A charming little town named Kailua

Intense
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Being an adventurous lot, we decided to go kayaking on a beach on Oahu's northeast shore. It was by a charming little town named Kailua. We quickly learned that a 2 person kayak requires 2 adults, and not an adult and an 8 year old named Alex. In his defense, the seas were rough, but I don't think we are going to have him try it once more until he is at least 16.

Even though we did the kayaking was somewhat a disaster, we fell in love with the beach. Absolutely stunning; soft sand and Caribbean blue seas. I would recommend renting a house on that beach to anyone.
RAP (3.28.2008)

I love Hawaii!

Those who are about to surf salute you
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last Thursday at 11, Jenny and Michael took surfing lessons. Jenny loved it and so did Michael. They both had several good rides, but Michael did have a complication. After his first ride, he stepped on sea urchin. Ouch.

He carried on, and had several good rides afterwards, but it did hurt, and it looks nasty. However, Michael is Michael, and something like this will not ruin his trip. On Friday, he was out in the ocean with his mother, not too far from where he stepped on that nasty, and he volunteered, "I love Hawaii!"
RAP (3.27.2008)

Why are there girls on the cover of every one of these?

Beach Bums
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

We made it to Hawaii safe and sound, without incident, or serious delay. We relaxed at the hotel on the day of our arrival, but the next morning we spread our wings and explored Waikiki. We walked east along the beach, towards Diamondhead, enjoying the sand, surf and sights. On our journey back, we traveled along the main thoroughfare where all the expensive stores are. On this walk, Alex collected the guides for each individual island to share with his class; after collecting several he asked out loud, "Why are there girls on the cover of every one of these?" I just laughed, and told him that is because people like to look at pretty girls.
RAP (3.26.2008)

All Hail Great and Powerful Mom

All Hail Great and Powerful Mom
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

For some reason, or another, Alex decided he wanted a ukulele; I secretly think he did this just so I would learn to spell the word. The problem was he spent all his capital on a pedal boat rental on the day of our arrival. Being an enterprising young man, he resolved to earn the 12 dollars he needed to get not just a Ukulele, but the one with dolphins on it that he so fancied. He tried many strategies, such as back rubs for a dollar, but my favorite was when he fanned my dad and Jenny like an emperor and empress of old. It was not something he solicited, like a squeegee man he just did it hoping to be compensated. He only earned a smile for that, but soon he had enough, and he attained the magical ukulele. RAP (3.25.2008)

Wheels turning in his head

Attack
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last week I attended Alex's parent teacher conference, and what was discussed is what you would expect; he is gifted in the classical sense, and he will never have academic problems. All he needs to do is contain his personality a bit more. During the discussion, his teacher, who adores him, talked about how he was special. Alex immediately responded by asserting that everyone is special.

This was not lip service, or an Eddie Haskell imitation. I know this because I was watching him, and as he said it he was staring off into space. Alex does not have eye contact problems, but when he is in thought his eyes lose their focus or he stairs at the ground; it is as if he is trying to turn them off, so they don't distract him. I divine this, because I do the same thing. The easiest time to observe this is when he is playing pretend; he will pace about staring at the earth as he collaborates in a fantasy with his brother, and if you look close enough, you can see the wheels turning in his head.
RAP (3.17.2008)

She's a tomboy!

Digging Our Way Out
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael fell asleep during Grease Saturday night, but he wanted to see the rest of the movie, so he and I watched the ending the other evening. We were watching the "Gift of the Magi" sequence, where they sing "You are the one that I want." When Olivia Newton John appeared on screen in her all black, with her permed hair, high heels and bright lipstick Michael took one look at her and excitedly screamed, with a sense of wonder overflowing, "She's a tomboy!"

I learned two things in that moment. The first made me laugh to myself: Michael does not understand what a tomboy is in the conventional sense. The other thing, the more important one, is I think I just got a handle on what type of personality Michael likes in girls. It shall be an interesting adolescence.
RAP (3.13.2008)

Slumber Party

Old Blue Eyes
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

When Bill and Wendy spent the night Saturday, I volunteered to have Jake in my room so they could sleep easier only having to take care of Ellie. We had him in our room Christmas Eve, and Jake and I get along very well. I thought that he would be in the pack and play I set up, but Bill suggested putting him in my bed; we never let Michael and Alex do this, except when they were sick when I wanted to keep on ear on their breathing. However, this is the way he sleeps at home and our bed is huge, so why not?

Much like his godmother, he wants to be right next to you when he sleeps. I wake up many times through out the night, and no matter where he was when I closed my eyes, each time they opened his face was about an inch from my face, almost nose to nose. Since I didn't have my contacts on, I can actually focus at that distance, which is kind of surreal and a bit startling. He was a good boy, not crying during the night, just occasionally asking for his blankie which would get lost under the comforter. In he morning, he just sat there, even though he could here the boys and his dad, just happy as could be, but he was with his favorite Uncle after all.
RAP (3.12.2008)