Camping at Kualoa

Our first camping trip since getting here. Must say that it was loads different that our camping on the mainland. Aside from the fact that we're back in a tent for the first time since Tanner's birth, the campgrounds aren't exactly what we were used too. The main difference is there is no charge for a site, you just have to go to city hall and get a permit. On the Leeward side on the island this accessibility leads to gigantic homeless camps. On the windward side, it's only at certain campgrounds but you have to know which ones are safe. Lucky for us, Liz and company had scoped things out long before we got here but all the same, the people in the next site over where a bit sketched out for my taste.

All in all, we had a ton of fun. Nothing says Cinco de Mayo like smores and Corona. It was nice to hang out with a group and laugh at some silly antics. Hanging next to the beach and waves all night was nice too. Tanner declared at the end of it that he was "NOT happy with us! One night was not enough! Next time, we are going for seven nights!" Guess that means he had a good time :)

Poor Kona

So Kona had a very special appointment with the vet two weeks ago that left him a bit less of a man than when he got there. Within a few days, his over attention to his wound earned him the lampshade. Directv anyone?

Nugget's Arrival

Nugget made her journey out to the islands yesterday. Luckily for her, the trip went far smoother than Kona's journey out. I think she was less than thrilled to see Kona but reverted back to old habits almost immediately parking her butt right on Yooper's pillow - her former favorite sleeping spot. I think she does it to push his buttons. I can just see the little kitty smirk when he gets all huffy Yooper style about waking up to a fluffball in his face.

I was a little worried about how she'd adjust but now I'm convinced, she'll be just fine :)

Interesting place to catch some rays...

I spied this little guy on Yooper's truck when I was doing some weeding...

Newfie picnic at Magnum's place.

Last sunday we went to a picnic with the Newfie Club. The picnic had a very unique location, it was at the same estate used to film Magnum PI. Kind of sad though. The estate really shows some serious neglect. There were tarps on the house, broken and hanging copper gutters, peeling paint, etc. I didn't take any pictures of that stuff because I couldn't bear it. Yooper and I were actually pretty sad leaving the place because it was so apparent how amazing it was back in the day. The architecture and site itself were incredible.

Out front the beach was great as there was a large protected "turtle pond" that created an excellent breakwall. When we were there, the tide was right about knee level which was perfect for dogs and kids alike. Tanner certainly approved.

Fun day over all. Our dog was the best looking, in my opinion, and the worst behaved, in everyone's opinion. I think his neuter last Thursday should take care of most that though. Really cute seeing that many huge dogs together. Kona still has a bit of growing to do though.

Helping daddy

Yooper has been staining and sanding and applying polyurethane for months now to all the new "naked" furniture we bought when we moved in. Good thing we grabbed that extra sander from Grandpa Don's place. Here's Tanner helping out with the action.

Kona at the beach

Kona has turned into quite the swimmer. His absolutely lives for his weekends at the beach. As soon as he sees the swim suits go on he begins to follow us around the house right on our heals. Once the beach bag and keys are in hand, he's already pacing and barking at the front door. About a mile from the beach begins the whimper coming from the back seat. Better hope there's no red lights otherwise the pacing and whimpering becomes panicked. By the time we get there, it's a challenge to hold him back the whole way to the beach.

Swim Class

Tanner is now in his second round of YMCA swim classes. He's definitely getting better. At this point he doesn't seem to be getting very far skill-wise but his confidence level has improved a ton. He's much more confident in the ocean too. He still doesn't like the large surf days but when things are calmer, he's not glued to daddy arm anymore so that's a big step.

Easter egg hunt!

The neighborhood park by our house hosts an annual easter egg hunt for the munchkins. Tanner got some last minute coaching from dad and took off running so fast he fell right on his keester. He did manage to get quite a few eggs but was pretty disappointed when he saw the big haul the kids next door got. He said he'll do better next year though.