Well about now my parents should be landing at LAX. I can't believe how fast our time together went. It is just so great being with them. It feels so good and safe, familiar and comfortable. The boys had a hard time with them leaving. Micah cried off and on all day saying he missed Nana and Papa. Jacob kept crawling in their suitcases while they were packing and telling them he didn't want them to go. When we got home and I walked past the guest room and I felt sad, it looked so empty.
But we had such a good time. Yesterday we thought it looked ok to venture out even though we got the occasional rain shower. Our first stop was turtle beach and there was a turtle there! Mom said she wished she could see a turtle coming out of the water but this one was sleeping. We also took some time to crawl on rocks and just enjoy the beauty of the beach. Micah and I went exploring on the rocks. At one point we saw a baby honu (turtle) right by the rocks. It was amazing.
Then we stopped at Stortdo's deli and picked up sandwiches to go. We drove to the beach and had a nice picnic. We were all prepared with our umbrellas and put them up when it rained and back down when it stopped. As we just sat down to eat our lunch a turtle crawled up on the beach-it was awesome-we had never seen that before. Then after a few minutes it crawled back into the sea. It was as if it heard my mom's wish. The boys played in the waves and mom and I tried to take a walk on the beach but the angle of the beach and soft sand made it hard. When you stepped your foot sank and the sand went up to your ankles. We kept tripping and bumping into each other and had a lot of laughs.
After the beach we went to Flavormania. Everyone except dad had a hot fudge sundae, dad had mango ice cream on a cone. Then we drove back home.
It is still raining here...it has been almost 5 weeks and we have barely seen the sun. So we hung out at home after the airport.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Having fun in the ...rain
Wow, I can't believe that it has almost been a week since we posted. It has just kept raining and my parents have hardly seen the sun but we are having so much fun.
Last week we hiked Makapu'u (my parents made it all the way!), went to Bishop Museum, ate at the Wright Bros., USS Arizona Memorial, went to the Exchange and Commissary, watched "Racing Stripes", had friends over for a BBQ and went to church.
So far this weeks weather has been the same. Yesterday we started out at Dole and rode the Pineapple Express. Then we each got a type of pineapple treat for a snack:
Dad: Pineapple Turnover (which he ate so fast none of us got to try it)
Mom: Dole Whip in a bowl
Darrick: Pinapple Sweet bread
Jenn: Dole whip in a waffle cone
Micah: Pineapple muffin
Jacob: Dole Whip in a bowl
We all shared, except Dad, and they were so good.
Then we went to Tripler because Darrick had made an appt. because he was having burning again and a lump where his surgery was. We got bad news that one side of had slipped and they scheduled him for surgery this coming Monday. They are trying to move quickly so he will be ready to deploy May 5th.
Then we headed to North Shore and ate at Cholo's, walked around Haliewa and watched the sun set at Turtle Beach. We saw turtles swimming in the ocean but none were on the beach.
Today we headed to Waikiki to eat lunch and shop. We had such a good lunch at the Cheesecake Factory-it was Mom and Dad's first time there. In the car we told the boys we were going to eat at the Cheesecake Factory and Jacob so innocently asked if the Oompa Lompas were going to be there. I think he thought I said Chocolate Factory (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Then we walked to the International Market Place and it started raining. It just kept getting harder and harder, we had to buy umbrellas. We were trying to shop but were getting wet and there were puddles everywhere and we had wet feet so we decided to head home. But when you add rain+traffic and a drive that takes us 15-20 minutes took us almost 2 hours.
The boys had a blast with Papa and Nana tonight and actually I was surprised how much energy they (my parents)had. They tickled, wrestled, chased and played horsey. We all laughed a lot.
Last week we hiked Makapu'u (my parents made it all the way!), went to Bishop Museum, ate at the Wright Bros., USS Arizona Memorial, went to the Exchange and Commissary, watched "Racing Stripes", had friends over for a BBQ and went to church.
So far this weeks weather has been the same. Yesterday we started out at Dole and rode the Pineapple Express. Then we each got a type of pineapple treat for a snack:
Dad: Pineapple Turnover (which he ate so fast none of us got to try it)
Mom: Dole Whip in a bowl
Darrick: Pinapple Sweet bread
Jenn: Dole whip in a waffle cone
Micah: Pineapple muffin
Jacob: Dole Whip in a bowl
We all shared, except Dad, and they were so good.
Then we went to Tripler because Darrick had made an appt. because he was having burning again and a lump where his surgery was. We got bad news that one side of had slipped and they scheduled him for surgery this coming Monday. They are trying to move quickly so he will be ready to deploy May 5th.
Then we headed to North Shore and ate at Cholo's, walked around Haliewa and watched the sun set at Turtle Beach. We saw turtles swimming in the ocean but none were on the beach.
Today we headed to Waikiki to eat lunch and shop. We had such a good lunch at the Cheesecake Factory-it was Mom and Dad's first time there. In the car we told the boys we were going to eat at the Cheesecake Factory and Jacob so innocently asked if the Oompa Lompas were going to be there. I think he thought I said Chocolate Factory (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Then we walked to the International Market Place and it started raining. It just kept getting harder and harder, we had to buy umbrellas. We were trying to shop but were getting wet and there were puddles everywhere and we had wet feet so we decided to head home. But when you add rain+traffic and a drive that takes us 15-20 minutes took us almost 2 hours.
The boys had a blast with Papa and Nana tonight and actually I was surprised how much energy they (my parents)had. They tickled, wrestled, chased and played horsey. We all laughed a lot.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Quiet Day at Home
Today we had a quiet day at home. Good thing the boys were really tired and needed to rest.
We had plans to have our friends over for dinner and to meet Jenn's parents. While getting things ready for dinner Micah was falling asleep on the couch and didn't look so good and was whimpering. So Jenn took his temperature and it was 104.9, yikes. So we gave him some Tylenol and a cool bath. Praise God an hour later his fever was down to 101 then two hours later it was 99 and he was playing again. Before bed we gave him more Tylenol so hopefully that is it.
So the dinner went on as planned and we had a great time. We had hamburgers, hotdogs and other yummy stuff including puppy chow. Not literal puppy chow a yummy, sugary, chocolatey, peanut buttery treat.
We hope the rain will stay away tomorrow so we can see some more of Hawaii. That's weird as I typed that I heard the rain start coming down and sounds pretty hard too.
That's it.
Darrick
We had plans to have our friends over for dinner and to meet Jenn's parents. While getting things ready for dinner Micah was falling asleep on the couch and didn't look so good and was whimpering. So Jenn took his temperature and it was 104.9, yikes. So we gave him some Tylenol and a cool bath. Praise God an hour later his fever was down to 101 then two hours later it was 99 and he was playing again. Before bed we gave him more Tylenol so hopefully that is it.
So the dinner went on as planned and we had a great time. We had hamburgers, hotdogs and other yummy stuff including puppy chow. Not literal puppy chow a yummy, sugary, chocolatey, peanut buttery treat.
We hope the rain will stay away tomorrow so we can see some more of Hawaii. That's weird as I typed that I heard the rain start coming down and sounds pretty hard too.
That's it.
Darrick
Polynesian Cultural Center
Yesterday, Tuesday, we took my parents to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The weather was so nice. It was not sunny but warm with a nice breeze. We visited the different villages during the day. Darrick and Micah participated on stage for a pig hunt. And Darrick was chosen to wear a grass skirt and play the drums during the show at the village of Tonga. We decided to see the IMAX of the coral reef, which we have never done before. Right after we got in to the building where you wait for the movie it started pouring!
After the movie it was time for the Ali'i Luau. We each got a nice lei and were seated. We enjoyed a nice show and yummy food. Mom and Dad tried some new foods like lomi lomi salmon, taro rolls and poi.
Then it was on to the Horizons Night Show. It was so good and my parents felt like they learned a lot about the Polynesian Culture!
After the movie it was time for the Ali'i Luau. We each got a nice lei and were seated. We enjoyed a nice show and yummy food. Mom and Dad tried some new foods like lomi lomi salmon, taro rolls and poi.
Then it was on to the Horizons Night Show. It was so good and my parents felt like they learned a lot about the Polynesian Culture!
Monday, March 20, 2006
Our next guests
Last night we picked our next guests from the airport...my mom and dad!
The boys could hardly control themselves they were so excited, Darrick and I were too! They had a great flight and even arrived a little early.
We were so happy this morning to wake up and see the sun! It was such a beautiful day. After breakfast we took a nice walk down to see the crabs. Then we drove to the base and got some tickets for tomorrow and picked up a few groceries at Hickam exchange. We came home and had soup and sandwiches for lunch. Then we went to Dave's ice cream. Dad tried banana fudge and Mom had Hawaiian Mud Pie-yummy!
We then drove to Pali Lookout and enjoyed the beautiful view. Then we took a nice drive to Lanikai beach. It took the boys about 5 minutes to get completely soaked in the water, with their clothes on. We weren't planning on going to the beach and just stopped because we had time. Mom and I put our feet in the water. Dad did not want to. I took a really nice picture of them by the water and all of the sudden a wave came and got Dad's new sandals and jeans wet. It was pretty funny!
We went to Dirty Lickin's for dinner, Mom and Dad both had teriyaki chicken and rice.
We had such a nice day and the weather was beautiful. Until tomorrow...
The boys could hardly control themselves they were so excited, Darrick and I were too! They had a great flight and even arrived a little early.
We were so happy this morning to wake up and see the sun! It was such a beautiful day. After breakfast we took a nice walk down to see the crabs. Then we drove to the base and got some tickets for tomorrow and picked up a few groceries at Hickam exchange. We came home and had soup and sandwiches for lunch. Then we went to Dave's ice cream. Dad tried banana fudge and Mom had Hawaiian Mud Pie-yummy!
We then drove to Pali Lookout and enjoyed the beautiful view. Then we took a nice drive to Lanikai beach. It took the boys about 5 minutes to get completely soaked in the water, with their clothes on. We weren't planning on going to the beach and just stopped because we had time. Mom and I put our feet in the water. Dad did not want to. I took a really nice picture of them by the water and all of the sudden a wave came and got Dad's new sandals and jeans wet. It was pretty funny!
We went to Dirty Lickin's for dinner, Mom and Dad both had teriyaki chicken and rice.
We had such a nice day and the weather was beautiful. Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Still Raining
Hello this is Darrick again. It is still raining here but we are hoping it ends by Sunday when our next guest get here.
I had my post operation appointment Monday and they say I am healing fine. I still have some bruising and swelling and a few sharp pains and some aches. I just want be 100% by the Hoppers May deployment. I know that may sound crazy but it is my job. I don't want to do all the hard work it takes to get ready for a deployment and not go.
This week we found some time to take the boys to the zoo between all the rain. They have a new children's area it is really cool. It has a koi pond with a hollow log through it where kids can go in and look through windows and also pop up in the middle of the pond. They have an area where they can dress like zoo keepers, goat petting, cow milking, baby cows, pigs, miniature horse, llama and guinea pigs. The cow was fake and the nipples were rubber and water came out. They had a great time and the benches were there for me.
Today we got groceries and some other supplies and then we had our friend Sonja over for dinner. She was on my first ship in New Jersey with me. We had BBQ chicken, rice and salad.
that's all for now
Darrick
I had my post operation appointment Monday and they say I am healing fine. I still have some bruising and swelling and a few sharp pains and some aches. I just want be 100% by the Hoppers May deployment. I know that may sound crazy but it is my job. I don't want to do all the hard work it takes to get ready for a deployment and not go.
This week we found some time to take the boys to the zoo between all the rain. They have a new children's area it is really cool. It has a koi pond with a hollow log through it where kids can go in and look through windows and also pop up in the middle of the pond. They have an area where they can dress like zoo keepers, goat petting, cow milking, baby cows, pigs, miniature horse, llama and guinea pigs. The cow was fake and the nipples were rubber and water came out. They had a great time and the benches were there for me.
Today we got groceries and some other supplies and then we had our friend Sonja over for dinner. She was on my first ship in New Jersey with me. We had BBQ chicken, rice and salad.
that's all for now
Darrick
Monday, March 13, 2006
Movies
This weekend our friend Lauren let us borrow 2 movies and we actually were able to watch them. The first movie was "Crash" it was good and very thought provoking. The second one was "Walk the line". We enjoyed that one also.
This morning Darrick has a check up with the surgeon to see how he is healing. Hopefully everything is going as planned.
We have been hanging out at home a lot so that Darrick can sit and rest. But we did all go to church yesterday which was nice. Our friend Sonya, who we knew from when we were stationed in New Jersey came to church with us, which we were so excited about. Also our friend Lauren, Charlie and Alex met us there. After church we all had lunch at the Wright Bros. Cafe on Hickam Airforce Base.
We have not been having very nice Hawaiian weather. It has been cool for here and cloudy a lot with showers on and off. We are really missing the sunshine.
This morning Darrick has a check up with the surgeon to see how he is healing. Hopefully everything is going as planned.
We have been hanging out at home a lot so that Darrick can sit and rest. But we did all go to church yesterday which was nice. Our friend Sonya, who we knew from when we were stationed in New Jersey came to church with us, which we were so excited about. Also our friend Lauren, Charlie and Alex met us there. After church we all had lunch at the Wright Bros. Cafe on Hickam Airforce Base.
We have not been having very nice Hawaiian weather. It has been cool for here and cloudy a lot with showers on and off. We are really missing the sunshine.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Learning to ask for help
This is Jenn. Darrick is getting a little better everyday. We had more rain again today. Yesterday I mowed the lawn again. I know I will be doing it for at least 6 weeks-lucky me.
Last night I attended the Pre-Deployment Fair for the USS Hopper. A lot of people came, which was really good. It basically is different speakers talking to us about what needs to be done before our spouses leave (Power of Attorey, Make sure car is working good...) and what to expect while they are gone.
Darrick will be gone May5-September 15. I cannot believe that it is time for him to go again. Even though I don't like to see him in pain I am so thankful for the time me and the boys are getting to spend with him-even though all he can do is sit.
I have been talking to some other Navy wives about deployments and what helps them make it through. The biggest thing I have learned so far is that people who make it through the best are those who have a lot of support from family and friends. I have also learned that some people have no one. Another person told me that as soon as her husband leaves his family and her family step in to fill the gap and help her. Her mom is coming for 3 weeks when the ship leaves then a few weeks later another person. And these people don't just come to see Hawaii, they come to help her with the kids, the house and give her a break or a chance to go to the grocery store alone or to have someone to talk to when the evenings are lonely.
So I am putting it out there. I am not super woman and I would LOVE some support and help while Darrick is gone. If this sounds like something that you would like to do, email me and we can set something up. It is hard to ask for help but I am learning that that is how God designed us to live-in community.
Last night I attended the Pre-Deployment Fair for the USS Hopper. A lot of people came, which was really good. It basically is different speakers talking to us about what needs to be done before our spouses leave (Power of Attorey, Make sure car is working good...) and what to expect while they are gone.
Darrick will be gone May5-September 15. I cannot believe that it is time for him to go again. Even though I don't like to see him in pain I am so thankful for the time me and the boys are getting to spend with him-even though all he can do is sit.
I have been talking to some other Navy wives about deployments and what helps them make it through. The biggest thing I have learned so far is that people who make it through the best are those who have a lot of support from family and friends. I have also learned that some people have no one. Another person told me that as soon as her husband leaves his family and her family step in to fill the gap and help her. Her mom is coming for 3 weeks when the ship leaves then a few weeks later another person. And these people don't just come to see Hawaii, they come to help her with the kids, the house and give her a break or a chance to go to the grocery store alone or to have someone to talk to when the evenings are lonely.
So I am putting it out there. I am not super woman and I would LOVE some support and help while Darrick is gone. If this sounds like something that you would like to do, email me and we can set something up. It is hard to ask for help but I am learning that that is how God designed us to live-in community.
Monday, March 06, 2006
The weekend
Well my weekend was a lot of the same, sitting around. Actually on Saturday we tried going for a drive. We went to North Shore and got lunch at Storto's Deli. It is hard for me because I just sit there. After getting the food we drove to a beach to eat. If people pay attention they probably think I am really lazy. My wife gets out and gets the food, carries the food, takes care of the kids, sets up the food on the beach gives out the food. I slowly get out of the car and slowly make my way to a spot on the beach that my wife set up and sit down and eat. After eating Jenn and the boys played while I sat and watched. Then when we are done I get help up, slowly make my way to the car and sit and wait again. Jenn cleans up, gets the boys in the car and drives home. Then I slowly make my way in the house and sit down again. So that was Saturday which was good to get out but I was in some pain after all that sitting.
Sunday Jenn and the boys went to Church I rested. When they got home I rested and the boys played and we stayed at home the rest of the day.
Today Jenn and the boys are home hanging out. Now that I just sit Jenn gave me the job of blog updater. This morning we had a sad time because Jenn's fish Daisey had past away during the night. She was the smallest of the fish and seemed to not be healthy. Jenn buried her in the back yard this morning and thinks maybe she will get a new fish.
Sunday Jenn and the boys went to Church I rested. When they got home I rested and the boys played and we stayed at home the rest of the day.
Today Jenn and the boys are home hanging out. Now that I just sit Jenn gave me the job of blog updater. This morning we had a sad time because Jenn's fish Daisey had past away during the night. She was the smallest of the fish and seemed to not be healthy. Jenn buried her in the back yard this morning and thinks maybe she will get a new fish.
Friday, March 03, 2006
The Day After
Hello there,
Well the day after my surgery is almost over. I am feeling OK as far as getting over the anesthesia but boy am I in some pain. It really hurts to get up or down and Micah says I walk like a really old man. I feel like a really old man. The good thing is Jenn takes really good care of me. I feel bad that she is doing everything on her own but I really can not move so I couldn't help anyway.
I got some good news today though. You may remember Jenn writing on our blog a while back about me taking the test for Chief. Well the results came back and I passed. So now my package will be submitted to the board and I have another chance to make chief. The way it works is that after you pass the test a board convenes and they choose chiefs base on our records so my part is done just more waiting. This is my third year so we will see.
That's all for now
Darrick
Well the day after my surgery is almost over. I am feeling OK as far as getting over the anesthesia but boy am I in some pain. It really hurts to get up or down and Micah says I walk like a really old man. I feel like a really old man. The good thing is Jenn takes really good care of me. I feel bad that she is doing everything on her own but I really can not move so I couldn't help anyway.
I got some good news today though. You may remember Jenn writing on our blog a while back about me taking the test for Chief. Well the results came back and I passed. So now my package will be submitted to the board and I have another chance to make chief. The way it works is that after you pass the test a board convenes and they choose chiefs base on our records so my part is done just more waiting. This is my third year so we will see.
That's all for now
Darrick
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Quick Update
Just wanted to let everyone know that Darrick's surgery is over and the doctor said it all went good. He was very pale and out of it when I first saw him, but he was able to come home tonight. He is in a lot of pain in his abdomin area and has a hard time going from sitting to laying to standing. He had about half a piece of toast, took some pain medicine, drank some water and went to sleep.
Thank you for all the emails and prayers!
Thank you for all the emails and prayers!
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