"Our" dog...

This is our landlord's dog, Alex, who likes to come and hang out in our place whenever she gets the chance. Originally, I thought she just really liked me and Bryon, but yesterday our landlord told us that the previous tenant had a drawer full of treats for Alex and that's why she always comes down here. Sad! I guess Bryon and I will have to step it up.

Mark Visits

Mark Leavitt stopped over for the day on Oahu while he was working on a Cruise ship here in Hawaii. We had some good bonding experiences (as you can see!).

Jordan and Kelli Visit

Jordan and Kelli Cliff came to visit us here on Oahu, on their way to the Big Island. We didn't have much time together, but we managed to fit a trip to the beach and dinner into our time.

I got a Job!

On Friday, I interviewed for a position at a private elementary school and an hour later I was offered the job! So, beginning in August I will be a 2nd grade teacher's assistant. I'm so excited about the job and can't wait to get started. The staff are wonderful, the kids seem like a lot of fun and the hours and great.

Here are Bryon and I on our way out to celebrate.

Permanent Residency!

On April 18th I got my conditional permanent residency. That means I can now live here, work here and leave/return at will! It's been a long process, but it's definitely been worth it.

Our New House!

I'm finally getting around to posting a few pictures of our new house. Other than the crazy wall-paper, we love it. It's great to be so close to a great beach and a great town as well. Now there is lots of biking, jogging, swimming and surfing after work is done. Really, what more could we ask for?!

Studying...

Bryon's gone back to school. His company provides him with a few free classes at the University of his choice each year, so he decided to take some accounting classes. Here he is, hard at work!

Sarah and Paul's Visit

My good friend Sarah, from Quadra, came to Hawaii for a couple of weeks in April with her friend Paul. It seems like the adventures and fun never end! We've loved all of the company we've had this year. It's been amazing to have so many of our friends come and visit us here in Hawaii.

Koetje's Visit

Nathan Koetje came to visit us for two weeks at the beginning of April on his way home from Korea. We had fun trying to show him everything Hawaii has to offer. Here are a few things we did while he was here...


Koetje cliff-jumping at Maunawili Falls




















We spent an evening in downtown Honolulu where they have music and art shows highlighted on the first Friday of each month.

Rock-climbing on the North Shore

The view from our rock-climbing spot

Rope-swinging at Jackass Ginger. We decided that Koetje needed a little cape to show off his great technique.

Watching for whales as we hiked the North Shore

And we saw some...breaching right off shore!! (rather small in this picture but so incredible in real life)

Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay

Shrimp shacks on the North Shore

Frisbee at Kailua Beach, right by our house

Michael's Birthday

Our friend Michael had his 26th birthday at the end of March (yes, I'm slightly behind on my blogging!). He had also just moved into his new condo in downtown Honolulu. So, we had a joint house-warming and birthday party for him. His new condo was great...complete with pool and bowling alley!

Mom and Dad Gamache Visit Hawaii

My parents came to visit us in March. It was really fun to have them here, and show them around. While they were here, they also visited Maui and the Haggai Institute where they might volunteer for a few months next year.
Thanks for coming to visit!

Dad and Bryon playing frisbee at Lanikai Beach.

Swimming at Halona Bay. Mom was in the water every chance she got, while this was the first time that we coaxed dad into the "cold" waters.

We visited a couple of botanical gardens. Mom was amazed with the giant pods!

On our 6 month anniversary, mom and dad took us out for dinner in Waikiki.

Mom and Dad visited Juaneva, a friend from Quadra who now lives on Maui.

Celebrating Prince Kuhio Day on the Sand Bar

Prince Kuhio Day is a state holiday here in Hawaii. So, since as Mark had just gotten his boaters license, Mark and Ari invited a few friends to spend the day boating around Kaneohe Bay, hanging out at the sandbar, and eating a fabulous breakfast on the boat. Unfortunately, Bryon had to miss out since he was working all day.

Jump rope using the anchor rope.

It's a turtle!

View from the sandbar to our old house...it's a little tiny speck in the middle of the picture.