Over the past few days we have explored what is close to us. On Saturday afternoon, we drove by the beach and put our toes in the sand before heading to church. Hickam has it's own private beach for military, which is awesome. It is clean and the water is WARM compared to the Atlantic Azores ocean!

Church was awesome. Haven't had worship like that since we left our old church in Oklahoma and the message was good too. Then, to top it off, the boys both came out of children's church saying they had a great time.

Sunday we took the boys to Awana Club at the Chapel. This is the program we were so involved in at Lajes and really have a heart for. The program here is HUGE compared to our first experience with it at Lajes. Mike and I both went with the boys to their classes so we could check them out. Max was a little clingy at first, but once they got started on crafting, he came out of his shell. Jackson had a good start too, but got a little overwhelmed with games. They bring all the Sparkies together for games, and there must be about 50 kids together for that part. I am not sure if he has ever been with that many kids at one time! He sat out for a bit, but the group ended the night with a lesson. He had memorized his verse (John 3:16) in order to earn his first study book and at the end of club night he showed that book to me, so proud.

Since we will be homeschooling, I really want the boys to have some opportunities to socialize and to make friends. We made it through our first opportunity for that and we will just keep going back!!

Monday we went on a trip to the beach and then for anniversary lunch at the restaurant right there, Sam Choy's Island Bar and Grille. This beach is so nice; soft sand, warm water, and good company. We had fun, even without all the beach extras, like chairs and sand toys!!

Belly shot at 23 weeks!! I have never before had to wear/purchase a maternity suit. Can't avoid that in Hawaii!!