i am finding it hard to believe that it has been 6 WHOLE MONTHS since we packed it all up in colorado and arrived here on the big island of hawaii. even though a lot has happened since we got here, i definitely doesn't seem like 6 months. many of you who have been following along have heard me say more than once that it has been a much bigger challenge than we anticipated. i do feel like we had realistic expectations when we arrived. however, i also feel that you can't truly realize how it will affect you until you actually do it.

there's been a mix of tears and laughter, amazement and frustrations since we got here. it's been quite a ride. there have been days where i've truly doubted every bit of what we have done but, thankfully, more days where i am unbelievably thankful we are getting this opportunity in life. let's see...the tougher things have been....

leaving our family behind. channing and my mom have such an amazing relationship and i think about it all the time...how i was so fortunate to grow up spending lots of time with both sets of grandparents and right now, channing doesn't get to do that. most days my heart truly aches for her to be able to have that again.

we've gone from living in an affordable city, on two incomes to an island where the cost of living is extremely high and living on one income. budget budget budget. food is expensive, gas is expensive, our mortgage is more expensive. you get the idea.

there were many moments, back in july/august/september where i literally wanted to pack up my bags and head back home. due to the heat and humidity. talk about a HUGE difference from colorado. i just didn't think i was going to make it. and i was oh so grumpy. it didn't help that the condo we were living in was so darned hot and stuffy. there wasn't any air circulation and it was on a second floor with direct sun hitting it most of the day.

it's been stressful for luc to make the change from being his own boss, since he was 16 years old, to working for someone. it's been a big big change for him and not one that has been easy. also, island time is a true and real thing over here. everything goes at a slower pace and that's not always a great thing when you are trying to make things happen.

i miss the conveniences, and amount of things to do and places to go, from back home. we were so used to having restaurants, movie theaters, stores, hiking and camping right at our finger tips. we have to drive to get anywhere now. i miss walking to shops and good spots to eat. we now have a 40 minute drive to kona...which has target, home depot, lowes, walmart, costco, a movie theater and pier one. thankfully we have access to those things even though the drive is further than we are used to. but, no pizza delivery if you happen to not be in the mood to cook dinner. it's been a big adjustment having to plan out trips to drive places...like to the library, which is now 30 minutes away, versus the quick walk to the library that was only a few blocks away back home.

the "aloha spirit" is not always alive and well over here. it's actually the tourists who are the rudest. i am not certain if some people are just like that in their every day lives or if they feel like being on vacation gives them a free pass to be unkind. but, we've run into quite a few frustrating moments with those who are visiting the island. that's one thing i did not expect.

we are starting to look into preschool for channing and the options are very very slim. this, is a big struggle for me. what is available, is quite expensive. i am currently have a big struggle with this subject. more on that later...

now...all of that being said. it is pretty amazing here. we are in our own home now and, even though we are still under major renovation (we still don't have any type of kitchen) it feels SO GOOD to be in our own place. there is fantastic air circulation, which keeps it much cooler. we have a great little piece of land, which is still partially weed covered, but it's so wonderful to have room to play and explore outside. and, i really really like our new place. the layout is great and the location is good too.

then there's the beach. now, i am a colorado girl who loves a good hike and camp fire in the forest. but, i am very new to the nuances of hanging out on the beach. it is amazing how calming and soothing it is to just sit in the sand and listen to the waves. channing can sit for hours and play in the sand and the water. she loves it.

making new friends has been a little tough. but, we've been very fortunate to meet a few extremely lovely people whom we are so thankful to be able to spend time with. friends make such a huge difference!

there are NO snakes here. let me tell you, i have a huge fear of snakes. now, there are geckos and spiders and centipedes. those do take some getting used to. but, NO SNAKES is quite a huge bonus for me.

the weather has noticeably cooled down and is quite fantastic. the evenings and early mornings are actually even a bit chilly. it's been gorgeous. we can eat outside on the lanai all day long and spend most of our days outdoors. i am not missing the winter weather...yet.

we are finding our rhythm. we still have challenges but are feeling more adjusted. i am, by nature, a creature of habit. i always think i want big changes but then, once i get them, i crave familiarity. there are still days where i miss home like crazy but, i am truly thankful we have decided to go on this adventure together. it may not last forever, who knows where life will take us. but, for now, 6 months in...we are happy to be here. we are continually finding new places to go and new things to see. it's quite an adventure.

aloha!! xo tara

officially 6 months