You must ALWAYS bring the diaper bag.

This is my son today after he pooped all over himself at my friend Eileen's house. I was just picking up the kids' from school and thought I would make a quick stop by. Just picking up the keiki, no need diaper bag. So of course, poop EVERYHWERE. Eileen's kids don't wear diapers anymore, not since her daughter left them behind.

My poor son. Do you see what I've done to him?

Look real close.

Yes, he is in a GIRL'S pullup.


There now. That's better.

Sorry, son.

Don't tell your father.

The horror...the horror.

My house is officially in shambles. Everything is everywhere, including my brain. I think I actually packed it up in a box somewhere, but I forget. And the list of things still to accomplish is ENORMOUS!

Must go through filing cabinet.
Must go through kid's toys.
Must pack entire bathroom.
Must pack entire kitchen.
Must rent two cars.
Must look for hotel.
Must find kids...nope sorry. Too busy for that last one.

I really hate packing. I am looking forward to moving, though. Since I am crammed between boxes, forward is the only way I can look.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Today we went to join in the Cherry Blossom Festival here in Waimea. It's a celebration of the Japanese tradition of hananmi or the viewing of the Cherry Blossoms. I figured it was the last time we would get to go to one, maybe ever. And I wondered if the reason I wanted to do something so crafty and pretty and special is a sign that I am getting old. It was the kind of family outing that I would have secretly enjoyed and then scoffed at when I was younger. Including that there were lots of little booths and trinkets and knickknacks that I refrained from buying because we are moving. Okay it was really because we don't have the money, alright, alright? Feel better? Just kidding. It was just the kids and I as Jeff was laid up, but we had a good time viewing the sakura. I will miss these cultural things when I go. Even if they make me feel old.

It was hot. And I mean hot. And there were an amazing number of people for pokey old Waimea. Owen picked me out a locket with real flowers in it and he got a bento baby christmas ornament and a koi necklace. Abra got a koa hairpick with flowers and crystals hanging off it and Ruthie ate rice krispie treats. I tried to find mochi, but either we were too late or there wasn't any. I saw Auntie Eva at the Hawaiian Quilting booth and both of the midwives for James, but mostly it was pretty touristy. We brought home plate lunch for Jeff that tasted distinctly Local Beef moo-ey.

Later on I will make Chicken Papaya for dinner over rice and the beautiful Waimea day has turned into a typical foggy drizzle-y Waimea evening, but Jeff and the kids are fighting over the Xbox and all is normal in the Barrett household.

This year so far...not going well.

So last Sunday night, I had to leave abruptly as my dad had 95% kidney failure. James and I left and flew to Oakland and then drove a car straight to the hospital.

We are now back, but I cannot write about what happened just yet. I'm not even sure I know what happened just yet. He's on dialysis and he's doing better, but my trip is a giant blur of...yeah.

We have been taken....by suprease.

So three days ago we were discussing moving back to the mainland and decided that since work had dried up to a wrinkled prune, sooner was better than later. At the end of next month, we will be leaving the Islands.

And oh gosh, but that makes me sad.

The End of Christmas Break

And really, thank God for that. No, not really, but gosh is the house a whole hell of a lot fuller with four kids than it was with three. Or even two. *Gasp* that sure was a long time ago. So before they head off back to school, I took the kids to the Zoo in Hilo which is fairly small, but they enjoy it. Afterwards we went for ice cream at Baskin-Robbins and then we drove home on Saddle Road and took a few pictures of the snow on Mauna Kea.

The sun was out and everyone was happy. It proves to me once again that a good day isn't necessarily one where nothing goes wrong; just one that makes you smile.

Look, over there! It's Random Photos!

In light of the boy's health returning to full strength, and there being nothing of importance to report at this time, I give to you family shots of Kapa'a and Lapakahi State Parks.