Can you believe 2014 is coming to an end? I
can still remember the beginning like it was yesterday. I guess it helps to
know that our washing machine broke, leaking water into the house which led to
us starting the year off without any carpet for 5 weeks as we wait for home
insurance adjustors and Lowe’s employees to help us get what we needed. We hope
to NEVER experience that again. And, because of that we didn’t have a birthday
party for Derek and Keith, who turned 2 mid January, but luckily they’re still
young and forgiving.
Alan had his 32nd birthday in
February and finished his first year of teaching in June. A few days after
school ended, Lei went to the Philippines to visit her sister and her family,
who are currently on assignment there. She was gone for 16 days and spent that
time just being a sister and got spoiled with facials, manicures, pedicures,
massages, great food, cheap shopping and nephew asking her every day, “Lei, do
you like being a pretty married lady?” It was an amazing trip.
While Lei was in the
Philippines, the boys were at home with Alan and went on their first camping
trip with some friends where they saw real live alligators (not in any sort of
enclosure!). Lei is glad she didn’t hear about that part until a few days after
she got home from her trip. This was the
first time Lei had ever left the boys for more than 2 days and all 3, maybe 4,
people were having separation issues especially since Lei left for another
week, shortly after she got back from the Philippines, to go to Girl’s Camp.
(It’s a camping experience for young women, ages 12-18, where they can draw
closer to God and one another. Lei was in charge of it this year and although
she was stressed she had a great time). Lei also celebrated her 30th
birthday in October. She got spoiled, of course, with Alan tending to the boys
and cleaning the kitchen followed by a trip to the outlets and dinner with our
good friends. And later in the week her sister had put together and girl’s
night out with some good friends to eat dinner and enjoy one another’s company.
That was Lei’s first girl’s night out that included more than just her sisters.
The summer ended nicely as Alan prepared for
the next school year. He is enjoying this year as he gets to know his
co-workers better and again help his students understand math. This school year
he is teaching math lab, so he is helping those 8th graders who are
struggling. He also headed up a program called S.T.E.M. Club (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Math). The students are enjoying it and many parents
have expressed their excitement for this club and those who help make it
happen. Alan is also working with a company called Test Masters which provides
tutoring for those who want to do well on the ACT, SAT, Engineering courses as well
as other subjects. He keeps busy with the two jobs, but always makes time for
the family.
Derek and Keith are learning and growing at
a rate that makes us, as parents, wonder how we will keep up. They know their
alphabet (upper and lower case), numbers (1-10 and working on more), shape
recognition (Derek’s favorite shape in the heptagon. Don’t ask me why.),
spelling various words (Keith loves to spell rocket and robot and Derek loves
to spell Bingo then sing the song), and, of course, they love to play with
trucks, cars, dirt, sand, etc. Keith loves to eat apples while Derek loves
bananas. They are starting to recognize the emotions they feel and express
them. Keith, when sad, will say, “I so sad” followed by either “Ah… a monster”
or “what to do now?”. We try not to laugh at that last one. Derek, when sad,
will say, “My finger” as he put his finger up to our lips to have us kiss all
better. And just recently, when Derek is happy he will jump and jump and jump.
(He just learned how to
jump where his feet actually leave the ground). And Keith loves to line up his
cars then say, “On your mark, get set, GO!” and race his cars all around the
house. These boys keep us busy and the house in constant chaos, but we do our
best to embrace and enjoy it.
We have enjoyed this year with all the
adventures we were able to experience. And, as the year comes to an end we pray
that you and your family stay safe, enjoy one another, and have a Merry
Christmas.
With love,
Leialoha, Alan,
Derek and Keith
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