“Auntie” Crystal paid the boys to build a dollhouse for ‘Z’. They did an excellent job assembling it. She was so happy and excited. It’s huge!!
A Dollhouse for ‘Z’
May 31st, 2017 by leigharev2
SacTown Homemade Half
May 31st, 2017 by leigharev2
This was a race that was two races in one. We started with a 5K (3.1 miles which had to be done within 40 minutes), then immediately upon crossing the finish line, we got back in line to run 10 miles.
It was hot and I was not feeling it. I call it my “best, worst run”. It was great though, because I had an awesome running partner, Nancy. She was only planning on running the 5K, but I kind of sweet talked her into running the whole thing.
Date Night with ‘A’
Apr 25th, 2017 by leigharev2
An AYCE Crab Feed Fundraiser for a worthy cause?! That meant date night with my oldest. We both LOVE crab. DH and ‘R’ not so much.
This was a fundraiser for Compassion Planet/Deer Creek Farm. An organization dedicated to providing a bridge for foster kids aging our of the system. They help them get their drivers license, work on resume, a job, an apartment, etc…
We had a great night. Did not win any of the raffle or auction prizes, but we walked away with full bellies. We sat at a table with crab feed veterans. They came fully stocked with their own crab crackers, ramekins and butter warmers, paper towels, and hand wipes.
First Art Piece
Apr 25th, 2017 by leigharev2
While on Maui, I was inspired to try my hand at painting. I took a photo and ran it through an app that makes everything look like it was made with circles/bubbles. Then, I projected that altered photo on a canvas and drew the circles, then painted them in.
Step one: Pick a photo. I chose this one. A type of palm.
Step two: An app alters the photo.
Step Three: Place photo in projector and draw circles. I bought a basic set of acrylics and had to mix the colors. They turned out way different from what I was aiming for.
Step four: Finished project. Totally different than original plan, but I am happy with the learning process and content with the finished project.
‘R’ Turns 13!
Apr 25th, 2017 by leigharev2
We officially have two teens! It’s going by WAY TOO FAST!!
Birthday tradition is that they get to eat whatever they want on their birthday, and mom makes the breakfast. ‘R’s breakfast of choice for his 13th year…
Concord Grape Juice
Strawberry Kebabs dipped in white frosting
Lucky Charms IN Chocolate Milk
Peppered Bacon
Dinner was an “all you can eat buffet” at the Thunder Valley casino. Dad was away on business and could not attend. I think ‘A’ and I got the better end of this meal with crab legs. ‘R’ was happy with the pizza and Ceasar salad options. And of course all the dessert…
The next day, we had a birthday party at our place. ‘R’ wanted a full day of activities and games.
We had a Boba tea bar…his favorite drink…
A teen boy feast, including every flavor of Lay’s Potato Chips we could find…
They did a group painting challenge where they were in teams and had to create something without communicating to each other. Each person was given 30 seconds to paint, then passed on to another. I gave them too much time though and their art turned more into seeing how much canvas they could cover and how much paint they could use.
Board games: LOLZ and Telestrations…
They also played video and online games. It was a fun, full day, with insane energy throughout the house, and I am glad I will never have to do this again!:)
Calligraphy and Painting
Apr 25th, 2017 by leigharev2
I was inspired to take up painting while on Maui and when we returned, I went to the store to pickup supplies. I wanted to get the boys into something creative. ‘A’ decided to try calligraphy and ‘R’ wanted to paint.
Here is ‘A’ watching a tutorial and following a book.
‘R’ finished project of a day/night composition!
Maui 2017
Apr 24th, 2017 by leigharev2
Boy, were we ready for this trip! All four of us were running on fumes, but we knew the restorative powers of the islands would do us some good!
We banked our week from last year and spent two weeks this year, staying at our timeshare.
We were all in the zone within the first three days.
I discovered that a run buddy from my local run club in CA was going to be there are the same time. She was staying in south Maui, but was willing to come over to the west side to join me for a run. So glad she did. It was a beautiful day and I was able to share with her one of my favorite runs, along the coast from Napili through Kapalua.
Eunice and I
I can’t find photos of the boys underwater, but they got their SCUBA certificates while there! They are fish, I tell you. Easy for them. So glad they enjoy and appreciate the life below the waves.
We focused on eating at home for breakfast and lunch and aimed to make ramen for most of the lunches. Here is a particularly awesome ramen lunch David made for us.
David and I also went on a date night to one of our favorite places, The Sea House in Napili. From our table, we watched a middle age couple get married on the beach, then this amazing sunset. Photo comes no where near to how spectacular it was.
Our friends, John and Ann Jenks, were on the island as well. We coordinated dates so we could be with them. They went with the boys on a whale watching trip! They had an excellent time and got to see many humpbacks.
Hawaiian ice after. Yum!
This photo was taken during an eleven mile run along Kaanapali. And the lovely beachside recovery…
Group dinner at Aloha Mixed Plate with the Jenks, their son Brian, and his girlfriend, Cosi.
And, a couple shot at Leilani’s…
Snails grow big here…there are five or six on the photo on the right….
Brunch with our winter bird friends Jeff and MC. They live in Minnesota, but winter here…we met them when our boys were toddlers and try to re-connect when we are there in the winter.
A big bucket list thing happened for me this time. I love food and follow ‘Top Chef’. One of the contestants who has been on Top Chefs a few times, including Top Chef Masters, opened a little eatery in Kahului. We have visited some of the other places he has been involved in, but not this one. Sheldon Simeon opened Tin Roof and rumor is that the place is always packed. It’s really more of a “to go” place and their website lets you order online and pick up. So glad I did that. We got there and the lines was out the door. My son ‘A’ was with me and his face dropped. But, we walked in an our food was sitting on the counter all ready to go!
On the drive home, we stopped to pick up some individual pies at Leoda’s to have for dessert…(another place Sheldon was involved in at one time. Whether he still is or not, I don’t know.)
Hand held apple pie to tide him over for the ride back…
One of the most delicious and memorable meals I have had….Tin Roof and Leoda’s
I discovered that there was a half marathon race while I was going to be on Maui. I decided to run it. The Valley to the Sea. The original route was to have the start in the Iao Valley and run down to the ocean, but recent storms ruined parts of the valley and closed that area. Instead, the route started in Kihei and went to Ma’alea Harbor and back. It started at 6am, which meant I had to get up at 3:30am to make the trek over. But, the early start time was good because it got hot fast. The heat and humidity made it hard form me to run toward the end. I pretty much walked the last two miles. I’m glad I did it, but would not do it again. We ran along a highway and had to deal with cars. Since I am a slower runner, I had to run with more cars the later it became.
These photos were taken early morning. These views all are along the highway we ran from Kihei to Ma’alaea
I cannot recall this woman’s name, but she was lovely and encouraging and stayed with me from about mile eight to the end. It’s so much easier when you run with someone else.
We also had dinner with friends Cowboy and Carol, and I had an additional breakfast with Carol after the race. Special memories and we look forward to our next visit.
Run 4 Freedom 5K
Mar 15th, 2017 by leigharev2
This is a wonderful local race that is put on by a core group of teen girls, with the intent to raise funds to fight S– trafficking. I had hoped to set a personal record but missed it by two minutes. Where did those hills come from? 🙂
My friend Elyse and I have logged many miles and have shared so many good, and hard, times on and off the road.
An awesome group of MRTT sole sisters.
Paint Nite
Mar 15th, 2017 by leigharev2
My friend Julie organized a Paint Nite out with some of her runner friends. We all followed the directions of the instructor and painted this!
We had a fun evening with food, drink, conversation, and acrylic on canvas!
Julie and her gang. The silly hat I’m wearing is a prop from the instructor…
Me and my friend Amy…
Gearing up for Maui
Mar 15th, 2017 by leigharev2
Whenever we go on a trip, we have the boys make a list of things they would like to do. We don’t make any promises, but we do aim to try to knock out a few items on the list. Here’s this year’s Maui list….
