Potty Time!

I am ECSTATIC! Mika just made shi-shi in the new little potty we bought her, after watching her big sister in action! This is definitely easier the second go round :) I just hope we keep her excited about going in there...

P.S. We bought the cheapest, simplest little potty thingy from Walmart that easily turns into a step stool when not in use (just put the lid down like a real toilet) and it's working great so far!

Dude, it's been so long!

So...Maybe I should be called the "Birthday Blogger" because my last post was about Elia's birthday and in 2 weeks (5 months later) it will be Mika's birthday! In any case, I actually have something fun to blog about so here goes...

For our family outing today, we went to Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe and had a blast feeding the fishes and ducks! It was totally free (except for stopping to get hand rolls from Kozo sushi for our picnic lunch), very beautiful and relaxing! Here's some shots of our day and gorgeous surroundings:

I totally recommend if for those of you with children (remember to bring at least a loaf of bread- it goes quickly) and for people who are aspiring photographers...you will have plenty to shoot!

Turning 4 and other Big News :D

Elia is now 4 years old! We had an "Ariel" themed birthday party for her 2 Saturdays ago and she's still thanking me for her "pool and cake party" :D I'm grateful for a thankful child! Here's some photos of the beautiful sunny day that was just the "icing on the cake" after having a gloomy weather week...

Thank you Aunty Lauren for the new pool!

Elia had lost of fun in it with her cousins Ian & Jesse and buddy Santiago!

The cake :D

The special "under the sea" treats mommy made...

can you see the big fishy inside?

Fishing fun with cousin Tyson

The other big news is that Sam took his Nuke test yesterday and passed with flying colors!! We are so excited and happy! His recruiter even called to say that it was one of the best scores they've had at MEPS! By the end of this week we will get the official word on the waiver acceptance, but everything is looking good.... YEE-HAW! We are so thankful for this awesome blessing!

Good Friday

...yup that's what it was today in beautiful Hawai'i Nei :) We finally took the girls to the beach after a long hiatus with each of us taking turns being sick! The sun was playing peek-a-boo and it was little windy, but at least it was a warm breeze ;)

About 3 months ago I posted that our family would be experiencing "Big Changes in 2010"...boy, I never realized how BIG they would be! After much prayer and fasting, we've decided to give the green light to Sam joining the Navy! He's already taken the ASVAB (got an awesome score too!) and is studying up to take another test to get into the Nuclear program. We've also got to wait and see if he'll get a age waiver. If everything goes according to plan, we could be living in South Carolina for 2 years while he goes to school...we are excited! Having lived on this island for both of our lives, we are anxious to begin a new adventure! So, treasuring our opportunities to swim in the beautiful and warm Pacific Ocean is a must!

Big Changes for 2010!

Well, the New Year will definitely be bringing some big changes for the Cheney Ohana... we are moving! Yup, due to our desire to pay off some bills and prepare for Sam going back to school, probably in the Fall, we've decided to return to Kahana where we will live on my parents' property. These past few days (and the next few weeks will be nothing but preparing for the move, and moving! We'll only be pausing to celebrate Christmas! Today we made some big progress in putting up the entire skeletal structure for the extension we are building! Big mahalos to the Naeole family, Freebairns and of course my own siblings who helped out A TON! If all goes as planned, our project will be complete BEFORE I return to work on Monday, Jan.4! We'll see...wish us luck! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone!!

Hat 2 Da Back!

Halloween 2009

Both girls were Tinker Bell this year, thanks to Grandma and Papa :) I must say it was a popular costume... On Tuesday night we had our Ward's annual Trunk 'O Treat and got lots of goodies, then on Saturday night we took the girls to Windward Mall to trick 'o treat and got about half as much... so much for the good old days of getting a sack full of candy!

Mika was fussy for the most part, but she smiles on demand

when the camera comes out ;)

Elia won our Ward costume contest for "Most Magical" in

her age category!

Our theme for our trunks this year was "Your Favorite Scripture Story"

We did Noah's Ark and won the cateogry "Most Fun".

The girls got a hold of Sam's hat and provided a great

"Kodak" moment ;)

Simply...FUN :D

FHE Last night: Who knew you could have so much fun

with just a blanket, some stuffed animals, and 2 giggly girls??

Mika enjoys flossing...with the whole roll of course!

Just don't make her brush her teeth!

Perfect weather for the beach...at 5pm!

It was just so hot, we said "Why Not?"

Elia and her BFF, Kayla enjoy making sand

creations...

Mika looking "Oh, So Cute" in her bathing suit ;)