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.

Family Pictures

Super Raider!

Taj's school has a monthly assembly recognizing students that have excelled in the past month. We were soooo proud of our Super Raider, Taj for being recognized for doing well in November!

I'm especially proud because after the first assembly he told me he wanted to be a super raider and asked the teacher how he can be one. He felt like he really earned this. He's in a great class with awesome teachers and really sweet kids. He's learning a lot and comes home tired and happy. That makes me happy.

Just a Test

It's that time of year when I get thinking about family pictures. I'm always shocked when I realize how long it's been since even one (good or bad picture) has been taken of the entire family.

These are some pictures of a field trip we took looking for a good place to take some family pics and testing lighting. Let me know if you can figure out where we are, and if not let me know when I can take you. This place is magical.

Eden skipped a nap that day, and her expression shows it.

If this tree doesn't give our location away nothing will. The trees are amazing! I love those monkeys.

The Zoo

We did it... we drove all the way to the Honolulu Zoo on a Saturday with 2 kids that still require napping. Maybe we're going a little crazy, or maybe our little group is finally getting old enough to handle big excursions like this.

 This really is the most beautiful Zoo... tons of beautiful landscape and open space for the animals. The animals seem happier here than other zoos I've visited.

 Olivia was super into it, even though she's only 16 months. She loves animals and was thrilled to see them moving and climbing and jumping. There were a lot of squeals that day.

 Taj's favorite thing at the zoo was the Alligator... can you see it?

 The keiki area is super fun. This was the last area we visited, so we left on a high note for sure.

 Can you see the joy oozing out of Olivia?

It was a good day. Glad we went a little crazy.