Visitors

It's official.

I'm in love with this face.

I mean, how does someone resist such a face?

They would have to be made of wood. Or iron. Or steel. Whatever people who do not melt into puddles of blubbery goo are made of when faced with such pouty lips, chubby cheeks and rolls of fat.

They simply can't be human. But me? I a big glop of blubbery goo when faced with my niece's adorable face.

My sister, her husband, and their two children arrived in Hawaii late Wednesday night. They spend a few days on Oahu with David and I and are now spending this week on the Big Island. I already miss Anna.

Also, James is now huge. He's two going on five. Seriously.

On Thursday, we went for a hike to Makapuu lighthouse (see below) and then to Bellows AFS, my favorite beach on the island.

Bellows has the softest, most powdery sand of all the beaches, is the least crowded (because only military can access it on the weekdays), and has hot showers.

James enjoyed playing in the sand and destroying sand castles. And even though he used to LOVE beaches when he was younger (like 6 months ago), he was suddenly very afraid of the water.

He just wanted to play in the sand.


But as he watched his parents swim in the ocean he just couldn't stand it anymore and ran into the water.

The water is also a really pretty color at Bellows.

Look at that fist! He could so beat up on kids twice his age.

And once again, I'm a blubbery gloop of goo.

Geez, she doesn't even have to try, does she?

On Friday, my sister and her family went to the Arizona Memorial and then I sent my sister and her husband away to go to dinner while I watched the kids.

For the record, Anna is a terrible flirt.

Especially with David. Apparently, she has no respect for our marital vows.

We tried to feed James dinner and David taught him how to growl and shake his fists while eating.

And when I would point my camera at him, James would lean over and give me this face.

I mean, what's an aunt to do?

On Saturday, we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the day. Of course, it rained the whole time we were there, but it was still fun and James enjoyed running around and watching all the female hula dancers and the drummers. Anna just giggled and gurgled as she always does and charmed every one she met. I can't wait to see them one more time before they leave the islands forever. I really miss having family around.

The miracle of life

Do you see that? That tiny little green bulb of a growing tomato? My tomato plants are finally growing some tomatoes!!! I'm terribly excited about it because not only are tomatoes expensive but to not kill a plant is a tremendous achievement. I wish I could take credit for my wondrous tomatoes but alas, the credit all goes to David. I was so excited when I bought my two tomato plants a few months ago, but a combination of too much water and not enough sun prevented them from gaining any ground and they never grew. I decided they were a hopeless cause and just about gave up on them, when in a bid to give them more sunlight, I put them out on the front porch to soak up the last remaining rays of light. David came home and moved them onto the railing but the wind blew them off and the poor tomato plants fell to the ground below, breaking several branches and looking altogether miserable and spent. By then, I was sure the tomatoes were done for. But David, whether out of guilt or just good sense, moved the tomatoes to a better, more secure location in the house, and he nursed them back to health, watered them every night and talked to them. And lo and behold, David made our tomatoes grow! I can't wait for them to get bigger and bigger and soon enough, for us to eat them. Fresh home grown tomatoes are absolutely fabulous. The miracle of life is great indeed.

Speaking of the miracle of life, my newest niece (well, only niece) was born last Sunday! Anna Teresa weighed in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Baby and mom are doing great and I can't wait to meet her! Is there anything more adorable than new babies? I think not.

Anna sleeps while her big brother James looks on. I don't think he's quite realized that she's here to stay.

How cute is that little bow in her hair?

So while my sister gets to enjoy her new baby, I'll continue to watch the growth of my tomatoes with rapt excitement. And maybe in a year or two, I'll be ready for a baby of my own, but only after I've ensured that I can at least keep a plant or two alive.