cool under pressure

koa had his first tae kwon do testing tonight. previously, in his "little dragons" class, belt promotion was based on attendance. now, they're testing the little guys on skills to help them actually learn them. koa was so ready for testing, as you can see:

he didn't need any prodding/helps - he remembered everything - all of the tae kwon do skills and stranger safety tips they'd been covering this cycle. he did awesome!!! and he felt good about his performance, as you can once again see:

great job, koa!!!!

koa quotes

scene: we're sitting in church and koa is getting squirmy - really squirmy.

mama: koa, how do we act in church?

koa: um....... normal?

mama: reverent! we act reverent. (internally thinking: what the heck?! i'm always normal!)

koa quotes

(scene: we're packing for florida.)

koa: where's the blue bin?

james: mama has it.

koa: is she putting fabric in it? mama LOVES fabric.

you don't know the half of it, kiddo! (and, yes, i did pack fabric to take with us, and am sad that i can't take all of my favorites.)

happy father's day!!

yay, today is father's day!!!
thank you, james, for being a patient, loving, silly, dedicated, hard-working, God-fearing husband and father. we love you so much!

play us a song

about a month ago (where the heck does the time go?!), kalei had her spring piano recital, and she was amazing!
here she is with taralie smith, her piano teacher:

and here she is, waiting her turn to play - she played smoothly, beautifully, and mistake-free - way to go, kalei!

kalei played early in the program, so koa entertained himself by turning model during the other performances:

and kawelo is still developing his appreciation for fine music:

kalei is really loving the piano and we love hearing her progress!

i heart tjmaxx 4 eva

i literally just took this 'homegoods' quiz about decorating style and this was my result:

bess you are a Country Classic

You have a naturally refined sensibility with an appreciation for tradition and history. You value beauty, craftsmanship, and family heirlooms, but you like to open things up with pretty, easy-going pieces like painted wood or distressed furniture, lovely florals and other patterns, and bunches of fresh flowers that give your home a breezy, relaxed feeling. You love unique finds, have a thrifty, creative side, and can make these things work together.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

isn't that spooky?!!

i love it!

preschool graduation-ish

koa is now a preschool graduate!!



here he is receiving his certificate:

kalei enjoyed revisiting her old haunt:

kawelo did not enjoy james taking a turn with the iphone - everyone knows it's kawelo's toy:

here is koa with ms. patterson - we love her!

and here he is with ms. georgeanna - these two were like peas in a pod:

koa's class sang a song about the three little pigs - he was rockin'!
congratulations, koa!! we're so proud of you!!