Celebrating the centennial of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

We have been so looking forward to the awards ceremony held today at HVO/Jagger Museum. There were the dignitaries present along with students, teachers, family, and friends. It was a gorgeous clear day that began with quite a nip in the air.

Elijah went up with his teacher, Lynn Pena, to receive recognition for his first place poster and prize. He was given a beautiful Lei he presented to Lynn before accepting his prize.

If you are wondering what the big man in blue is doing, he was helping to hold down the tent as the wind whipped through the Park.

We were invited to see the HVO offices usually restricted to the public. They had many varied displays to entertain and educate. This board with the winning posters hung in their main lobby.

PROUD MAMA!

The next photos were taken from the HVO tower from which we could see Halema'uma'u Crater (smoking below) part of the Kilauea Caldera. We could also see clearly Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

Elijah had the opportunity to use his prize - Bushnell waterproof binoculars from the tower. He also received a great book 'Volcano Watching'.

We had wished to spend the day enjoying the entertainment but it was time to rush to Elijah's soccer game in Kea'au shortly after the ceremony. This was such a great experience for all the children in attendance. I am sure at least one of them will become a volconologist.

Mauna Ulu Hike

Since the kids were out of school today, we met up with the boy scouts and did a short hike at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The last time there was an eruption at this site was in 1974 when the lava spewed into the air 1500 feet or so. The guy in yellow is a park ranger who was our interpreter guide.

This was Aila's first hike in 'the' backpack of her older siblings. She had a great time.

The woman in the hat at right is from Lynchburg.

This was along a rift zone where the ground split and the other wall rolled off toward the ocean.

This lava formation is created by the lava flowing around a tree and cooling. There were several flows that created this mushroom shape.

I think they were looking for Pele's tears.

This is another flow around a tree. You can see the tree is quite small. This particular one has fallen over. The tree that created the mushroom shaped lava rock was a bit smaller, maybe the size of my arm.

 We finished the day by going to the visitor center and then the military camp where the kids played games, had a picnic, hot cocoa and some fun on the playground.

Watch them grow....

Lotus coloring with her friend Aurora

Aila is a serious driver

There is not much that makes laundry fun except this.

Mahalo to Joe

The children of Hui Kukui were so excited to have a beautiful loft to play in. The class made a book of beautiful pictures as their thanks to Joe for his loving work. He will be their hero for quite some time to come.

WORKS OF ART

Joe has been burning the midnight oil getting this loft completed for Lotus' classroom. I think we have a business possibility. The children have been so excited and are enjoying their new play area. Parents are motivated to make their own homes in this style. Joe cut the o'hia logs and guava (pickets) and thanks to a couple folks, he was able to gift the Kinderhale with this wonderful abode.

During the holidays, Lotus made a snowomen with a hat and Elijah a snowman. Maybe they will get to painting them this month.

We are all about recycling around here so Elijah gave Lotus his connectagons which we all love. Elijah made Lotus this flower to show her what amazing things you can do with them.

And I am finally getting Aila in action with her latest work of art...the perfected crawl.

TWO FIRSTS

Usually a first would be something Aila has done to impress us and although I am including such an event I first want to share some terrific news about Elijah. Yesterday, January 4th, Elijah's teacher approached us with some crazy news about OUR ELIJAH. Please read the note she included in his homework packet....

We are so excited and proud of Elijah for his hard work. This was quite the boost both he and Yasmine needed, he being one of the youngest in the class and her being a new student this year.

The Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory (USGS) is located in Hawaii Volcano National Park. They will be displaying the winning art works on their website. I will keep you updated as to when this will happen. You can see what the contest requires by going to http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/education/postercontest2011/Poster_Contest_Guidelines.pdf

One more note, I should have said 'Three Firsts' since Elijah also has been invited to be on the regional 'Select Soccer Team'. Eight boys were selected and Elijah was one of them! Way to go Elijah!!!


Okay, not to forget the other first...Aila eating her first biscuit. Wednesday she also drank a whole coconut by herself and had a few nibbles of homemade 3-seeded bread while at the Hilo Farmers Market. The bath was needed to help with clean-up.

Yes, we still take an occasional bath in the kitchen to help mom with her work.


And in case you noticed the red dots all over Aila's face...no, they are not chicken pox. Lately, we have had a awful bought of mosquitoes in the house. This picture shows Aila behind her mosquito net.

Times Are A Changin'

Over the weekend, Alia began putting more effort into her house jaunts. She now can pull a disappearing act in a blink of an eye.

The first pictures are of Aila enjoying Arrott's favorite...blueberries. Her technique is to chew a bit and spit out the skin.

And doesn't this bring back memories....they all love to empty the cabinets.

Enjoying a snack which keeps her in one place.

Don't get too excited...the bed is just for looks.