Marco? Polo!

Part of last week, we were able to meet my immediate family down in Marco Island, FL. We flew while everyone else drove because we were not able to stay as long. We had never been there, but we now call it 'The Continental Hawai'i.' It is that nice. If there is another family vacation down the road, I think this will be the destination :)

Aolani was ideal on the flights - wooing every other passenger with her coy, flirty smiles! The weather was great; it only rained the day we were leaving ;) By far, the most noteworthy news regarding the trip... by a fluke (aka grace) all the handicap accessible rooms were taken, so Ricky and I had to settle on getting moved up to the penthouse. Yep, the penthouse at the Marriott's resort. I have never (and likely it will never happen again) seen, needless stayed, inside a penthouse suite. But, oh my! Our deck was larger than my parent's and my brother's rooms put together! What a delightful and unexpected treat this turned out to be. Thank You, Father of lights. Let me just say that there is something special about being on the rooftop :)

Aolani did get to experience some firsts on this trip. Ricky took her into the ocean, and he also submerged her under water (in the pool). Supposedly, babies hold their breath when you blow on their face. So, he blew and dipped. I was suspicious (I'm the mother), but hey, she's alive... Here's some pictures:

Marco Island is gulf side. The beach had soft, white sand. Not that I would know; I didn't ever feel it!

Aolani and her cousin Kylie had three of the same outfits. Here's the first one: a sun suit.

See my nervous expression in the background as Ricky blows and dunks?!

Lindsay, Kylie, and Jacob (my brother)

"I'm too cool for this pool"

Outfit no. 2 = bathing suit

I love this picture of Kylie - it looks like she has the football and is warding off the defense as she runs the ball in for a touchdown. Go, Kylie, go!

"Toss me in, Dad. I can float!"

Grandma Oliver

Pawpaw Oliver

Our precious niece

This makes the third identical outfit. Aolani may be smaller, but she can obviously hold her own - here she is ripping her cousin's ear off!

Family portrait

Farewell to this tropical paradise!

Marco Island is highly recommended!

Back In The Groove

• We returned from FL last Wednesday, and I will post about that trip later when I get pictures together :)
• Measurements: 17.5 lbs and 26.5" long
• Aolani is almost about to crawl. She can go a little bit forward and not just backwards now. She frequently gets on all fours and practices moving one limb (leg or arm) while balancing on the other three - so cute ;)
• Starting last week, she figured out that when I remove the baby bands, it means she is going down for a nap in her crib. She is now grabbing onto the bands to hold them down and not let me remove them from her! She is growing more aware and active by the day. I guess that spells t-r-o-u-b-l-e for Mommy.
• What reeks of vomit, pee, poop, and blood? A mommy that doesn't change clothes during the day!
• It is that time of the year - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - and time to proudly don your pink socs! Print Ricky's flyer about the huge link between breast cancer and oral contraceptives (referring to all hormonal birth control) and pass them out. To learn more about oral contraceptves, check out our story here.
• We treated a dear friend of ours to a delicious restaurant over the weekend. This place serves locally grown food - yum, yum! You can find organic/healthy restaurants in your area here. Anyway, we finally got a family portrait...

She is practicing her scream here - can you tell?!

"You're my brown-eyed girl"

• Verse to memorize this week: Matthew 11:29 ~ "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Short n' Sweet from a Sushi Bar

• Ever since I wrote about her crib time confusion, I've been thinking of ways to let her know when it's play time versus nap time. So, I thought that we should have a nap time routine. Maybe just maybe this will help her take her naps instead of skipping or crying through them. Bottom line: She has never skipped a nap since I started a routine!


• We are taking a short break from our unsuccessful attempts at feeding her solids.


• Yes, we are vacationing with the Oliver family down in Florida. More on this paradise later :)



• Verse to memorize this week: Matthew 11:28 ~ "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

The Happy Packer

"The Supervisor" (to help keep Mommy on track!)

The Oliver family is driving down to Florida today for a family vacation. We fly down there tomorrow to meet them for some fun in the sun :)