The Tree, The Eve and Beyond

This year we were in a bit of a quandary as to what to do for a Christmas tree. In Colorado we would always go to the mountains and chop down a tree. In fact for a history on our Christmas tree traditions you can look at last December's post on that very topic! But for the here and now, we were at a loss b/c pine trees do not grown in Hawaii. They do have some evergreen trees, but no formal pine trees that you and I think of when you say "Christmas Tree!"

We found out that many places import Christmas trees for the traditional consumer at a healthy $50 to $80 a cut tree. In other words, a tree that will soon die. So we decided to shy away from that a buy a potted tree. One that we could plant after all was said and done. Ryan found a nursery that sold potted Norfolk Island Pine trees. (Yes, it says "pine" in the name, but it's not really a pine.) So we went to find ourselves the perfect Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!

Not bad eh? It's 7 feet tall in the pot! And it will stay in that little pot from 2-3 years! So when we move out of this rental into a more permanent home, we can plant our cute tree there. This is how they wrapped up our tree so we could take the hour drive home.
Yay! We have our first Hawaiian Christmas tree! Gabriella is in the back seat. She was being a pill and hiding from the camera.
Nothing like a HUGE 7-Eleven Slurpee to refresh us from our Christmas tree hunting!
And then we got to decorate it! It looks a little sparse, but all in all we think it looks pretty great! And everyone got to help in the fun.

Ta Da!

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This is Christmas Eve, about ten days after we got our tree all prettied up! I am the candy maker in my family. For YEARS I have made countless batches of Divinity and many fewer batches of Salt-water taffy on Christmas Eve. It is a fun tradition that I wasn't about to let go of. However, I was a bit reluctant b/c both the taffy and divinity need the right climate for them to actually set up and work. And Hawaii isn't it. I didn't want to be setting myself up for failure, but I knew I just HAD to try it. Well, the divinity worked! It was wonderful!!!

We took a break from slaving away in the kitchen to spend some time on the beach! Ryan was teaching Hunter how to Paddle surf. Obviously he needs a paddle that is his size, but you get the idea.
Then we came back to attempt the taffy. It may be green, but I put cinnamon oil in it. Yummy! However, the taffy didn't work. Who knows what the problem was, but after pulling and pulling-- it kind of collapsed. Oops! Oh well. It still tasted great!
After we read Luke 2 with Hunter and Gabriella (we'd already put the baby to bed) we let them open one gift. Pajamas! Of course! Well, that is a normal tradition for many families, but this is the first Christmas that WE have done it. And it was fun so I think we'll do it in the future. Aren't they cute? I couldn't resist when I found boy and girl Sponge Bob jammies!

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Merry Christmas Everyone! We let Hunter and Gabriella sleep together in our guest room's queen bed (a real treat) which is at the end of the hall. This is important b/c the master bedroom in on the other side of the house. And they would have to cross through the great room where "Christmas" was all set up. We needed the kids to stay in their room until we came to get them. In Colorado, all of the bedrooms were upstairs so it was easy for the kids to come into us on Christmas morning- but that isn't the case here. So we put the baby monitor in the guest room and told them to talk into when they woke up so we would know to go in to get them. It was really quite funny! But it worked perfectly!

The kids woke up just after 7 am. Ryan and I let them move from the guest room into the next room over (Hunter and Kolea's bedroom) which is right off the great room- boy were they excited. We sat in there and changed Kolea while we talked again about the true meaning of Christmas. Another tradition we have, that I have done for as long as I can remember, is sing "Happy Birthday" in a reverent manner to Jesus. It sounds cookey, but the children really understand that we are celebrating Christ's birthday and that since He is not here physically, we give gifts to one another in celebration of His birth.

The following are some pictures from "Christmas morning." A picture is worth a thousand words!

Water-proof and fog proof Binoculars.
Now you see it...
Now you don't! This is all of the trash consolidated into one area. Not too shabby!
Kolea got one gift. (Well, besides what all of her grandparents gave her.) It was this one doll. She LOVES it. It came with this bottle and the baby's face sucks it when you put it to her lips. Kolea thought she'd try it out for herself!
This is how she says "I'm loving today- I got my own baby doll! No more sharing with Gabriella who takes her dolls away from me!"
Oh we are already wiped out. Hunter is busy playing his new Wii game. Kolea is just chillin' and Gabriella?? Where is Gabriella? She's been doing her own thing all morning...
There she is! Playing with some new moon sand that Santa put in her stocking, wearing a new leotard/skirt combo that one of her grandma's gave her; eating something normal. We'd been eating junk ALL morning. By about 11:30 a.m., I finally clued in that we ought to eat something a little more filling and wholesome- so scrambled eggs on English muffins it was! You know, after eating crap for a period of time... sometimes scrambled eggs and an English muffin just hit the spot!
So there is a little look into what our last couple of weeks have been like, relating to Christmas. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas day as well. Full of fun, family, and friends! Oh! I almost forgot to mention... on Christmas Eve we had a bunch of friends over for a big Mexican meal! We were so busy and had so much fun that I forgot to take any pictures to document it. But I wanted to thank everyone that came over and helped make our Christmas Eve special!

Thanks Stef...

Well, we've done it. After 8 1/2 years of marriage, we FINALLY got some "real" family pictures. And I mean "we" as in RYAN TOO. I know, I know. You think the 2nd Coming must be here for that to have happened. But let me just tell you... we knew it would only happen on a beach.

I heard about Steph and her love of photography from a friend of a friend. She was great! And low and behold we even scraped by with a few good shots. Not that I doubted her abilities. No, no, no! It was US (specifically my kids) that I was worried about. It's amazing what a bribe of "a happy meal at McDonalds" will do for my kids- or rather me!

Of course, it was very stressful getting everyone ready and out the door on time in their clean, white shirts... I even told Gabriella that she wasn't allowed to eat anything until afterwards. Did it matter?? Nope. She still managed to find some chocolate in the car and get it on her shirt as we were leaving! Hello! Baby wipes and Tide stick to the rescue. Whew!

My darling babies. They are all getting so big. But that's OK. We actually have more fun together now as a family. We DO things together. It's not just us watching them be cute anymore... well, I guess we still do that too. Forever.

Hunter was not about to get his feet wet! The little turkey! He missed out on one of the most fun moments of the entire photo shoot. Let me tell you- we were a bit high strung. Thanks for hanging in there with us Stef!

Ahhh, look at me all nice and dry. Well, it didn't last.

There was this awesome tree swing where we were on the beach. I seriously felt like Ryan and I were taking engagement photos. It was really fun! P.S. This beach is in Hau'ula. We live about 10 minutes from it. We need to go back and explore it a bit better- this time in swim suits!

This is one of my all time favorite photos. It is so candid and I love it. Look at Gabriella twisting her hair- I can't believe that was caught on photo... she does that ALL day long. All the time. But I would never think to just take a picture of it. And I don't think any 6 year old boy could be happier than Hunter on this swing... =)

All in all, we made it through. It happened and I am grateful that it's over. Oops! Did I really just write that? Hopefully we won't wait another 8 years for more photos. But I guess only time can tell.

Why are getting family photos so dang stressful? All we ask is for small children and two parents to act "normal" and like they "like each other" and smile for a few awkward moments. And of course, not get anything on their clothing- or mess up their hair- and not cry... Is that too much to ask?? I know that MOST of you, (you who ARE normal) know exactly what I'm talking about. And that is why these are rhetorical questions.

Happy day. We have some happy pictures. And we all look happy! Yay!

You thought I was finished, but no. There is one more person I need to thank by way of taking our pictures. That is my dear friend, Courtney. She took the beautiful picture of my children at the top of my blog. I don't know if I ever gave her credit, but it was her eye, her patience, and her love of photography that gave me some of my most cherished pictures of my children. Thank you Courtney- a million times over!! I love you, my friend!

OK- random side note; it's midnight and there is a FREAKING ROOSTER crowing outside right now. GIVE IT A REST! Maybe you don't ever want to visit... Just kidding- did you see these pictures?? Why aren't you on the next flight over?? Free lodging... =)

Home Again, Home Again, Jigity Jig!

We spent this last week in Colorado in a wintery wonderland! We left our 80 degree weather here in Hawaii for a NEGATIVE 8 degrees! But we thawed out as the week wore on and warmed to a balmy 45 degrees!

Unfortunately I'd misplaced my camera for the better part of the trip. Luckily however, my sister, Camille had her trustee camera during Gabriella's birthday party so those pictures are soon to come on a future blog. Thanks Camille!

We arrived home last night and dropped into bed. Don'cha just love jet lag? This morning we were all up early (that lovely jet lag again) and decided to walk down to the beach to watch the sunrise. These pictures were taken this morning at 6:30 am just 200 feet (or so) from our house. So when are you coming to visit?? =)

Hunter began walking down the beach and suddenly exclaimed with all the gusto of a six year old boy, "I FOUND A TURTLE!!!" We all came running and found this beautiful sea turtle just finishing his night time siesta. When we first arrived on the scene, the turtle was facing away from the ocean. But with our presence he decided that it was time to return to the safety of his watery home.
We got to watch him as he turned 180 degrees and headed back into the sea. All the while the sunrise was happening behind Ryan and the kids! Luckily I was in the perfect spot to catch all the action of a glorious sunrise and an ancient turtle (do you see how big he is?) It was just another day for the turtle, but it was an amazing moment for us; to witness one of God's gentle creatures and to be so close. Living here has topped even the most fantastic Zoo experiences!
And then there is the matter of the chickens. And roosters. We cannot forget the roosters. Though we desperately wish we could! They began their "cock-a-doddle-doing" at a ripe 4:30 am. WOW. Welcome home us!
Those little beasts!
P.S. I have a video of the turtle and I'm trying to figure out how to get it uploaded. So far this thing doesn't want to accept it. I'll keep trying. It's really neat!

Hunter's 6th Birthday!

Happy Birthday my boy! I was going to title this "Hunter's Beach Birthday" but seeing as I was a lame parent and forgot to take pictures while we played on the beach...

So here is how the day went for my dear Hunter. Seeing as we live on a beach, Ryan and I thought it was only appropriate to get him a boogie board- just his size. We didn't wrap it. We sort of hid it in the curtains and then pulled it out for him. Lame? Well he liked it!

We also gave Hunter a new snorkel set. He's been using some old fins of mine that work when he puts on his water shoes first and then slips his feet into my fins, but they are so long that he often trips over them. And then Gabriella tried using his snorkel (she couldn't quite get it) and bit off the little rubber sides of the piece that sits in your mouth. That may not seem like a big deal, but it allows you to hold the mouth piece in and keep the water out! Anyhow, he was pretty jazzed about his new set too. He LOVES to snorkel with Ryan or I out in our little bay to look for turtles, octopus, puffer fish, eel, and hundreds of other colorful, tropical fish.
Here is Kolea eating a Portuguese treat that our neighbor and friend, Brandee made before coming over to the party. It's deep fried sweet dough. And oh my goodness it's a tasty treat!!
We set up the BBQ portion of the day under the house in the shade. Hunter and Gabriella were snacking on chips, a little impatient for our friends to arrive. You can see Ryan in the background at the grill. He grilled up two different kinds of hot dogs and some burgers. And of course the day before he'd made his famous fresh salsa, which was a BIG hit. It was all really yummy!
This is our group of friends that came to enjoy the day with us! Thanks everyone, it was fun! Our neighbor (not LDS) commented (and was quite surprised) at all the babies that were there!! Every family that came- had a baby. Hahaha- welcome to the married student BYU ward!
Here is my little baby (now 15 months) being just as cute as ever. I didn't catch her soon enough for the pic. Previously she was leaning her head back against the seat- totally chillin' Hawaiian style!
So at this point we all went to beach and played in the water or sand... We had kayaks to use (thank you Brandee) and we paddle boarded and Hunter played on his new boogie board, and we swam and just had a great time! Finally everyone was beginning to get tired so we walked back up to the house and rinsed our feet and legs and other sandy body parts in our outdoor shower to have some birthday cake and ice cream.

You see this awesome cake!?! Our friends make these awesome cakes as a hobby! Thank you Michelle and Jeremiah- you are truly a talented duo. =) Hunter told them that he wanted a 3 headed, scary, slimy, creepy monster. So I told them to let their creative juices flow and have fun! The lighting is really crappy in these pics, but hopefully you can get the gist of it.
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Hunter, happy birthday to you! Make a wish....
It was really cool. The "monster" was made out of rice crispy treats. You can see the three different layers. The bottom cake was a funfetti and the top two were both red velvet. Yummy!
All in all, it was a fun afternoon. Our friends soon went home; and our family of five? We headed back to the beach of course! It was time for Hunter to try out is new snorkel gear. =)

This picture is taken with me standing at the edge of our concrete slab underneath the house. Those stairs lead up to the house. The board? Ryan's new paddle board (Happy be-lated birthday, Merry early Christmas to him.) The house on the right? Brandee's. The view (including our cute hammock)... 100% ours! And we love it.
And so the day comes to a close with Hunter reminding us at every turn that it's his birthday. Like when Gabriella is sitting where he wants to sit, "but it's my birthday" he protests. Or when he wanted to go back to Kaden's house (Brandee's son) "it's my birthday mom!" And my favorite, when he should be going to bed. He suckered daddy into letting him stay up almost an hour later-- and when I protested, what did Ryan say???? "BUT IT'S HIS BIRTHDAY!"

Hunter, my first born, my son. I love you. You are a kind, sweet boy. Often you are shy, but make friends easily. Everyone is your friend. Everyone likes you, and you like everyone! We love that about you. You are an adoring big brother to Kolea, and a beloved playmate to Gabriella. Even though one can't tell you - and the other won't, you are very loved by your sisters. They look up to you and adore you.

We are very blessed to have you in our family. I will never forget the moment when the Spirit witnessed to me that I was pregnant and I was to have a little boy. I was so overcome by this unexpected, yet wonderful surprise that I knelt and prayed to Heavenly Father and thanked him for blessing me (us) with this new life. This new life, your life that brought LIFE into your parents' lives. =)

Your name is an important part of your character, Steven Hunter. You carry the names of two wonderful people. The first being your paternal grandfather, Steven Allred Hitz. As the tradition goes, you received the first name of your father, Steven Ryan and his father- the above mentioned. They love the gospel and are true to their testimonies. Just as you love the gospel and are a good example to others. The second is Captain Jefferson Hunt of the Mormon Battalion. He is your 5th great grandfather. It may be hard to believe that you have something in common with someone who lived so long ago, but you do! He was a quiet man, a soldier. He always did the right thing and led others and taught them to do the same. You have that same ability to forge ahead and lead others amidst the darkness as long as you rely on your Father in Heaven. We are so thankful that you are a part of our family. You are so young and have already taught your father and I so much. Happy Birthday, love.

What is to come...

I am amazed to find myself in the month of December (albeit early) and realize that I have not posted anything since mid-August. In my defense, I did make a trip to Hawaii to find a place to live, get LASIK, throw two major birthday parties (Ryan's 30th and Kolea's 1st) and plan to move off the mainland.

Of course in September I actually packed up my house (and then cleaned it) and watched another family move right in the day after we'd cleared out. Goodbye home. Although we are renting our home to a great family, we feel that we'd never move back (to that home.) So we moved in with my in-laws for a month while our stuff (that's including my computer with all of my pictures) sat in a huge shipping container as it made its way by slow boat across the Pacific.

And then there is the month of October. The first half of the month we were still at the in-laws. It was actually a great transition for us, living out of a few bedrooms b/c once we actually boarded a plane to Hawaii (October 15th) and got here, we ended up being homeless for a week. And by Hawaii's standards, we REALLY WERE homeless. We were hotel (motel, Holiday Inn... haha I always think of that song) hopping which means we were homeless. So that was an experience. But the Lord must have wanted to teach us something... Anyhow, when we finally got those dirty, rotten scoundrels to deliver our goods we were more than ready to live in our home. At 1700 square feet our home felt HUGE to us which we didn't expect coming from Colorado where our home was more than double the size (finished)! So like I said, living in the close quarters we had with being at the in-laws and hotel hopping, this was great!

Suddenly November is upon us and we are busy trying to make heads or tails of a schedule; get used to Hunter in Kindergarten all day (only four days a week b/c they don't have enough money in the system for kids to go on Fridays); find out that there is no room in any pre-school for Gabriella; try to organize a house, explore our surroundings, and make friends all at the same time (in a ward where we are one of 3 families who have 3 children- and Hunter is the oldest out of the 9 kids in Primary.) WHEW!!! Talk about busy.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is... be patient with me as I try to get this thing updated. I know I am so far behind! So I gave you a little treat and posted this picture which is at Shark's Cove on the famous North Shore. It's a giant tide pool full of awesome little fish. It's fun to snorkel in! I took this with my iPhone and it's not too shabby! The person you see in the middle of the pic is Ryan's younger bro, Skyler. He and his parents were visiting (for two whole weeks) while we were involved in conferences and meetings at BYU-H. Oh yeah, those kept me busy too. But that is another story for another day...