My Favourite Sign Ever

This was taken in a washroom on the top of Haleakala. It's a bit blurry, but definitely a keeper regardless. I couldn't resist going back in the washroom to take this picture - and believe me, going into the ladies room with a camera I got a few odd looks, but it was worth it.

Maui Pictures

Our trip to Maui at the end of May was great. We had a good time, and did as much as humanly possible in just four days.
Our highlights were snorkelling in Molokini (an old crater, loaded with fish and great visibility) - a trip to the top of Haleakala - Jaden's first boat ride on the "Reefdancer" - and an afternoon sail (which I've never done before ).
Here are some pictures (finally!)

These pictures are mostly from the top of Haleakala - a 10 000 foot elevation mountain on Maui where you literally drive through the clouds. They warned up to take a lot of warm clouds - clearly "they" were not from Canada, it wasn't so bad.
The sunset was taken at Whaler's Village just after dinner. Jaden was playing in the sand, charming all the young ladies and admiring dogs having a shower. I don't think he enjoyed the sunset nearly as much as Tyson, Linda, Don and myself.
Jaden in a towel was taken on our last day, after his first water slide. He accidently went under for a moment after a trip down, came up sputtering and exclaiming "more slide now". His expression on the way down the slide was truly a mix of sheer terror and pure pleasure. Clearly he is a water child!

Want My Monster Truck

Well, I can scarecely believe two months have passed since my last update. My how time flies. A quick update and then some pictures soon, I promise.

The highlight of the last couple of months has definitely been Linda and Don's visit - a stay with us and then a big trip to Maui. Jaden had a blast with "Nana and Papa Don". The Maui trip will have a post of its own (I promise!!)

In other news, we had Jaden's hearing tested in April, followed up by a speech evaluataion in late May. We were getting concerned with his speech development, and so the doctor recommended this course of action. Needless to say, the minute we started making appointments Jaden's speech became clearer and clearer. The trouble was never a lack for words, only difficulty in understanding him. Now he's a little chatterbox, constantly saying "I don't want to", or "want some milk...now". Oh well, manners next I guess (though he does say please and thank you, I guess he's found 'now' much more effective).

Caramel Apples and Rain

Well, it seems as though my blog has gone from weekly updates to monthly. Not sure how that happened except to say that everything seems really busy over the last few months. I'm not sure how I was fitting it all in before, but I'm sure it's just re-establishing a routine.

At any rate, the last month has not really marked anything new in our family. The highlights of the month, at least in my mind are in the title.
Yesterday and today marked the first sunny days we've had in nearly a month and a half (oh wait, it did rain today). I'm starting to wonder where the arc is and if there's room for me, Tyson and Jaden. We got to the park yesterday for the first time in over a month.

The other highlight mentioned is caramel apples - we made some over this past weekend and it was hilarious. I have a picture I'll post that I'm sure everyone will enjoy. Jaden loved the apples, and we were all a mess by the time it was all said and done. Thankfully it was right before Jaden's bath time.

Some More Pictures

Well, the pictures are not as easy to get up in the order I'd like....but I'm sure you can figure out what's what. At any rate, here are some more.

Birthday Pictures

It's going to take a couple of postings to get all these pictures in, but here are some from Jaden's birthday at Build-A-Bear, and the zoo.

Winnipeg Pictures

There are so many to choose from I don't know where to start. Five per posting is the limit, so here's a few on this one. While looking through his birthday pictures, I realized I needed to thank "Uncle Nut" for teaching Jaden "Birthday Cake Now". He uses that often. . . that and "banana cream pie" - I guess that thanks goes to my mom.

February - A Recap

So much has happened in February, I suppose a recap is in order.

The biggest news of February would have to be our trip to Winnipeg. Jaden and I went to visit for two very short weeks in early to mid-February. Some may consider us crazy for travelling from Hawaii to Winnipeg in the middle of a Canadian winter . . . I like to think we live dangerously. Jaden did very well on the flights, especially considering he sat on my lap the whole way home. Really he was only upset when his sleep was disturbed (and who wouldn't be upset?).

Our arrival in Winnipeg was on a relatively warm afternoon (for Winnipeg). I was amazed how little I actually felt the cold, considering where we were travelling from.
We did so much in Winnipeg, it's hard to remember it all. Shelley arrived a few days after Jaden and I and it was so great to see her. We went skating, shopping, had birthday party for Jaden, my mom and me. I visited with as many of my friends as I could possibly see. Of course, I didn't have nearly enough time and left wishing for one more week, but I probably could have stayed for months and felt the same way.

The week we arrived home, Jaden celebrated his second birthday. We celebrated that in Winnipeg with a Gilchrist-style family bash, but here in Honolulu it was slightly more low key. On the day proper, Tyson took off early from work and the three of us went to Ala Moana Shopping Center to the Build a Bear Workshop. Jaden chose to make a giraffe that we named "Bartleby". We went to a restaurant called Ruby Tuesday's for dinner, came home and had a homemade birthday cake and opened up some presents. On Saturday we gave Jaden a choice, to go to the zoo or aquarium. For the next hour and a half all we heard was "mamumahs...mamumahs...". It was like some kind of mantra that peaked in intensity in the car on the way to the zoo. Maybe we shouldn't have given him the choice until we were closer to either destination? He definitely loved the zoo. For dinner we went to Chuck E Cheese's - my first experience there. It was bedlam - Jaden grew to love it. He especially loved the singing stuffed animals and the car slide that was too old for him. We didn't last too long there, far too crazy. So really, Jaden got to celebrate his birthday three times. Not too shabby.

Tyson this weekend is in Florida for his cousin Ryan's wedding. I just talked with him, he had a great time and the wedding was beautiful. I can't wait to see the pictures. I also can't wait to have him home so I can take a break! But I'll write more about that in a different post. I'll also post some pictures from Winnipeg and Jaden's birthday.

Stay Tuned!!!

January Over?!?

Jaden and I just got in from a tricycle ride...I wonder who got more exercise - me pushing or Jaden pretending to pedal? Either way it was a lot of fun and now Jaden is tired out.
The month has breezed by, a few trips to the beach, the mall and the grocery store are the highlights of January....
Jaden is doing very well in daycare, he seems to like "Auntie Rosie" and Haylie. He doesn't cry anymore and apparently is very happy during his day. He runs to meet me when I go to pick him up, but always seems content. What a relief.
The latest craze in the McCann household is Thomas the Tank Engine, although the garbage truck is still very much a contender.

I'll try to post a few more pictures this weekend.

Cheers!

In Loving Memory

Christmas this year was bittersweet. With the passing of Tyson's dad on the 22nd of December, we decided to celebrate the day anyway knowing that is what he would have wanted. It was a nice day all things considered, and having Jaden was a blessing. Here are some pictures of our day together. Jaden really got the hang of Santa Claus and opening gifts, though it did take several hours (with a breakfast break in the middle) to get it all opened up.

More Pictures

To put you in the festive mood . . .

Jaden seems to LOVE hamming it up. At the "community Christmas party" he really enjoyed wearing his Elmo hat, in fact he wore it for the next few days after.

Tick Tock . . . The Countdown Begins

Aloha! I know I haven't updated in a long while, it seems as though the closer one gets to Christmas, the shorter the days become. I've had so many pictures to put up, from Maui, from the community Christmas party and day to day Jaden stuff and haven't done any of it in a long while. Well, tonight is the night. :)

First of all, we're almost ready for Christmas, just a couple of last minute items to get. It's going to be strange to be away from snow, and it scarcely feels like December. Living here can be very deceptive time-wise, it always feels like summer so it's hard to notice time passing.

Our visit from Linda and Skip was great, and I think everyone had a good time. Maui was excellent, nice to get away for a few days, and it was beautiful. I think we've told everyone by now about our trip, so I won't elaborate. Sufficed to say, it was a break much needed.

Enjoy the pictures!

Love,
Melissa

Ahhh, a Thunderstorm - In December??

Jaden is napping at the moment, and I am getting things ready for dinner, but had to update that right at this moment there is a thunderstorm. (Naturally while Jaden is asleep.) Kind of weird there's thunder in December instead of a blizzard, but even more I didn't know they even had thunder here. Best kept secret of Hawai??

Speaking of snow, yesterday we took Jaden to a free kids' Christmas event, and they had "real" snow in the parking lot for kids to play in. People waited in line for a chance to play in snow for five minutes. Strange indeed. I couldn't help but think of everyone who at this time of year might wait in line a lot longer to be rid of snow for five minutes. :)

November Pictures - A Catch Up Session

Aloha! Just a few pictures of Jaden, Tyson and I taken in November. Lots to catch up on of course, but thought these would be a nice way to start.

Family Portrait

Here's a picture of us from Halloween I forgot to put in. In case you didn't recognize him, Jaden's the one with the moustache and beard!!

Diamond Head

The weekend overall was somewhat uneventful, though relaxing and enjoyable. We did however have a great trek on Sunday and hiked Diamond Head - a large volcanic crater. The hike is a perpertual incline to the top where there is an amazing lookout worthy of all the hard work to get up there (which really wasn't all that bad). Except for the crowds, this was a great hike.

Tyson had many sympathetic looks since he was carrying Jaden in our new baby backpack (not an easy task, I agree!). We all three of us made it, though Jaden perhaps had it best. I wonder if they make those backpacks wife-sized? Hmm, worth looking into.

There were so many people at the top that is was crowded and felt very cramped. Everyone was snapping pictures and we were constantly in the way. The plus side however was that there were plenty of people who were willing to take our pictures together - a rare treat for us. One Japanese woman even asked to have her picture taken with Jaden despite the fact that Jaden wanted no part of that.

The last picture I've included this week was Jaden eating a peanut butter cup shortly after Halloween. Pure contentment and a whole lotta mess. He hasn't had another one since, I think he likes them a bit too much!!

Christmas Shopping and Surfing Don't Mix...

I cannot believe it. Christmas shopping season is upon us again! How did this happen? Only this morning, I was watching the surfers at the beach and this afternoon I'm in a panic about getting shopping done in time to send off to everyone. Weird.

I've realized in the last week or two that living in Hawaii is really like living in a foreign land. I work with people from all over the US and other countries - most have been in Hawaii for a couple years or more and they all have the lingo downpat. In a typical day, I have to ask what something is at LEAST two or three times. For instance, Veronica was talking with someone about going out for Puupuu's. In fact, for ono puupuus. What is that I asked? Puupuus are appetizers, and ono means delicious. Now, keep in mind Veronica is from Texas. Very strange indeed. A couple days later, Marvin (from Napa, California) was talking about menehunes with Sharmaine ( a Hawaiian). What's that I asked? Menehunes are spirits, like leprechauns maybe. It's not that the language is strange, it's that it becomes a part of your daily vocabulary, very insidious indeed. I look forward to the day Tyson and I decide to go out for some ono puupuus.

I've recently joined a French club. More for the social aspect, but also because I've spent so many years learning French, I'd hate to forget it all. I've been to two meetings, it's quite the cross-section of people and I really enjoy it. In the next couple of weeks we are getting together to watch a French film.

In still other news, Jaden is taking an interest in his numbers and letters. He especially loves the number 5 and the letter W. We have fridge magnets that we use to make words and Jaden plays with them every day. He's also really into storybooks. We have a whole bunch of Mercer Mayer books (I remembered reading those to my oldest neice when she was young), and Jaden loves them all. I can hardly wait until he's old enough for Robert Munsch and one of my absolute favourite storybooks "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day" (my favourite being The Three Billy Goats Gruff, that I still have a copy of).

Well, I'll try to get some more pictures up, I have some really cute ones!

Ahoy There Maties!!

First of all, Happy Halloween!! I cannot believe it's this time of year already. We've been in quite the festive spirit here at the McCann residence - we went to a Halloween party put on by a local shopping centre, carved a pumpkin and even made a Halloween cake for Jaden's daycare. Of course, Jaden understands little of what's going on, but it's fun all the same. This year Jaden is going to be our little pirate - I hope you enjoy the pictures of him going to the party on Saturday.

We had a great time carving the pumpkin this afternoon. Jaden sure loved getting his hands into the guts, and of course he was covered in pumpkin by the end. In fact, we had to divert his attention AWAY from the pumpkin carving in order to get it done at all because he kept making a huge mess. So, while Tyson carved, Jaden and I decorated our cake (and ate marshmallows and candy corn - needless to say, Jaden and I were on a sugar rush for the rest of the afternoon).

Uhh...where has the time gone ?!?

Well, the title says it all - October 20th and I can scarcely believe it. We'll be trick or treating soon!! Someone told me that time starts to fly here because there are no changing seasons, so it all blurs into one. I was reluctant to believe it and yet, now I think maybe they were on to something!

Jaden is up to his usual tricks, loves the garbage truck, but also now the cement truck. He has learned a couple of numbers, can recognize the numbers 1 and 4, and perhaps a couple more and is starting to hold up the right number of fingers. He loves to sing "Mary had a Little Lamb", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "This Old Man".
I think Jaden has finally adjusted to daycare, though Rosie mentioned today that he doesn't interact too much with the other children yet. I find it hard to believe he's antisocial (of course I would), so I'm thinking maybe he just needs to figure them out some more.

I know we need to add more pictures - this weekend we'll take a bunch of Jaden so you can see how much he's growing!!

A Weekend Alone - and Jaden up to No Good.

This past weekend was very hectic, what with all of the running around ,errands, housecleaning, and Jaden entertaining we needed to do that I can scarcely believe it's Sunday night and it's back to work tomorrow. Oh well, at least there'll be another weekend in a few days.
On Saturday we managed to get out to Sandy Beach - which I haven't been to since our first day here. The water is getting rough and beyond our swimming abilities however we did get to explore the tidal pools a lot and that was really nice.
Jaden really loves walking around on the beach now, and into the water and on the rocks and yes, even in the sand. We saw a lot of little fish in the tide pools that Jaden enjoyed looking for and watching if they were conspicuous enough. In letting him run on the beach, he found a culvert and ran directly towards it, that is until Tyson caught up with him - Jaden had a look on his face that showed he knew exactly he wasn't really supposed to be there but revelled in getting there before being caught all the same. He's really quite a handful most days, but it's hysterical watching him try to get away with any and everything.
Sunday was a day of shopping and though Jaden was tired and a bit crusty he still managed to hold it together long enough to get everything done - but it surely wasn't the most fun for anyone.
Today (Sunday) is the first day Jaden has not had a single bottle, all his milk has been in sippy cups - and I don't think he's missed it at all. I'm not sure how that will work at daycare but we're going to try - and see what happens (I hope Rosie will forgive us!)
I know I promised to put up some pictures of Tyson in Japan, and I certainly will but we have to discuss which pictures I can put up - so stay tuned.