Ben doing some watercolor with me on the beach while Sam swims. Like our little coconut water tray?

I was a little bummed about my 40th today because I usually have some grand plans – a couple years ago I lined up 5 days of adventures with friends, different ones each day from paddling to horseback riding. But this year, on the BIG ONE, I was so busy with work and selling/buying a house all in the same week that I just did not have time to get my head above water to plan anything at all. Even a simple glass of wine with my longtime friend Angel became out of reach by 4pm. Turns out she didn’t get my voicemail and was at the agreed-upon restaurant anyway, so thankfully I had showered and was able to hitch a ride with mom and the boys to meet up with her after all! Angel gave me a huge, bright, feathery boa thing and a hat to wear. We had a great time catching and were then joined by April and her husband. I decided to walk home and try to catch up with the boys before bed, then that turned into a jog. It’s just transportation, really, and if you go fast enough you don’t sweat. The wind cools you right off. When I got to the intersection where I choose between running down Kihapai or Oneawa, the choice was clear. If I was going to run home with a bright boa flying behind me in the wind, it would definitely be Kihapai. I was so fantastical looking that even the dogs forgot to bark (the ones which normally scare the bjeebers out of the kids and I when we jog by in daylight hours). They literally just stared, quietly. Then when I was well past them they started yapping with their buddies across the street – like, “Dude! What was that?!” I didn’t know I’d be having an event to remember tonight but as it turned out seeing the boys’ faces when I blew threw their bedroom door just in time to tuck them in with that wild boa around me and sweat dripping off my face – well, that was a great present. And…Sam taught me a very special trick. I am glad to learn something new with each birthday. That is a wonderful tradition. Mom – thanks for my very special “jingly” present – I will always treasure it! And love to my hubby who also purchased the family a very special gift…Aloha to all and to all a good night.