Grandma Betty and Polly visit!

Wow, almost May! Shannon's grandmother, Betty, and her best friend of 60 years(!) are visiting. It is great to have family out here. We have been to the Sunday Market in Volcano, Volcanoes National Park (other than to get our mail), shopping in Hilo, had dinner with friends, played cards, drank hot chocolate, shared fires and are looking forward to many more adventures. Tomorrow we will be borrowing Bills 4-wheel drive vehicle and driving up Mauna Kea. I am excited to see Hawaii and look down upon the ocean from atop this sacred mountain, although it still looks to have a little snow on top and may be a bit chilly.
Tuesday we will be leaving for the North part of the island, Waimea, also known as cowboy country(yes, there are Hawaiian cowboys). Neither Shannon nor I have been up there since we moved to the island. Now we have our chance to explore Hawaii. Betty and Polly are great company, full of laughs and adventure.
Other than a fun visit, we have been focusing on paddling, having joined the Puna Canoe Club about one month ago. We are slowly building up our strength and endurance through running and hard practices. Paddling in the ocean is an amazing experience, even when you tip over in a big wave, break the canoe and have to swim the boat to shore! Here is a picture of the Bay we practice in.
As for our house, the plans are still awaiting the stamp from the architect, for some reason this is taking a very long time. Our dreams of having the frame up by the time school starts is becoming less and less realistic. But, it will happen, some way, I have definatly become attatched to our little piece of land.
Hope all is well with you out there. Aloha, Rowan