthouse.  I LOVE Kailua and that hike which had amazing views of all over the island- a must if you come visit.  And in Kailua we went to Buzz's steakhouse, you definitely need reservations but they had GREAT food and a GREAT view from the lanai.  With mom and Debbie we went to the Ko Olina Lagoons, these are man made lagoons about 10 minutes from our place.  These are very family friendly, but the only bummer is they don't allow dogs.  :(

All of these adventures are listed all out of order but we had so much fun with our family and friends.  Ben has been enjoying his job; his station is RIGHT ON the beach about 2 miles from our house.  He's looking forward to learning more about carpentry work and has been able to teach the people in his shop what he learned on his boat.  I'm so proud of him :)

It's been surprisingly hard for me to be home, not working- but as I'm sure you all know, I recevently got hired for a special ed teaching position in niu valley.  It's on the east side of Honolulu in a really nice area, but it's a good 40 minute drive to work.  I guess I'll have to get used to getting up early, but in all honesty I am thrilled.  I'll be teaching Language Arts as a Resource Specialist.  (It's what most people know as RSP, but because it's a middle school they will have me teaching only one subject).  Other than that, we adopted a dog, Frankie who we ADORE and have been having so much fun with.  He makes being home better, but he's been having some separation anxiety as I'm trying to prepare him for being left alone while we're at work.  Other than that, he's been perfect!  We've been super blessed with this opportunity here and can't wait to see where it leads us. Thanks for all the love and support.  We love and miss you guys, so hurry up and come visit!  XOXO