Muench Family Happenings: March 2012

Howzit!

In short, since we got back from Rome in November we have done very little newsworthy things. Thus, only one blog post until now. The blog is firing back up because we are now in Hawaii to spend 6 weeks working in Lanikai on the Island of Oahu. Steve is still on sabbatical and this is the last hurrah. Sabbatical is over in June. :-(

Yvonne is still working for Microsoft but is working remotely for the next 6 weeks. The kids start preschool here in Kailua tomorrow at The Cole Academy. Thanks to Michelle for recommending the place. So far, the kids have had lots of fun at the beach - Lanikai Beach is literally just across the street, and we've had a big Muench=Fenner party. That's right, the Fenner clan is on the island for their holiday and we managed to get a party put together than happened yesterday.

Nona is here for 10 days! She and Hadden tackle a 100 piece puzzle on the family room floor of our rental place.

Clara gets a ukulele lesson from Yvonne.

Clara's first day at the beach. Dig! Look my flower swimsuit!

Sometimes Hadden looks 20 years older than he is.

Hadden asked to be buried in the hole we dug. It's fun to be covered in sand.

After we got home from the beach, Clara ran around in the yard as the sprinklers were going. LOTS of shrieking.

Fenner Party
We had a great party with the Fenner clan on Sunday evening. There were about 16 adults and 10 kids on the property. Lots of room for the party, though. My dad came over with his coconut gear and husked, cracked and grated a fresh coconut for the crowd. Just like the Polynesian Cultural Center but without the hour-long drive to get there. Plus, we served liquor at the party (the PCC is Mormon-run and thus, no alcohol). Hadden got to play with the much older Fenner boys, which was SO cool. Clara got to each oodles of fruit and not much else. Seems we had fun at the party too - we forgot to feed our kids. Oh well, pass me another beer. Mom's potato salad was awesome and the meat from Hibachi (local store in Kailua) was great. Much of the rest of the food came from Whole Foods in Kahala, about a 45 minute drive away. Too bad, the Whole Foods in Kailua opens in 2 weeks. Timing is everything.

Hadden watches closely as Grandpa husks the coconut on the pick.

Another Beach Day
Monday, which should have been the first work day...wasn't...for Steve. Because it was Prince Kuhio Day (March 26th in Hawaii is a celebration of the Prince). Not bad. We took the kids by the preschool for a look-see (they will start tomorrow) then Yvonne went to work and Nona/Steve/Hadden/Clara went to the beach. Lots of fun in the sand and the kids weren't so fearful of the ocean - running in the shore break and screaming all the time. I think Clara would have run down the beach forever if Hadden hadn't convinced her to turn around.

Can you guess what Hadden is "driving" here?

Daddy, I don't know if I can get out.

Playing in the water with Nona.

Run! The wave (ripple) might get you.

Our Place
It's fantastic. Old Lanikai house lovingly restored with 3 bedrooms. One is open if you want to come visit. Seriously. We're here until May 4th. It's across the street from the beach, has a great little yard and is plenty big for us.