Memorial Day Hike.

Tim had to work Memorial day so Christina and I decided to take the kids on a hike. It was a running day but I was feeling a little sick so I thought a nice brisk walk would be nicer. Turns out carrying snacks, water, a camera and a 2 year old on your back is just about the same as pushing two kids up and down hills in a stroller. Ha! It was a 3 mile hike and we were dripping sweat by the end of it but it was a beautiful day and the white sand there looks like sugar. We had a sweet little picnic before heading back. I felt great until the next day and boy was my back sore! Regardless, it was one of those days where I just felt so grateful to be here on this beautiful island. We sure do love Saipan.

Senior Photos: Ruth

Ruth is graduating this year as well and has lived in Saipan her whole life. She wasn't super comfortable in front of the camera but once she laughed her whole face lit up! She wants to work with children and is looking into getting a degree in education.

Congratulations Ruth! 

These girls were a blast!

Senior Photos: Melanie

We have some GORGEOUS senior girls here in Saipan. I've worked with Melanie on modeling workshops, prom dress revisions, and all kinds of other fun girly things. She was a gem to work with and a natural in front of the camera. She's headed to Utah for college this summer and we are sure going to miss her!

Congrats Mel!

Tree Climbing

Tim was finally able to come to the beach with us on his off day a few weeks ago. I feel a little guilty that we frequent the beach so much and he's stuck indoors working. A few snorkeling trips though and he's good to go! The beach was beautiful that day (when is it not?) but our kids didn't want to swim. Instead I tried to teach them how to climb the coconut trees to get a fresh one to drink. I made it about halfway up before I realized I may not be as limber with this protruding belly of mine. The kids were in awe and Owen even tried to go up a few notches. June just kept asking me, "You okay?" Sweet girl. 

Beach Date

We went on a double date with our friends last week. It's always fun to be with other adults without the kids and I love seeing Tim interact with people. It makes me love him even more. Mushy enough for you?

The guys took their ladies out on their scooters and we looked like a mini motorcycle/moped gang. Ha!

We always have the most beautiful sunsets here in Saipan and that night was no exception.
Can you believe we've only had ONE visitor come out the entire time we've lived here?!
Flights aren't cheap but look what you're getting!

Our friends the Hochhalters

Seahorses in the Sky! 

After the beach we head to The Taste of Marianas Festival. It's only once a year and only on weekends for the month of May. The food is AMAZING. We've gone twice and I still can't seem to say no to the barbecue ribs. Tim's gotten the curry twice too so I don't feel that bad.

My man sure knows how to take out his girl!

Mother's Day 2013

Mother's Day meant so much to me this year. I was so aware of the love that my family feels for me and how lucky I am to be a mother at all. What's more is I'm able to do it with such an incredible man.

We went down to my favorite beach and I savored every snuggle.

And every kiss.

I can't believe how much this boy has grown! 

And my baby, who isn't really a baby anymore.

A husband who makes living in this GORGEOUS place a reality.

Sharing finds on the beach.

Monkey on Dad's back.

She's such a climber these days!

So grateful for the Mothers in my life. My own mother, my Mother in Law, my friends and even those who are yet to be mothers. I love you all and are thankful for your presence in my life.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

Swings make a comeback.

After almost 2 years our favorite park finally put the swings back up! 

Owen was so excited to see them that he totally booked it to the nearest one. 

June has never been much into swings. I finally got her to ride one but only if she was sitting in my lap. Instead she headed right for the sand and dirt.

We spent a few minutes watching the ferries go back and forth from Managaha (a small neighboring island).

And June refused to look at the camera about I wiped her nose. 

The End.

Tinian Day Two.

We woke up the next morning and rented a car to see the WWII sites. 

There isn't a lot to see but they are pretty significant in history. Both of us being history fanatics we were pretty excited about it.

The creepiest building on the island. Not even joking. I had to turn on all the lights in my room before I could write this story. This is the old communications building the Japanese used during the war. It's all run down and abandoned now (obviously). It's out in the middle of nowhere, not near any houses or within walking distance of anything. Tim went in first as I was taking pictures of the outside and told me he thought someone was in the building. He heard people talking. We were nervous that maybe some teenagers or even some homeless people were in there and that it might not be safe. We went ahead anyway. After walking around the base floor we headed up the stairs where I heard a man speaking. I thought for sure there was someone up there, possibly a government worker checking on the condition of the place. I actually thought we might get into trouble for poking around. We headed up the stairs and saw no one. We wandered around for a bit and then, as I passed a room I saw a man standing at the opposite end, looking right at me. Tim called me over to look at something and when I looked back he was gone. I kid you not, I saw it. When we left the building I told Tim about it and I was surprised that he didn't refute me at all. Tim is a very logical guy (I mean, he's a Doctor!) but he said he knew he heard voices and there was no one there. We looked everywhere. No one was there but us. 

Holy cow. I was freaked. 

*We spoke to some locals about it and they verified that it's most definitely haunted and that it's not within walking distance to anything so if there were no other cars there then we were for sure the only ones in there.

MOVING ON!!! PHEW!!!

The next place we went is called the Blow Hole. It was beyond beautiful. We must have stood there for who knows how long just watching the waves come crashing in. We kept saying we should go but another big wave would come and we'd say, "Okay, after this one!" It was amazing. We were also completely covered in salt after we left.

We went to see a bunch of old sites but the coolest was the atomic bomb pits and Runway Abel. It's amazing to think of what happened in that very spot all those years ago. It was definitely neat to see.

Taga Beach. You can't go to Tinian without going to Taga Beach. Out of all the beaches I've been to, this was my favorite. Especially sans kids. It was perfect for swimming, the color was beautiful and we had so much fun jumping from the rocks. 

We went back after dinner to watch the sunset. That was a real treat. We see plenty of beautiful sunsets in Saipan but most from our yard. Kids and the beach that late in our routine just doesn't really work. It was so  nice to not have a schedule or worry about holding tiny hands. It was beautiful and relaxing. A really great night.

And then Tim made me ugly laugh all the way back up to our room, making me just another annoying tourist. :-)