Lazy Days. Island Life.

As we settle in to this new house, our rhythm of life is already shifting. It may be that it’s summertime, but I also feel that the island lifestyle is contagious. In fact, as we drove down the road one day, painted on the side of the street was the phrase “ALOHA IT’S A LIFESTYLE”. I believe it. The slow pace, lack of calendar commitments, and only basic, daily responsibilities are a welcomed change.

Some notables and differences from home from our first 2 weeks here:

• I spend much of my time outside. It’s cooler outside with the breeze and it’s just quite inviting. Yes, we have A/C, but they are mini splits in the rooms—and because the power is so costly here, we are giving it a go without using A/C. Livin’ like a local. (Or maybe not!) And don’t worry, family that are coming to visit, we won’t forbid you from using the A/C if you need to. :)

•I’m getting used to being in a constant state of sweat. I’m very aware of breezes and am much more appreciative of this simple pleasure. 

• I find myself staring at palm trees for extended periods of time. I find them to be so calming as they sway in the breeze.

• I have not blown dry or “done” my hair since we’ve been here. And have only worn mascara and lip gloss occasionally.

• As of right now, I overpacked.

• Luke thinks that clothes are optional. (Thankfully this doesn’t apply outside of the household.)

• We grocery shop as a family. This has NEVER happened. I like it, though my already decision-making-inability is challenged even more with all the little opinions and suggestions chiming in. I need to have a plan before we go in there. 

• Cabell makes the coffee in the morning. I make breakfast.

• We have 1 car and so far it is working out fine. We are just a big family unit all the time.

• To that end, the kids have exhausted us and each other with their arguing and bickering. In fact, a “first” happened just the other day. And I hope it was a “last”, too. We went out for lunch to a spot down the road that we saw on Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives. We sat down and within 2 minutes, the children were either complaining, arguing about what to order or who the heck even knows. It was a miserable entry to a nice lunch. So, we got up and left. The shock and horror on the kids’ faces were undeniable. We took the kids home and Cabell and I went back to the restaurant and enjoyed the lunch by ourselves. We talked through the situation and truly, it was one of the hardest things we’ve done (to actually follow through with something like that), but it sure made an impression. It was a teachable moment to discuss gratitude, appreciation, and kindness. As we were enjoying fish burgers (as seen on the show), they had, yet another, PBJ at home with no technology allowed. Yikes. 

• Boogie boarding and playing in the waves never seem to get old.

• Daddy and Lawson have had several surfing bonding nights while the younger 2 and I hold down the fort. These are some of the boys’ favorite memories and times thus far.

• The “wild life” around our house is crawling...roaches, ants, lizards, fruit flies and flies. The roaches are no joke and even though I’m used to them from Florida, I’m still scared of them when I see them crawling...or flying! While the boys were surfing the other night, my brave Lilly chased one down, squashed it, and flushed it...all while I was outside, cheering her on. 

• We’ve enjoyed swimming together, pool monkey in the middle, Scattergories, and watching Impractical Jokers together. 

•Cabell is on the phone working until about 1-2 pm during the week. The goal is that after that, we keep the phones at a distance (me included) and be present with each other. This is one of the habits that we are trying to form during our time here and it has proven to be one of the hardest so far. But we have time to continue practicing.
• Lawson tried out for the 7-12th grade volleyball team and made it! I was super proud of him for trying out for a sport that he’s never played with people that he doesn’t know.
• Lilly lost a tooth! After days of not being able to eat well without it hurting, big brother, Lawson, pulled her tooth out for her! The tooth fairy made it to Hawaii and brought $5.
• We are still enjoying our fresh mangos and Cabell has perfected the mango daiquiri. 

• Walking on the beach is invigorating—the wind blowing, mountains in the distance, watching surfers and kite surfers, and the waves crashing.
• We had our first hurricane scare, but thankfully, Erick went south and Flossie seems to be going north. 

• I love swinging and reading in the hammock or eno. Most days, you can find me there.
• Lilly and Luke made a friend down the street and have enjoyed playing together!

I’ll be really curious as to how starting school on August 12th will change our rhythm and pace. Our hope is not too much. We have 1 week left of summer and plan to enjoy some outings and adventures this week.

Spreading aloha to you, near and far.

XOXO