Painting the Memories of Home - Photo Diary...New Life in Hawaii

May. 9, 2007

Photo Diary...New Life in Hawaii

I suppose we are settling back into routine in our temporary home. I really appreciate all the prayers you friends are lifting up for us. While there is much excitement, there are lots of emotional ups and downs in readjusting again to new territory. That is one of the many challenges of the military life and service. J is back at work, getting into the swing of his new duties. I'm getting used to having him gone again during the days. I guess I got a little spoiled having so much Daddy support around all day. It was kind of a shocker to lose it! Here's what our little place looks like: (See how the Banyan tree in the background dwarfs our Suburban??)

This is the Banyan tree I mentioned before. It must be home to about--no kidding--300 birds. Every morning at 5 AM, it seems that this bird condominium complex turns itself into a giant alarm clock and every bird call imaginable combines into one chorus of "Goodmorning Dittmars." It is an ubelievable amount of noise, and I am learning to sleep through it. Once again at 5 pm, or dusk, the birds reconvene here to discuss their day and bid their "goodnights." It reminds me vaguely of some Dr. Suess story. Seuss must have gleaned some of his inspiration here in Hawaii.

Laundry must go on. Believe it or not, I'm actually thankful the set is outside. I don't think I could bear the heat the dryer would generate inside the house. I've been a heat whimp so far, but hey, I'm also 8 months pregnant! When the tradewinds are blowing, it is very pleasant. But we're also in a low spot below the dunes so it heats up quite a bit during mid-day. Evenings are cool and lovely.

We're also getting back to a school routine again. In addition to math, the children have been journaling the trip and their new surroundings for English/ grammar/ spelling. I've made Hawaii spelling lists for them to incorporate into their writing.

Suza and Jamie busy themselves catching beetles while we work. The creepie crawlies here are blogworthy. We've spotted two centipedes, 5 cockroaches, numerous anoles ( a tree-climbing lizard that can change color) and geckoes (tropical or subtropical nocturnal insect-eating lizard.)
These come and go inside the house at their leisure.

I like to let my eyes feast on the lush vegetation, shrubs and trees everywhere blooming.

After schoolwork is finished, we head down the little path behind our house to the beach.

The girls like to watch the kite-boarders racing back and forth.

Jamie isn't that fond of getting wet and sandy. He tries to cuddle in what's left of my lap.

So, I guess PE consists of a little boogie boarding.

Thanks for sharing our days...Warmly in Christ, Christa

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Comments

May. 10, 2007 - Yeah for pictures!

Posted by Anonymous

I'm so glad you got an emergency camera. It's so fun to see where you spend your time. Tell Micah and Connor great job on the boogie boards, and that I will want a surfing demonstration whenever we visit! I love the pic with the girls from behind. That's so sweet. I can't wait to see your new little one...I'm still hoping for brown hair and brown eyes to match little Jamie. :) Oh, I wish Titus and I could hang out at the beach with you!!!
~Al