Kanaha WIndsurfing...Again

There is a sport in our family that gets neglected.  Yes, neglected and ignored.  It took the invitation of our neighbor to get us back out to the windsurfing mecca Kanaha.

History.  My parents came to Maui on vacation in the late 80's or early 90's.  They laid on the grass over Hookipa and watched the windsurfing.  It did something to my dad.

He went home to Arizona and bought used windsurfing equipment.  He wanted to do it.  He invited Troy to come do it with him.

Windsurfing is like a drug.  Windsurfing is an obsession.  I have seen my father and my husband, Troy, while living in the middle of Arizona, feel the wind, load the car and drive any given distance to find a body of water big enough to sail on.  Calling these lakes, bodies of water...is a stretch.  One year there was more snow run off than usual and a normally dry prairie filled with water.  It is called Rogers Lake, and I had never been there until it filled with water.  I had to be amused at the sight: A van full of equipment, wet suits, and adrenalin seeking men.  Outside: a prairie filled with icy cold snow run-off, spring wind, moderately warm weather conditions - 60 degrees and the determination of two windsurf infected men.  They sailed in Ashers lake, Mormon lake, Lake Powell and the Cholla power plant cooling pond.  Yes, a power plant cooling pond.

Then we moved to Maui.

Maui is one of the best windsurfing locations in the world.  People come from all over to sail.  Kanaha beach offers some wave sailing, and great slalmon or speed sailing.  Hookipa is all about the waves.

Troy now having constant wind, real equipment and warm conditions, became a real windsurfer.  He loves it.  He loves speed.  He started competing in 2003 winning the championships in his class every year that he raced.  It was fun, he was awesome.   He practiced after work and between the births of his children.  One baby girl was born the morning of one of his races.  He was torn, to race or be present?  His wife won.  I think he regrets missing the race.

I admit I have tried, I have been blown away, I have had to be rescued by a lifeguard on a jet ski.  I have mostly tried to be the good wife, supporting my windsurfing infected husband.  Playing in 25 mile an hour wind with little children and showering them off in a shower that blows sideways because of the wind.  Yes, I have been cold at the beach in Maui...lots.  I have taken the approach of lessons to try and get hooked, but addictions are different for everyone.

Fast forward to present day.  Troy has taken a long leave of absence due to health issues and work demands.  Life has been hard for him.  It is not fun when you can't play.  Today life is getting better and although Troy has sold all of his equipment, (to our neighbor) our neighbor is generous with his time and equipment.  He even has a little star board that is perfect for Ethan.

So we accompanied our neighbor to Kanaha.
Ethan and Sydney were amped to try out the little board.  Ethan did great, but as the board was not big enough for Sydney or I we took to running the beach, building forts and swimming.

Troy got to sail.  He was happy.  Life seemed to slow down and be a good throw back into the past.  Ethan got to sail.  He was happy.  Troy is stoked that his kids want to sail.  The kids had so much fun.  We only froze a little bit and we all want to go back...with a bigger board for Sydney and I to play on.  Maybe Troy can race this summer - 2011.

See you at the beach!

Kauai

Today is conference Sunday. I love Conference. What could be better then laying in bed and listening to inspired messages and beautiful voices singing my favorite hymns? Not to mention the occasional dozing that can be done and the immense amount of snuggling that bonds our little family together.

Speaking of family, the kids and I had the opportunity to go to Kauai over spring break and see lots of family. Family is a funny thing. We love them, or we feel compelled to love them. We hope that they love us or feel compelled to love us. We go to great lengths to please them, prove our love and make lasting memories. What creates that bond? I know that there is a bond, because the absence of a bond creates a painful void. Is it parental familiarity, womb envy, DNA sharing, common ancestry or just sibling rivalry in a spirit of kindness? I don't know. I am pondering the very subject as I write. I really do not expect to ever understand it, but I do know that I love my family.

My parents just finished a beautiful house right on the beach so we literally jetted off to visit the new abode. Me and my little crew of 4.

My highlights included a Kayak paddle to Hanalei bay. This was accompanied by my dad, my son Ethan and my nephew Griffin. We started in the calm, reef protected bay of Anini Beach and explored the coast line. We found a small water fall entering the ocean and climbed up the smooth black lava rocks to a small pool of fresh water. There were huge crawdads in the small stream. As we attempted to leave the shelter of the reef, the bottom or our kayak's drug as the swells retreated into the ocean. It must have been comical to watch my father and I paddle, push and bounce our way over the barrier. Once outside the reef, the ocean was rolling with awesome swells. I love the feeling of being on top of the wave. Feeling that the ocean is breathing and I am on the chest of a watery giant. The view was amazing. Deep green mountains, creased with white paths of long waterfalls, the blue breathing ocean, the white foam from the waves and the smiles of my family. Griffin and Ethan caught a wave on the way into Hanalei bay and had a fantastic ride.

When we got to the beach, we watched a group of spinal injury patients have a surfing clinic. I borrowed some sun screen from one of the event coordinators and she offered us some refreshments which were welcomed by Ethan. It was neat to see the recovering patients have the incredible opportunity to get out on a surf board and ride the little waves.

Later Grammy arrived with the rest of the crew. They brought surf boards, so even though my arms were tired, I paddled out with Ethan to the big waves of Hanalei bay. It was a long paddle and painful with my sore arms, but that is what Mothers do for their surf crazed children. We didn't do too well, as Ethan was on a beginner board in advanced waves and I was just not committing as the waves were big and the crowd was dominating. I did manage to take a direct hit to the side of my shin bone with a board and I am still sporting a mangled muscle, 3 weeks later. Thanks to arnica gel it did not get too discolored and by the next day I could hardly feel it, but it hurt so bad when it happened.

All the cousins went crabbing one night. That is such a fun activity for the kids. I love walking behind them, watching the flashlights, listening to the squeals and screams and looking up at the stars. One of my nephew's came to show me how to hold a crab (which I may have taught him 10 years ago) it was very sweet and then funny as he accidentally squished the crab while telling me to hold it gently. Thanks Morgan.

Going to Uncle Greg's Playground, I mean house was the highlight for my kids. There are skateboards, bikes, ropes to climb, rings, swings and best of all a boat. We all had alot of fun wake boarding, water skiing and surfing behind the boat. Ethan and Sydney wake boarded. Ember surfed with me and Sophie liked doing doughnuts in the back of the boat. Sydney was impressed that her mom could ski on one ski and make walls of water. I love that I can still out perform my kids. I know that they will be teaching me new things before too long so I better enjoy my last years of superiority. I loved being behind the boat. I have missed that. Thanks Greg.

Ember and I were both up early one morning and we made a mechanical bird. The idea was in the Family Fun magazine and Captain had all the supplies organized on his work bench. I love that he keeps everything, and keeps it organized. I bet he didn't even know that he had everything to make a mechanical bird! (Okay, he probably did.) Thanks Dad.

There was also the yummy food, friends that we had not seen in a long time and new friends. 

Family is good. Bonds. Kindness. Love. Patience. Fun. Learning. Adventure. Kauai.

TP for Babysitting

It has been a long week. Longer as we are starting to feel better, but not well enough to go outside and play. I was so ready for a break from being in my house that I snuck away Saturday and had a fun haircut and bought hair stuff, which is a good change from my norm. The Lady who cut my hair was named Stacy and I really liked her. She took a good 45 minutes to blowdry my hair and tame the frizzys out of it. It was just the pampering I needed after pampering everyone else all week. At the end she exclaimed, "You look georgous! Call up your husband and tell him to take you to dinner." (See why I really liked her) Not one to be disobedient when someone tells me to do something enjoyable, I called Troy and told him to get ready to go out.
Now what to do with the kids? Usually a movie is the easy enertainment, but we have really over played the movie card this week, so I told the kids that they could all play with Toliet paper while we were gone. I have a history of decorating with TP. It is in the cosmic genes that I feel obligated to pass on to my children. It is clean, white, soft, biodegradable, long, handy, educational and fun! Here are the homecoming pictures:






So next time you need an easy entertainment...Remember...it is under the bathroom sink!

Flu inspired: Lemon Veggie Soup

We are all sick. I think it is the flu, but we are all experiencing different symptoms: Sore throat, headache, achy legs and back, runny nose, tired, grumpy, throw in some vomit and we have a stay at home date for several days. I am glad that we are all sick at the same time, but it is quite an adventure. I really wanted a yummy Lemon veggie soup that they make at the Makawao Garden Cafe, but she did not have any today, so I thought, I guess I will have to make it myself.

After consulting several online recipe's, I came up with a plan, making it with what I had on hand. It turned out so yummy I am blogging the recipe, so I won't forget it.

Saute 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic and 2 inches of ginger (crushed) in 2 T olive oil and 2 T butter.
Add 2 1/2 T of Better that Bouillon Chicken Stock and one quart of water.
Add 1/2 C wheat berries and simmer for 1 hour or until berries are tender.
Chop whatever veggies you have, I had celery, carrots and broccoli.
When wheat berries are done add additional water and veggies just until done not too long.
Salt to taste and add the juice of one lemon. Feels so good on a sore throat and gentle on the tummy!

I would have taken a picture, but what is the point, you can't taste a picture, or smell a picture...so when we are not all sick, come over and I will make a fresh pot!

Whales and Ember's First Grade Class

Ember's class had a field trip this month to go out Whale Watching with the Pacific Whale Foundation. It was a great day, beautiful weather, calm seas and lots of whales. I didn't get much action on video, but I did get 2 baby breaches!

Amy's Day Out

My Friend Laura called Thursday morning and asked if I wanted to go fly to Hana in a Cessna 172 with her and her husband and brother in law. I believe that you should never pass up an opportunity to do something new, so I said YES! I called another friend to take Sophie for the morning and I hurried to the airport.

On the way out, we flew above the ocean and watched the beautiful coast.

Then we landed in Hana, hiked to the State Park and went for a refreshing swim. The weather was perfect: A little overcast and not too hot.


We flew over the mountain on the way home and I could not count all the waterfalls we saw. The trip home only lasted about 10 minutes...which was way too short for all the beautiful things to see, and so amazing...in a car it takes a good 2 hours.


This day and this week was a reminder of the amazing friends that I have. I am so very blessed, spoiled and loved!

Hana Waves of Fun

2011 Christmas Letter

This year has been a whirlwind of fun, learning, challenge, and change. We are very blessed to have our sweet family to grow with. Everyone is doing well and happy. We have really been trying to focus on the important things this season and I love that my kids are all growing a love for our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that he knows and loves each of us. We love the stories of his birth and the examples of his life. I found this quote that sums it up so nicely: "The greatest man in History, Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master, had no degree, yet they called him Teacher, had no medicines, yet they called him Healer, had no army, yet kings feared him, won no military battles, yet he conquered the world, committed no crime, yet they crucified him...He was buried in... a tomb, yet he lives today." We celebrate his birth!

I asked the family to each share a summary of the year in their own words, followed by their favorite thing about Christmas:

Sophie (3) I loved playing at my friend Makena's and our tea parties. I like to hike in the woods and go to the beach.
Favorite thing about Christmas: I like goats and I like to get one.

Ember (6) This past year, I accomplished soccer and the year was pretty good. We did some really exciting things like going on an airplane with my dad and he drove. And we went to the Big Island.
Favorite thing about Christmas: I like giving other people presents and their expressions and even more I like getting presents. And sometimes we do plays and I like that too. And I really, really like to wake up on Christmas morning and see how many presents are under the tree

Ethan (10) This year was fun and long like always. I surfed a lot and learned how to short board. I got a Kazuma for my birthday and I did my first surf competition. I got better at soccer and swimming and my ears got bigger - hopefully.
Favorite thing about Christmas: I like that there is no school. It is fun getting presents for other people, but funner to get presents.

Sydney (12) If I had to put a price on this year it would be priceless. I learned a lot. Learning can be really fun if you have a good attitude about it. Anything is good with a good attitude. I got better at mountain biking and swimming. I think it is really exciting to be in Young Women at church and I enjoyed giving my first talk.
Favorite thing about Christmas: When you see everyone open presents that you give them and how much fun they like and enjoy them. And I like when friends and family come to celebrate.

Amy (28) I am learning to let things go so I can get the important things done. I am also learning some discipline and self control. I can keep to a schedule - (almost) and I have made a meal calendar that is making my dinner life easier. I am looking forward to going to disneyland...anytime! I also learned that it is next to impossible for my family to take a good family picture.
Favorite thing about Christmas: The smells of pine needles, gingerbread cookies and peppermint. Having my kids home to play and their enthusiasm for everything. Drinking eggnog. Relaxing.

Troy (30) I really enjoyed my time in Moab discovering the desert. I had fun training and competing in my first bike race. Learning to enjoy where I live more and I really enjoyed my calling at church and learning so much.
Favorite thing about Christmas: Music

So there you have the Anderson Christmas letter. We love you all and miss you. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Big Island Trip 2010

Troy was working over on the Big Island quite a bit this summer and one weekend
we got to go and visit him and play!
The kids and I flew into the Hilo Airport, got some Taco Bell and then headed towards the volcano and found the funnest, free, zoo! It was the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. It is free to get in and it has a white tiger, ant eater, deer and lots of strange reptiles which Ethan loved and lots of other neat animals.

Looking at the Tiger

Namaste

Ethan didn't get to hold any reptiles, but he did catch a baby chick.



Then we left the Zoo, got into the cool air conditioning of the van and headed to the volcano!

We could not see the lava, but the kids thought that all the smoke and the steam vents were so cool!

After our fill of the Volcano, we decided to head to Kona side. A 2 hour drive give or take some. We did drive through Hilo town and I had forgotton how beautiful the Japanese park, river and little harbor was. I would like to stay over there some day!

The drive is beautiful. Very lush and green all the way to Waikoloa where the landscape drastisticly changes to brown, dry and lava fields. It is quite a change. Painful on the eyes after all the green beauty.

We made it to Troy in time to go to dinner at the Macaroni Grill. It was yummy, but the best part was seeing Dad and going to our fun hotel. One day we went to the Hilton Waikoloa and did all the fun things at that resort. Troy and I had not been there since Sydney was about 2 years old.

There are these great vintage boats that take you around the resort property.




One of my favorite things is watching the Dolphins. There was even a 3 week old dolphin that we got to see nursing and swimming with his momma.


Then we decided to play in the lagoon. There are kayaks, paddle boards, bike boats, paddle boats, snorkels, and sand. We all had alot of fun trying everything out. There were turtles and lots of other sea life in the lagoon. Ethan and I even saw an eel out swimming!


The Lagoon...Sophie and I are sitting out there on a paddle board. Ethan and Sydney are swimming.
Sydney on a paddle board.

Troy and Ember on boards.

Ethan loved the kayaks.

Troy and Emmy on the bike boats. Ember could barely reach but she did it. She did get down on the side and try peddling with her hands on a single bike!



Sophie love it all, but she is also happy in the sand.


Sydney on a bike.

Ethan charging the waterfall.


Cycling with Daddy

There are so many neat statues!


So that was the summer 2010 Big island trip...can't wait for the next one !!!

I love Thanksgiving!

Thankful Tom the Turkey

Every Thanksgiving we make a Thankful Turkey. This year I decided to name him Tom. We hang him in the window and on Family Home Evening we write things we are thankful for on some feathers and make Tom a nice colorful tail.


So what is written on the Feathers? I will tell you:

Sydney writes:
I am thankful for - My family for all they do for me and teach me (sitting up straight) and all the fun times we have together.

For the light of the sun, moon and stars that let us see to do all of our sports and fun past times.

I love having the opportunity to have in education and go to school.

Books and the storys they tell me and the adventures they wiske me away on.

Ethan writes:
Animals
Pets
Sun
Earth

Ember writes:
I am thankful of the world.
I am thankful of ym bed.
I am thankful for my family.
I am thankful of ym frers. (not sure what this is...I will ask her later)

Sophie told me to write:
Jesus
Candy
Momma
Family

Troy writes:
I am thankful for trees, scriptures, bicycles, water, chocolate, agave, family, motorcycles and fruit.

I am thankful for my wonderful, beautiful, hardworking, pretty, patient wife.

I am thankful for my nice, funny, and happy kids.

Amy Writes:
I am so grateful for so many things in my life.

First I am grateful for the knowledge I have of my Savior Jesus Christ. I love knowing that he is my brother and that because he loves me, he gave his life to atone for my imperfections. I am grateful for the chance to achieve a place in heaven. I am grateful for my free agency and the ability to make decisions. I am grateful for a mind that allows me to think and weigh the consequences of my decisions.

Second I am so grateful for the love of Troy. I am grateful to be married to a man that sees me as his equal, his friend, his confidant, his support, his advisor, his help meet, his wife, his eternal companion. I travel down this road of life in good hands.

Third I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. I am blessed with 4 different and amazing children. I am also grateful to the goodly parents that brought me up with love and kindness. They showed me how to be the parent that I have become. Grateful to all the generations before that shared love with their posterity, a beautiful legacy to pass down.

I am grateful for the beautiful world that we live in. For each new day and the surprises that it holds.

I am grateful for friends and for all the amazing people in the world that have crossed my path and made me a better person.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jaws

No Sharks, Just really big waves. In the winter, Maui's north shore gets epic size waves. There is a famous break in Peahi called Jaws. We went out with Sydney's school (there are only 13 kids, so field trips are a breeze) on Election day to vote for our favorite wave. Ethan, Ember and Sophie came along.


Viewing the waves at Jaws takes some determination and some local knowledge. Off the Hana Highway there are two roads that offer some viewing options. The first is Hahana Rd. The other is my secret. Hahana road gets lots of traffic, its crowded, and sunny but a good fun place to view the action. Both spots require a hike through a pineapple field, unless you know someone willing to lend you a key to the gate. Both are amazing places to watch the awesome feats of the daring surfers that charge these enormous waves.


The waves move so fast that you cannot paddle onto them, so the riders are towed in by an experienced jet ski driver. These ski's are the pull as well as the life guards. It is fun to see them work together to do a rescue when a surfer gets into a bad place. They make it look easy, but I know it takes a lot of skill. To date no one has lost their life at Jaws.


Ethan was truly impressed by the size of the waves and the bravery of the riders.


Sydney liked climbing the trees with Lexi.


Ember was hungry and Sophie wanted to pick all the Amaryllis flowers.


I could have brought a chair and watched for the better part of the day.