melting my heart

I love my kids.  They are the joy of my life.  The other night I was in Catherine's room with her as she was getting ready for bed.  I was just sitting on her bed quietly, smiling at her and admiring her sweetness and innocence and loving her more than I could ever imagine...

She must have noticed my gaze because all of a sudden she paused, leaned her little head to the side, gave me a sweet smile and said, "I love you too...I love you too, Mom."  

Today while Catherine, Ethan and I were sitting at the table having lunch, I looked over at Catherine and said, "I love you Catherine."  To which she replied, "I love you too."  Then I smiled at Ethan and said, "I love you too, Ethan."  He smiled and said "TOO."  

My heart is full of gratitude for my wonderful husband and children.  I can't imagine a greater gift than my family and the love we share.  

kid talk

Catherine says the funniest things that always keep me guessing.  This morning, for example....

Catherine:  "I want to get a chicken for my birthday someday.  And another Mickey Mouse cake."

Well, she IS three years old now...

More Kona

Just so you know, Larry blogged a lot of pictures from our trip. You can see them on his photography blog HERE! Enjoy!

Innocent Ham

Ethan is our little ham and he gets away with so many things because he's still so little and innocent...I mean, just look at this face....

...and it's usually the face we get when he does something mischievous...like today...
What is it with kids and toilet paper? Today he had pulled a long strip of it through the bathroom, down the hall and into Catherine's room (doesn't it usually tear off by then?) where I was putting clothes away...of course he was showing off his accomplishment and when I reacted sternly..."Oh, Ethan...uh, oh" he got a little concerned face then pulled a piece off, handed it to me with a similar smile as above and said, "Thank you!" Then he proceeded to show me how responsible he was and took another piece to start wiping his nose.

Kids sure do start early!

a sneak peak at Kona

We had a wonderful vacation on the Big Island this past week and a half. Thanks, Mom and Dad for inviting us!

I asked Catherine what she enjoyed the most and she replied "going on the boat!"

This is why...

We all loved it!