As I read the last post to remember where I left off on the blog, I recognized those feelings of anxiousness of trying to figure out where we wanted to live after our military commitment and it feels SO good to have that narrowed down. I feel peace and contentment about the city, however I'm still feeling all the feelings but now directed towards which practice Bobby should choose and which area to live in and in what house. In one year I'm sure we'll have this all figured out, but until then, so many decisions and such big ones at that!
Deciding on Arizona came after much contemplation and deliberation. We didn't even consider Arizona at first. We first thought for sure Medford, OR, then maybe Colorado Springs, then Corvallis, stay in Hawaii? But the more we thought/talked about/visited Arizona, the more it seemed to feel like the place. I am excited to have a life there but so so sad to be leaving Hawaii. I feel as though this time period will be the apex of my life and my children's lives and that anything coming afterwards will be lonely. I'm sure there are great things in our futures in Arizona, but I just can't imagine anything better than what we have. It is coming too quickly!
During a long car ride to Black Butte, OR I shared with Bobby that I thought a place like Arizona would be the best place for our kids to grow up. Bobby visited on one of his free flights, partially to consider the area, partially for Jared's graduation. He remembered how much he liked the area and he got so many people interested in him working for them. Then it all kind of went smoothly from there. He got so many interested employers he narrowed it down to 12, now he's at 3. All 3 of which he really likes so we'll see what he ends up choosing.
Since April, I've finished up teaching Music Time for preschoolers. I just loved teaching the class. Then I got called as primary chorister this summer. It is my dream calling! I really enjoy it!
Highlight of April was of course Troy's baptism. Mark and Alice and mom and dad came. There was a big rainbow when we pulled up. Homemade Cafe Rio and homemade pinatas afterwards. All the details are on his blog, but it was a really special day and I was really proud of him.
Visitors: Mark & Alice, Phillips, Ashley & Jared (Ellsworth reunion), Filiagas (from American Samoa), Grandma & Grandpa (so fun!) and of course Mom & Dad
Had an awesome Ellsworth reunion golfing, adult dinner, snorkeling at Electric beach, stayed at Marriott Ko'Olina, camping at Kahana, shark diving. Left the next day for Oregon for Mark and Alice's 50th Anniversary then off to Black Butte. The anniversary was at the Corvallis museum. People lined up to sign the guest book, get a name tag, and got a party favor of a Scrabble word ornament that represented them. There was great food and mingling, then memories shared by the children. Then we ended with a song to the tune of Breaking Up is Hard to Do:
INTRO:
G Em C D
Down, Doobie Doo, Down Down, comma comma,
G Em C D
Down, Doobie Doo, Down Down, comma comma,
G Em C
Down, Doobie Doo Down Down
D G D G
50 years is so much fun!
D7 G Em C D7
It started New Year’s Eve in sixty eight
G Em C D7
Mark and Alice Anne on their first date,
G B7 Em
A game of Scrabble, and they cheated some,
A7 D7 G
And 50 years just might be fun
D7 G Em C D7
They dated off and on, ‘til she said “YES”,
G Em C D7
May wedding in the Rhodies, oh what a dress!
G B7 Em
Salt Lake, the temple, it’s for now and beyond,
A7 D7 G
And 50 years is gonna be fun.
Gm C Gm C
Ch: This year, we’re lookin’ back over 50 great years,
Fmaj7
Lots of mem-ries, of good times and tears,
Fm A# Fm A#
We’re glad, that you’re loyal and true,
D# D7
The fam-ly’s in your footsteps, and we’re singin’ verses just for you!
D7 G Em C D7
They wanted kids, so Lisa came soon,
G Em C D7
Then Meta, Marcus, Anna, must be “full moon”!
G B7 Em
Oh gosh, now Sara, Lora, Bobby, THEY’RE DONE!
A7 D7 G
And 50 years is gonna be fun!
D7 G Em C D7
So here we are, celebratin’ you two:
G Em C D7
Not “Breakin’ Up”, but growin’ closer to you,
G B7 Em
We got our good looks and our voices from them,
A7 D7 G
And 50 years has been so fun!
Gm C Gm C
Ch: This year, we’re lookin’ back over 50 great years,
Fmaj7
Lots of mem-ries, of good times and tears,
Fm A# Fm A#
We’re glad, that you’re loyal and true,
D# D7
The fam-ly’s in your footsteps, and we’re singin’ verses just for you!
D7 G Em C D7
We thank you all, for comin’ today,
G Em C D7
To celebrate in a special way,
G B7 Em
A half a cen-try, they’re our Dad and our Mum,
A7 D7 G D
And 50 years has been so fun! Comma, comma,
Chorus
G Em C D
Down, Doobie Doo, Down Down, comma comma,
G Em C D
Down, Doobie Doo, Down Down, comma comma,
G Em C
Down, Doobie Doo Down Down
D G D G
50 years is so much fun!
Black Butte was fun as ever with bike rides, Ted talks, great meals, swimming and catching up.
Since April the boys have participated in baseball, soccer and football. We loved baseball season and had the best team. Tyler played soccer for the first time and was....easily distracted. Lots of nose picking. Tried not to do football, but Bobby wanted to coach with his friend and it ended up being SO fun! Did it with good friends the Hutchins and Jansons.
Gave blood this summer just to be a good person, but Bobby was going to be waiting in the car for me so I asked Michael how to donate quickly in which he told me...which was great until I passed out while getting a drink. I ended up laying on the floor for a good two hours, flashing everyone but not caring. Then for about 2 weeks afterwards, any time my heart rate would go up, it would go WAY up, like 150's160s...not prepared to give blood for a while after this experience. I think I'll always remember a few days after Chels and I took the kids to try and swim with dolphins in Makua and seeing them and trying to pump up the SUP, but my heart rate just skyrocketing and trying to stay calm but also be fast.
Had a fun Fourth of July with new friends the Fasts at Hickam. It was very iconic watching them on base with the battleships in the background.
Filiagas came out for medical care again from American Samoa and we loved having them. Bobby went to Molokai for a Young Men's camping activity and had a really unique experience. It was hot and desert. When they went to the grocery store the cashier asked them who they knew. On the way over Bobby sat next to a doctor from the government who takes care of elderly who have previously had leprosy, as Molokai was the leprosy colony.
School started up again. The big question was with or without masks. The school supply list listed them as mandatory, but luckily it was in error. My boys were uncomfortable without them and told me they were going to wear them anyways, but that didn't last long. But they didn't know school any other way. They both have nice teachers and are both enjoying it more than last year. Each morning they meet their friends outside at 7:40, then I walk up with them and all their friends. On the way home they walk back together too, then play, then homework, then play again.
Kylee moved out here and it's so fun to have another sibling on the island! We love getting to see her and she's having a great time. She babysat the boys for 2 days while we went to AZ recently.
Life is so sweet. Raining today, hopefully not a sign of a early rainy season.
