Life of Larisa or LOL

Spring break is officially over for us, but we have two train rides, a monk seal, homemade brownies, tostada Thursday tradition, a tent in the dining room, Kua Aina avocado, JT's latest album, and flirty paper straws to show for it. We did our best to stay busy and entertained this past week. The pre-spring break adventures started with an outdoor concert at The Waikiki Shell. Sarah and I saw Bonnie Raitt. I've determined that she is the female Willie Nelson and it was a great way to kick start spring. The boys and I re-discovered many of the fun places that Gabe and I frequented when he was younger. This time around we chased Zach through the pineapples at Dole, corralled him on the train through the pineapple field, and marveled at his delight in seeing really big fish at the aquarium for the first time. The boys and I played hard, snacked hard, and slept hard each night after our daily trips to the park and tourist attractions this week. If this was a preview for summer vac

...is what the old wooden train in Ewa should be called. It creaks and groans when you walk and sit down, but it hauled a good amount of folks out to Kahe Point this past Sunday. In years past we have spent St. Patrick's Day out on the town, drinking green beers, celebrating Sarah's birthday, eating cabbage...this year we spent it all aboard the non-polar express. Zach is getting to the age where field trips are exciting. He has a train table and trains that are captivating his attention these days, so I thought riding on a actual train might be fun. And it was. We were all decked out in our green (except Isom who said he forgot...or didn't want to claim association in case train riding was a bust). We enjoyed a picnic on the lawn, browsing the gift shop, and snapping a few photos before boarding the 90 minute train to a place maybe 20 minutes away by car. If you plan to make this journey be sure to bring plenty of water and lather yourself with sunscreen...it's hot an

I was lucky enough to appreciate my boys through the eyes of my grandma this past week. I found new joy in my role as their mom. I don't acknowledge that enough, so here's the proof, in black and white. Yes, they are a crazy, bucket wearing, chalk drawing, tantrum throwing, rambunctious bunch. But, we wouldn't have half the fun if they were any other way. This weeks fun included fire (we went to a Luau), BBQing in the rain, swimming in the rain, puddle hopping, Mary Poppins sidewalk chalk art, banana crunch cake destruction, deal finding at ROSS, and Sunday brunch. We enjoyed laughs with Tutu, a few pouts from Gabe, ear piercing screeches from Zach, eye rolling from Isom, and patience from Uncle Mike and Arlene. Dining out with us can be challenging and exhausting. And amazingly they survived three meals out with us. Here's a few snapshots of my week of fun, their vacation, and the everyday for the boys.