What Kids Say ... And Don't Say

The kids made some new friends on the beach yesterday, a brother and sister who shared a couple of hours of pure bliss on Big Beach. They didn't even know their names by the time we left, but that didn't stop them from instant bonding. Amazing what kids can do.

And what they can say.

On our way to the beach yesterday morning, I explained that the uninhabited island across from Big Beach was at one time used as a firing range by the military. Aaron's response: "Do you think a nuke could destroy the whole island of Maui?"

Then there was Esther. A Lays potato chip truck passed us on the highway. "Do you think someone would rob a potato chip truck just to get to the potato chips?" I don't think there's an answer to that question.

Silent Sentinel

I continued to be amazed yesterday at how the kids had no fear of the waves. I have seen something in the children that I haven't seen before. They have steadily been becoming less fearful in general as Mark and I have worked to help them realize that the world is not out to get them. But this was something different. They embraced adventure and danger. I think I see much more outdoor adventure in our future together - which means that I'm going to have to do something about my own fear.

Esther and her new friend, with Annie sitting on the beach

They're under there somewhere

Aaron, 12, is growing like a weed

After spending the morning on the beach, we drove up to Lahaina for lunch and some souvenir shopping. This picture pretty much expresses the joy of souvenir shopping.

I wrote above about what kids can say. It can also be amazing about they don't say. When we were in Lahaina, we twice saw an older man - probably about 65 - walking around who was, um, unconventionally dressed - at least by Salt Lake standards. He wore faded purple pants and an equally colorful shirt with peace signs and other jewelry hanging from around his neck, arms, wrists and ankles, with several plastic leis around his neck added for good measure. A glazed look in his eyes, along with unkempt hair and a dirty grey beard stained brown from smoking unfiltered cigarettes - one of which was hanging from his mouth - completed the picture. 

None of the kids said a thing.