5 Now all the boys are in - this was an all-boy hike!
6 Good shaka, Ben :) This is "jump-off" tree.
7 The last steep climb back to the truck.
8 Making a huge volcano with daddy.
9 Our friend's little girl, Rachel, trying out a sand toy for the first time!
10
11 The caldera grows...
12 "Ah! Mom! Don't take a picture of ME! Only the huge volcano crater!"
13 Ben saying "I'm in the ballcano!"
14 Working together peacefully for a moment. Every now and then we catch a glimpse of what I hope will be the emergence of friendship more than rivalry.
15 While waiting for a flight to the mainland, Dave and Sam broke out the checkerboard for the first time. Here is Sam learning the ins and outs of the game. He loves this time with his dad and is a quick learner. He just gets very attached to his Kings and doesn't want to sacrifice even one. Leads to many a stalemate ;0
16 After breakfast at Big City Diner, Sam and Ben decide to go get balloons. I offered to let Sam walk Ben around and show him how to ask for one. Letting the boys depend on each other a bit to solidify a bond of friendship vs rivalry. Here they are struggling through the heavy door, hand in hand.
17 And taken through the door (Mom, I can see you doing the same thing!) while they wait for a waitress to come help them.
18 A nice one came along and let them choose colors!
19 Waiting for it to be filled.
20 One for each! These balloons are like bringing home two extra babies, though. The boys like to walk them around, bop them at each other, bounce them around in the car, watch them dance in the wind blowing through the windows, screech when they get out of reach... But it's worth it. They love them.
21 Taking the balloons on a little hike out in front of Big City Diner.
22 Peering out at a lady who is walking a dog.
23 Now at Sports Authority, rescuing one of the errant "babies." As it turns out, Alfonso knows us through my friend Heidi! See story posted on 11/22/10.
24 Then on to a hike at Kuliou'ou Valley. Beautiful forest.
25 Boys having man time with Daddy.
26 And finding the opportunity to be nice to each other for a minute or two.
27 "Pot-too-bot! What does that mean? heh heh heh!" Priceless boys :)