Silliness

There's a lot of silly things that go on in a day with these little people. I've learned that if I make plans they should be flexible because I can't predict when Olivia will want to use the bottle cap as her cup and be really really thirsty so you fill the cap up for her over and over and over, laughing and giggling with her. I think it has something to do with the water bottle, but ever since this Livi calls water "bobble". So precious. I'm glad I made time for this one.

 Here's another silly one. Eden is an artistic, crafty, creative type. She loves doing things with her hands. I love to let her, but with an 18 month old little projects get derailed quickly. When Eden wanted to paint the other day I let them go for it in the tub... washable paint and water are a mom's best friend. They loved it. They even loved the clean up- bathing and scrubbing the walls (and their painted bodies) with wash clothes. They come up with the funniest things. It's so worth those smiles.

Uncle Mike

Mike came home after a year in Samoa. He seems to really enjoy living there, and we really enjoy hearing about it and his adventures out at sea. We weren't sure how long he would be in town, but now that he's gone back to Samoa we wish we saw more of him.

Mike is a generous, thoughtful, caring brother and Uncle. I loved being around him and seeing him get to know the little ones. They will be completely different people in the next pictures with Uncle Mike.

The Little People

Eden Waimea:

 My dear, silly, emotional, tender hearted, thoughtful, giggly Eden. She loves to play. All. Day. Long. She jumps from one thing to the next- I can't keep up with her requests. First the scooter, then the play dough, then a massage, then the tea set, then check if Zoia's home, then a change of clothes, then a snack, then a swimsuit at the pool, then visit Star, then go beach. She's a happy girl. She makes me a happy Mom.

 Olivia Ola:

 My funny, sweet, organized, helpful, busy Olivia. She looks like Eden in this picture all wrapped up in a towel. She's growing way too quickly. She's talking tons and learning new words everyday. She wants to be with the big kids and be doing whatever they are doing. She will not hesitate to let you know when she is unhappy. She is a sweetheart. She loves her family. Eden has started to teach her words. The first was "mine". They get each other laughing really hard and about nothing at all. They're just giggly and silly together. She loves the water and will try taking off her clothes while holding her floaty and swimsuit. She needs to learn how to say, "pool", but I guess her actions speak just as loudly. She makes us smile.

Taj Aukai:

This little sweetheart is full of surprises. I'm constantly surprised by his reading, his thoughtfulness, his creativity, his uncontrollable laughing, his jokes, his appetite, his interests. I can't get enough of this little guy, and now that he's in school it feels like I really can't get enough. He and Eden make a great pair. They are friends and understand each other in a way only close siblings can. I'm loving watching him grow up.

Christmas

This was a fun Christmas. We really tried to keep the stress out of the season and just enjoy. We had Christmas music playing constantly, introduced the kids to "the Grinch Who Stole Christmas", and "Elf", made a Gingerbread Village, wrote letters to Santa, and got letters back from Santa, Ward Christmas Party-ed, Polynesian Christmas Lagooned, ate, made and handed out Christmas cookies, read Christmas books, loved candy canes, drove around looking for lights, acted out the Nativity, and spent tons of time together with family. It was wonderful, maybe even the most wonderful time of the year.

This year Taj wanted Lego's. Lots of Lego's. And Santa got him lots of Lego's. He also got a DS, "Captain Underpants" books, robot bug, walkie talkies, and I can't seem to think of all the other things.

Eden had a really really long list for Santa, but on his lap asked for a Scooter. Santa got her a Scooter. She also got a dog you can take for a walk (two actually- thanks Aunty Alissa), an Art Set, Play dough set, books, My Little Ponies, and beloved Night Gown she wants to wear every night. She really hoped for a Service Kitty, but we couldn't figure that one out. Maybe next year.

Olivia was really fun this year. She marveled at all the lights and said, "Ho Ho Ho" when she saw Santa. She got a giant dog, a little princess push car, doll that talks, dog that sings, dresses, My Little Ponies, books, and piano. She loved walking around the house Christmas morning looking through everything and taking them. It was so fun to see her trying to figure it out and loving everything about it.