Christmas

It's hard to believe that Christmas was already a week ago.  We enjoyed the day just the 3 of us!  It was nice to do whatever we wanted when we wanted and had no place to be!  I'm sure as Sydney goes up and we add another one to the family our future Christmas' will be much more chaotic and loud :) 

Trying to get a decent picture on Christmas Eve before heading out for church

Not into smiling. In her defense, this was at 6:45p.m. and she's usually in bed by 7 p.m. so she was a little confused why she was all dressed up and we were getting ready to leave the house. 

Looks like Santa came!!!

Sydney exploring the goodies... 

I think she was one happy girl!

Sitting on one present to open another. 

It took FOREVER to get through all of the gifts.  Thanks to everyone for making us feel so loved.

Skyping with Mimi & Jawgie

Her own babydoll

Family Christmas pic in our new jammies. 

Skateboarding on her new bike!

Safety first :)

Kissing her new duck

We took a break after about an hour of opening to eat breakfast and then Sydney napped.  We came back for round 2 once she was up and rested. 

Dave with a game ball from the year we went to the SuperBowl in Florida!  

Merry Christmas!

34 weeks

Um, where did the time go?  Crazy that in a month and a half (2 months max!) we will be a family of four.  

We're slowly getting ready for this little one.  We started unpacking baby girl clothes, I bought a few boy outfits (just in case), we're moving Sydney into a bigger car-seat so her baby brother or sister can use her old one, etc.  

Overall, I'm feeling good.  Exhausted and usually in bed by 8 p.m. every night but our days are pretty busy so I guess I can't complain.

Ella Jane

We're so excited to welcome our first niece to the family, Ella Jane.  Lisa, Rich and big brother Joseph welcomed her on Saturday morning, December 22nd... just in time for Christmas.

She weighed in at 8lbs 12 oz. and is absolutely adorable!!! 

Lisa texted me Friday evening saying she was admitted to the hospital and by 2 a.m. Hawaii time, she was born!  I was a little jealous of Ella's speedy arrival :)  

LOVE this picture of her!  Her parents better be prepared in 12 years :) 

Such a proud BIG brother!

The worst part about living in Hawaii is the distance and travel time to see family on the mainland.  I have wonderful memories of visiting J in the hospital when he was born and wish I could be there to hold Baby Ella...but I guess pictures will have to do for now :)  She just can't grow up too fast!! 

Crazy that the next time Lisa and I see each other our kid count will have doubled from August!  

Congratulations to the Ducote family on your precious baby girl. 

Keiki Christmas Party

We have been so fortunate to meet an amazing group of moms and kiddos here.  We have been getting together every Thursday since last January, usually at a park right on the beach.  It's been so fun to watch the kids grow and explore together and nice for the moms to have some adult interaction and conversation during the day!

Last Thursday we had a keiki (kids) Christmas Party at the botanical gardens - really just an excuse to get together.  

Little Stella - love her!  She has a twin sister and they always dress identical which makes it challenging to tell them apart!

Moms and kids

Playing with the giant bubble maker

Of course she found dirt and water. 

These two LOVED this car.  Sydney cried when she had to get out to go home.  We're working on sharing and taking turns... :) 

Sydney's friend Lucas.  He is the one she went 'surfing' with at the beach a few months back. 

Christmas Lights

Every year growing up we would go to different neighborhoods to check out the Christmas lights.  We started the tradition this year and found a street near us that was decked out in lights! Sydney LOVED it!!!!

Daddy and Sydney getting ready to walk around the neighborhood

She LOVED this house

I think every Christmas decoration sold was on this lawn. 

Mommy and Syd in front of giant teddy bear in someones garage

Honolulu City Lights

On Saturday night we headed down to the state capitol to check out the Honolulu City Lights.  

First stop, Shaka Santa!

Daddy and Sydney making the octopus squirt water out of its mouth

In front of the snow family

In awe of the lights turning on

Mama and Sydney in front of Rudolph and his sleigh

So pretty!

I messed up on the time that Santa was going to be there - I thought it was 5 p.m. when in fact he wasn't coming until 7... woops :)  Daddy got Sydney a balloon and some pizza to keep her occupied while waiting. 

I think she would have been happier without meeting him!  I love how this Santa is wearing shorts and short sleeves   Only in Hawaii :)  

Baby brother or sister?

I think we may be in for some trouble come February.  Seems like Sydney doesn't want a brother or a sister :)

Holiday par-tays

We got into the holiday spirit last weekend with two holiday parties.  The first, on Friday night, was for the Supply Corps Association on Oahu.  There were about 80 people in attendance - fun night! 

Then on Saturday night we headed to a restaurant in town for Dave's work Christmas party.  

Family photo

Decorating sugar cookies

Playing games with Daddy. 

I think we were all exhausted come Sunday morning!