Mele Kalikimaka !!!!!

So, the YW were in charge of the Ward Christmas Party for a THIRD year in a row!!!! Well, after a while, you run out of ideas. But, back in May, after we had Reagan's Hula Birthday Party, I thought about having a Hawaiian theme for our Ward Christmas Breakfast. I bounced the idea off a few people and they loved it (or they said they did) and we started planning. We didn't have much of a budget, but I used a good portion of it to hire the hula dancers that performed at Reagan's party. However, rather than just having three girls come, we arranged for more girls to dance, for boys to perform and for it to have a Christmas theme. Remember that Bing Crosby song that is played in the Christmas Vacation movie? "Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright, Hawaiian, Christmas Day. That's the island greeting that we bring to you from the land where palm trees sway. ..." Well, that was our theme - Mele Kalikimaka (or Merry Christmas in Hawaiian).



We had our same food items - one table for eggs and potatoes, one table for breakfast meats, one table for drinks, one table for pastries and fruit and two tables where the YW made waffles. We had this divine!!!! carmel-maple syrup that was to die for! People asked for it again and again after our last Christmas Breakfast, so, we figured we would bring it back. Another ward in our building was having a Christmas Party the night of our breakfast and they were concerned they wouldn't have enough time to decorate, so, they asked if they could come the night before our party and string snowflakes across the gym (in an effort to make it not so cavernous and vast). It didn't really go with the Hawaiian theme, but who cares, right? Christmas is in winter and snowflakes are part of it in Utah, so, we told them to go ahead. They were adorable and they really did make the gym feel like a smaller, more intimate space.



We gave everyone leis and encouraged people to wear leis and Hawaiian shirts, etc. Many people got into the spirit of it and dressed up. We played Hawaiian Christmas music and decorated with hibiscus flowers that the YW cut out of butcher paper. We also had a big sign that read Mele Kalikimaka and we had pineapples and poinsettia plants as our centerpieces on our tables. One of the members of our Bishopric had a big, Tongan tapestry that was given to him by the King of Tonga (go figure) and we used it as a backdrop on the stage.



I had planned for the hula dancers to come and perform and then to bring Santa onto the stage where he would visit with the children. Well, the hula dancers had car trouble and were over half an hour late (I was sweating bullets). Luckily, Santa didn't mind swapping positions with them - he just needed some time to "prepare". Unfortunately, many of our ward members left after eating and before the entertainment part of our party. I announced what we were doing, but some left anyway (mostly those without children). That made me sad, but what could I do? Finally Santa arrived (wearing a Hawaiian shirt!!!!) and he was great. Each of the children was able to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted. He gave each a candy cane and then he left the stage and the hula dancers came on. They performed a few numbers and then asked the Primary children to come onto the stage to learn to hula. Very similar to Reagan's birthday party, they taught them some moves and then put on some music and let them hula. SO Cute!!!!  Of course, Reagan was an expert and made sure to help those who were less learned in the art of the hula :)



All in all, I think it was a great party. Unfortunately, Steve was so sick with a cold/flu that he wasn't able to come and celebrate with us. We missed him, but were glad to be able to give the ward a great party. Hopefully, next year, someone else will get the ... "opportunity" to plan the Ward Christmas Party and we will be able to just go and enjoy it.

Cole's Christmas Sing

Next, it was Cole's turn for his Christmas Sing. As we did for Reagan's program, we pulled Reagan out of her class so she could join us to watch Cole's program. They were so cute!!!! They came walking in with each of them sporting a scarf and a pair of shades. They were smiling so much. Cole later told me that right before they walked in the door, he said "It's Show Time!!" and that all the girls laughed. (He's quite the ladies' man!)

They sang songs, recited poems, and did a little dance. We had heard him rehearsing many of the songs and he was really excited to perform them. I loved the Caribbean Amphibian song as well as the African song of Noel Noel, but the Reindeer Boogie is probably my favorite. 

I was a bit disappointed that we couldn't see him during the dance part. He was behind a few people and we couldn't quite get a great pic of he and his partner dancing during the Reindeer Boogie, but what we did see was darling!!!

After the program, we returned to their classroom and Cole had a card and a gift for us - he had made Christmas coasters out of plaster for us. They were adorable! Plus, we got to see his work on the board. He loves his teachers and we do too! He also loves his friends and we are glad that he is so happy in kindergarten!!!

First Lost Tooth!!!!

Cole has been desperate to lose his first tooth. Others in his class have lost teeth and he has been obsessed with whether or not one of his teeth seems to be loose, etc. Well, it happened!!! When we returned home from our trip, he felt one of his teeth really be loose. We figured it would take a week or so for it to come out, but within just a few days, it was so loose that we had to do something. Cole's Christmas Sing was the next day and he was super concerned with what would happen if it came out during the program, etc. So, he asked Steve to help him by pulling it out. Steve tried dental floss and it didn't work, he tried just to use his fingers, but it didn't work (it is surprising how tiny those little, baby teeth are). Finally, Steve tried to flip it out and the blood started to flow. We knew then that it HAD to come out that night. Steve got a tissue and just pulled. It came out!!! Yeah!!!!! Cole was super excited!!!!



Yep - just as Cole said, the Tooth Fairy came through. We actually caught Buddy (our Elf on the Shelf) writing an e-mail to the Tooth Fairy (apparently they are friends). He was telling her that Cole had lost his first tooth and that he had been a very good boy and to please remember to come that night. She left $5 that was covered in glitter and she left Cole his tooth as he had requested in his note to her.



He's so cute in that he has this little lisp now. I hope he can do ok for his program and that it won't distract or bother him too much. First lost tooth - that's a big deal!!!

 

Reagan's Christmas Sing

Just as soon as we returned to town and started school again, it was time for Reagan and Cole's Christmas Sings at school. Reagan's came first and it was adorable! We even pulled Cole out of his class to come and watch with us. They sang Christmas songs, they sang non-Christmas songs, they recited poetry and they formed a Christmas tree with their little bodies! Well, when you're Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, you've got to move, right?



We got such a kick out of Reagan! She is so expressive when she sings (no surprise to anyone who has heard her tell a story). You can see that she is feeling the words and the music. She was totally into each song and poem. No wonder she is loving voice lessons so much. She definitely is a performer :)



After the Christmas Sing, we returned to Reagan's classroom where each of the children had made a gift for the parents. We also got to see her work on the board. Her teacher, Mrs. Hone, said Reagan's Thanksgiving composition was her favorite ever. It was called The Turkey Anna. I guess the teacher started them out with "There was a turkey running ...." They had to build a story around that for their composition. Well, Reagan decided to name her turkey Anna and she was running because she joined "Turkey Fitness" and wanted to get skinny so that no one would want to eat her. It was hilarious. Yep - that Reagan of ours has some imagination!!

A Visit with Santa

Usually, this time of year, we go visit Santa. At a mall, at a festival, at a party ... somewhere. We sit on his lap and tell him what we want for Christmas and take a picture. Well, this year, we did something different. A friend at karate referred us to this lady who hires an actor to play Santa and she takes pictures with children. It definitely wasn't expensive - probably a bit more than what we pay for a picture with the mall Santa, but I was super impressed with the Santa. I swear his eyes twinkled. He had the cutest personality and totally knew what he was doing. I'm not sure if he has worked with this lady for year or what, but they were completely in synch. She would tell the children something to do and he would follow suit. Plus, Reagan and Cole had a great time sitting with, and talking to, Santa. The pictures were cute. Here's a little sampling of some of our Santa pics.

Big Island - Days 9 & 10

Our last day here - we fly out at 10pm, so, we wanted to make the most of it. We played by the pool for as long as we could. We've heard that there is a huge (really HUGE) snowstorm at home, so, we wanted to soak up as many rays as we could before heading back.



After several hours at the pool, we returned to pack up and check out of our room. Since Steve and Cole haven't yet had their Father/Son Fun, they went to do that while Reagan and I finished packing. Steve and Cole took a load of bags to the lobby to leave with the Bellman and Reagan and I were going to take another load when we finished packing.



Steve and Cole had lunch at the restaurant by the dolphins, they walked on the beach, and they discovered a baby shark in the dolphins' tank that we hadn't previously seen. They found crabs and turtles and fish and they spent time by the lagoon. They also took some pictures from the top of a big rock (which has a waterfall under it) that overlooks the lagoon. Then, they finished up with ice cream.



We all met up by the lobby after we checked the rest of our bags. We couldn't really swim more since we had checked out of our room, but our sunset, dinner reservations at Lava Lava Beach Club weren't for a couple of hours. So, we just returned to the lagoon and relaxed. Reagan and Cole played in the water (with me reminding them every so often NOT to get wet!). We called home and checked in, we lounged and soaked up just a bit more sun. We didn't really want to leave paradise and return home to a snowstorm, but we had fun and we were excited to get back for Christmas and all the fun that comes with celebrating. I've said it before, but 9-10 days is our "sweet spot" here. If we stay less than that, we don't feel like we got our full vacation and enough of a break - if we stay longer, we feel like we've missed too much at home and we have too much to make up when we return.



After our lounging, we headed over to the Lava Lava Beach Club. It was perfect. The sun was setting, the scenery was beautiful. Reagan and Cole were climbing on the lava rocks as we waited to be seated and they had live music playing. (I was a bit bummed that they were playing regular music, not island music, but hey .... we'll take what we can get, right?) We had another great meal and enjoyed reminiscing about our trip - what we liked best, what we would do again and what we would do differently next time.

I have SO loved being with Reagan and Cole this trip. Like I said in September, I miss having them with me all day. I am excited that they are growing up and being in school all day is exciting for them, but I miss them. Plus, we are crazy busy, so, we run to activities each day. We love our activities, don't get me wrong, but it was really nice to have a break and to just be with each other and talk and play and ... be.



After our dinner, we returned to our hotel to pick up our bags and we headed to the airport. The red eye is rough - always - but it is the price we end up paying to come to this beautiful place. This was Reagan's 14th trip to Hawaii and Cole's 12th. I'm sure at some point, we'll go somewhere new, but for now, I love it here. Any island, any time - I love it! Thanks again Hawaii - you never disappoint. See you next trip!!!!!

Just a note for our little family scrapbook - We decided, this trip, to have Shannon drive us to the airport. We don't ever do that because we feel like we are inconveniencing someone to have to take us and then pick us up, but Shannon said she was off on the days we were traveling and that it wouldn't be a big deal. So, we did it. Silly me - I left our keys in the house since we didn't need them to drive. I guess I never thought that we'd need them to get into the house. We usually just get into our garage and then walk in through that door, but when we leave town, we lock that door so that anyone who breaks into our garage doesn't automatically get into the house. So, when we were flying home, we were stressed about whether or not we could get into our house. We knew we had a hidden key, but it had been so long since we had used it or checked it (years!) that we couldn't remember if it was still there. Things were complicated when the airline changed our airplane going home. The bags we were carrying on now had to be checked. No worries, we'll get them in LA. Well, the airline actually checked them to SLC. I always pack our cold weather clothes (that we traveled to Hawaii in) in an outside pocket of our bag so that we can change clothes in LA. Not this time - since our bags were checked, we had no pants, sweaters or socks and shoes. We got to SLC in shorts and flip flops. Further complicating matters was the fact that Shannon now couldn't come and get us at the airport. Ugggh - we should have just taken our car like we always do. She had our car seats and couldn't come. Luckily, Steve's dad came to pick us up (in the snow). We pulled into our driveway and waited while Steve walked in the snow to find the hidden key. He emerged smiling and holding up the key - YEAH!!!! He walked around to the front door and went in and then set the key down and came out the garage door to help with the bags. The locked door from the garage to the house closed behind him and we were standing in the garage, with no key, now locked out. UGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!! After flying all night and being freezing cold, standing in 4 degree temps in our flip flops and shorts, we were done Done DONE!!!!!! Steve's dad suggested calling a locksmith. Steve didn't want to wait and rationalized that we'd pay as much for a locksmith as we would to fix the door. Fix what door I asked? BAM! Steve kicked in the door to the house! Problem solved! (Except, of course, the fact that the door jam was hanging in and had nails sticking out from it. However, a quick trip to Home Depot a day or two later and Steve had everything put back together as good as new.) Anyway, what a comedy of errors for us to think we had no key and then have a key and then not have a key - crazy! Luckily, we had adjusted our thermostat from our iPad and the house was nice and toasty when we finally did get in. 
Thanks to Steve's dad for coming to rescue us at the airport and for driving in the crazy snow. Thanks also to Steve's parents for pet-sitting the geckos :)

Big Island - Day 8

Today, we got up, got ready and went to have pictures taken. It is a service that the hotel offers. They have professional photographers who take you around to different places in the resort and they take your pictures. We weren't thrilled at the resulting pictures - AND - we had just had pics taken at home for our Christmas card, so, we left with a 5x7 and that was all.
 

One of our favorite spots on Maui is the Hula Grill. It is a beach side restaurant where we watch the sun go down and listen to live music and enjoy the waves crashing on the beach. We've been looking for a place like that and we may have found it!!! The Lava Lava Beach Club is a similar place and it is within five minutes of our hotel. We arrived before they even opened and we made lunch reservations. Having almost an hour to wait, we walked along the beach and looked for crabs. We sat and watched Reagan and Cole play in the sand and we enjoyed the view. When it was time for lunch, we headed back to the restaurant and had a fantastic lunch. We enjoyed it so much that we made reservations for our last day here - at sunset.



After our lunch, we decided to return today to Hapuna Beach. Again, we played in the sand, we rode the waves and we played together. Around the corner from our big, black rock was a cool cove. Steve took some pics over there and Reagan and Cole played in the sand in the cove.

Big Island - Day 7

After getting not nearly enough pool time yesterday, Reagan and Cole were up early and ready to hit the pool. There was a smaller slide at this pool, but it was fast - really fast!!! Even Steve went down it and came up saying "Whoa!!!" Again, I hit the gym while Steve fed Reagan and Cole and got them dressed and ready to go. They went to the pool while I showered and then I joined them. Then, Steve worked out while I swam with them.

 

As is our usual practice, Reagan and Steve had a Daddy/Daughter Date today. Reagan spent quite some time planning out what they would do on their date. She chose her outfit and took her list of activities they would do :) They went to eat at the restaurant by the dolphins. Then, they took a walk, took lots of pictures, talked, exchanged notes (not sure Steve had a note prepared) and they shared some ice cream. When it got dark, they met up with the runner who lights all the tiki torches along the walkway by the shoreline. They had a great time. Cole and I spent our time getting a little treat at the gift shop, taking a walk and talking :)

Yet another beautiful day in paradise!!!!