From the back of a convertable.....

The family hit the road this weekend to tour a bit of Oahu in our new "old" car. Our car is nothing to write home about but we are all quite smitten with old beater. We headed up to the north shore where we saw the biggest waves I have ever seen in my entire life. It was like walls of water crashing on the shore - simply amazing. Here's some of what we saw today:

Matt's new baby

Notice the man standing on the rock in right side of the picture.

I love that bananas just grow here - no big deal.

The lovely hibiscus, Hawaii's state flower.

These fascinate me...although a modern flair to the landscape, they are somehow pretty.

Oh how she's changing

I hope this post finds everyone doing well. Some quick updates on Alma:

1) She cut her first tooth for which Matt and I are so grateful. It was a rough week and she was very uncomfortable. But she is back to herself, thank goodness

2) She got her first freckle - I was wondering when or if it would show up. But without a doubt she has a freckle on the back of her left leg behind her knee. Lets see if it multiplies

3) She started drinking water out of a big cup (well a sippy cup) but she likes it and it keeps her busy

4) We are up to three steps in a row before she plops down to safety.

Thought we would share a video from our lazy Sunday at the beach. We have a new beach spot that is much less windy and more family friendly. In the video you will see a Hawaiian Monk Seal who lives at the beach. It is an endangered species so extra care is taken to give the seal his/her space. It was a treat to see this "little" guy.

Afternoon with my Girl

Alma and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon so much so that I thought I would share. We had sunshine for most of the day which is rare on our part of the island. We typically get sun for a few hours in the morning and then clouds tend to cover in the afternoon. The clouds get caught by the Koʻolau mountains which make up the backdrop of our view. Today was an exception.

We had a cool start to our day so we played inside....happy girl. 

But the day quickly warmed up and we wondered out on the Lanai to hang out with Klaus and Lili.

The animals both love to sun bathe and Alma loves to be with these guys.

As the day warmed up, we headed off to the playground.

Alma inspecting whatever she can get her hands on.

Not real interested in the slide yet.

Quick photo with Mom.

Our view from the playground (this is behind the pool and Clubhouse).

Pretty trees...pretty girl.

January....here we go

I love her serious face (she's concentrating on the camera).

I am hoping to be more diligent about posting this year so I thought I would start the year off right with just a simple "what we have been up to this week" post. This has been a week of first for the Schmidt's. Matt had his first day at the University of Hawaii while Alma and I had our first day home alone without him (we all were a little bummed that Daddy had to go back to work). I ventured out alone with Alma for the first time sense I arrived on the island. I'm still learning my way around and a bit nervous as our GPS doesn't do so great here. And perhaps most exciting Alma is standing on her own now with confidence. Oh and she learned how to flush the toilet yesterday which brought much joy and amazement (to her, not me). Tomorrow she gets her 9-month pictures made. Can't wait to share these with you all.

See no hands

Wish this picture had sound effects....she's making her famous noise.

Any time I bring out the camera this is what she wants.

Happy New Year!

A little review of our amazing year. We are truly blessed!