Ella's 4th Birthday!!!

Ella has been excited for weeks about her birthday. It probably didn't help that she found a bunch of packages in my closet that were for her celebrations. She had a hard time waiting for the actual day to come. We ended up celebrating a day early since Shar and Jer were still in town and leaving the night before her true birthday. We went out to dinner and then played on the beach in Waikiki for a while. Ella made some sand angels. She received some Barbies and baby dolls for her birthday, and all dolls have been lovingly adopted into the Burke family at this time. She LOVES the new outfit Sharshe bought her, and although she picked out her cake and loved looking at it, she didn't eat much of it. That's where Mom and Dad stepped up to the plate, literally, and helped her out.





Ella and her best friend, Sharshe.


The whole gang at the Hale Koa Hotel.

The Best Grandparents

So, who can I call at the last minute when I find out I am having surgery in a week and won't be able to pick up Mason for a few weeks and need some help? Sean's parents!!! They are the best! Not only did Shar drop everything and fly out, but Jer came too. They played with the kids, cleaned our home and folded more laundry than anyone should ever be exposed to. My children adore them, and Mason was calling Shar "ma" within a day. I was replaced a little too easily. Shar not only would walk Mason all over the neighborhood and swing on the swings with him, she even bounced with him on the trampoline. How cool a grandma is that? We love you Sharshe and Gramps!Thank you!!




Mason LOVES the trampoline!



What talent! He can even catch a football while bouncing. Where are the talent scounts when you need them?



We finally got to the beach with Shar and Jer right before they left. Our favorite beach is Ko'Olina. We went there on a Friday evening for a picnic and to watch the sun set. Mason, who used to despise the beach, has started warming up to the idea of sand between his toes. He still thinks the bath is the bomb when it comes to water experiences, but the sand and a few toys is getting to be a lot of fun too.


Three generations of Burke boys enjoying the beach.


Jaxon loves the water and is quite amphibious, happy in the water or on land.


Colton is all about digging. It is amazing how deep he can dig in a short amount of time. Ever heard that expression about digging a path to China? My money is on Colton to do it.


Ella started off the afternoon in the water doing some tricks, but the beach and some sand toys quickly called to her.