Makoa's 11th Birthday

(2018)

I just have to start with how much I love this kid!

I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday and all he said was that he wanted was to skip school and go to the beach with me. He also tells me that I'm his Best Friend. What a kid, I tell ya. I know he has best friends and he likes me, too, but he also really wanted to skip school. Ha! 

So we started the morning how we do around here with bedroom door streamers. And we added balloons this time.

Koa came crashing through!
 

Man he is growing up way too fast!

The kids wanted to give him some of his presents in the morning. So, Afton gave his these rad shoes that she bought for him.

Emery gave him $100 (on socks) and was so excited about it!

I don't know who was more excited about this present, the receiver or the giver. Greg bought two, actually so that they could go out spear fishing together. But, man alive was Koa happy with this gift!

We were facetiming Greg, but I can't remember where he was. He must have had a training somewhere off island. (But, then he was back that night, so I don't know and he doesn't remember either.)

I sent the kids off to school, and Koa and I hit the beach. We went to one of our favorites, Sugar Cove.

We had to, of course, bring Cody with us too.

 

We had a great day at the beach!

Then we went back home, hopped on our bikes and grabbbed some gelato at Makawao General Store before heading over the Elementary school to pick up Emery from school and walk/ride home with her.

Later that evening we had a few friends (the Pinochi's) over to celebrate. Koa opened more presents and we had cake.

This present is a dolphin that turns into an airline pillow. He has been asking for one of these since he started traveling off island for swim meets.

 

Another Bonzi tree present. And Greg's home. Wish I could remember why he wasn't there in the morning but is home in the evening,

I made him a Death Star cake. It was a last minute cake, but still turned out alright.;p

His birthday loot!

And trying out some tricks on the Sbyke the next day.

 

Happy Birthday Makoa!

I love you and here are 11 reasons why...

1.  I love how active you are. You NeVeR seem to run out of energy. 

2.  I love that you have learned how to race. At swim meets, people are asking "Who's that kid? He's so fast." When it comes down to the end, you put your head down and really Race. It's so fun to watch.

3.  I love what a nice Big Brother you are to Emery, most days. You have been riding bikes to school together and you look out for her and take care of her.

4. You have got THE BEST dance moves! who knew?! Well, I guess, I did. Your "floss" is AwESomE!

5. I love the Big hugs that you still give me! You are getting taller and taller, but still fit just right when you hug me.

6.  I love that you are not afraid to try new things. You picked up skimboarding this year and just throw yourself in to those waves. You are getting pretty good at surfing, as well. 

7.  I love how comfortable you are getting in the ocean and that you are learning to spear fish and bring home dinner.

8.  I love, but also don't love that you are into this "annoying my sisters any way I can" stage. When I think about it, it's actually pretty funny.

9.  I love that you are learning to love to serve. Whenever dad goes out to do service for someone, you are usually by his side and you work hard, too.

10.  Which brings me to the fact that I love to see you learn how to work hard. Hard work brings our greatest joys and you are learning to see that.

11.  I think that my most favorite thing about you, right now, is that you are who you are and you aren't afraid to talk about what you believe and invite friends to church activities, no matter how many times you are rejected. You still be their friends and you still just be you! And I believe, that is a great gift that will get you far in life.

Now if only I could Freeze time, I think I would Freeze it now!