Random Pics

Last weekend we had friends over and we made S'mores in our fire pit.  It was the first official use of the pit.  The S'mores were good and made it feel like summer lasted just a bit longer.

We also went to the pumpkin patch last weekend.  We did not get any really good pictures but Eric liked these, so here they are.

School Pics

Dubai

Eric has sent his first pictures of Dubai.  He says it is hot...95 degrees F at 10 p.m. HOT!

View from his hotel room

A candy paradise

Tallest building in the world--Zbirj Khalifa Tower

Eric's hotel room---not too shabby

Aquarium in the mall

The tower again

Water sculpture at the mall

Close-up of the water sculpture

A water displays goes off hourly here but Eric said it was too hot to wait around

Another Trip to Moscow

Eric is in Moscow this week and then headed to Dubai.  Here are the latest pics of his travels.

High-end retail area

Mr. Handsome

First day of 6th grade

Carli started 6th grade this week.  And although she is excited for school, she is less excited to allow me to take any pictures.  I literally had to hold her down!  Let's hope Pearl is more agreeable to pictures next week when she starts kindergarten.

Molokini Snorkel Trip

Today we sailed out to Molokini with Paragon Sailing.  You arrive to the marina, sign in and are instantly served breakfast on the boat.  There were only 20 passengers, which was perfect.  We met a couple from New Zealand and two families from Portland!  We then begin to motor out of the harbor.  After a bit, the crew puts up the sails and we began to sail to Molokini.  We arrived at Molokini shortly after 9 a.m.  We all went right into the water.  The girls were not afraid at all.  There were fish everywhere--every shape, size and color.  I wish I had an underwater camera!

After about an hour, we got back on the boat (I was the last person on--I wanted to stay out there forever!).  We were then served lunch and sailed back.  The waters were much rougher going back because the trade winds came in.  Both girls were allowed to captain the ship and steer the wheel.  Carli had great fun with that.  We got wet from the water crashing onto the boat.

It was great fun.  We will definitely do it again on another trip to Maui.  Paragon was great.  I had read about some sailing outfits that constantly try to upsell you during your sail but not Paragon.  Everything was included.  The crew was attentive and knowledgeable.  It really was awesome!

Carli steering the ship!

Pearl was fearless!

Eric steering the ship--it is amazing we arrived!

Camera shy in the beginning.