Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike

After taking down decorations and cleaning for 3 days, I was ready to get out of the house today!  Unfortunately, Olivia wasn't feeling good so she and David stayed home while Em and I went whale hunting!  No letters from PETA please...hunting as in looking :)

We did see a few but as I have posted before, it's wonderful to see in person but translates to a large whitecap in photos so I will spare you. 

It was a beautiful, clear day and we could easily see Molokai (or Lanai...or Maui...hmmm, might have to look that up)

One day I'm going to figure out the path that these folks take to get down to these tidal pools.  It looks so fun and refreshing but the only way I can see to get there is straight down a mountain of lava.  Um, no.

Two miles and minimal whining later we reached the summit, lighthouse and picnic spot!

   

Artsy shot...fancy new camera...don't say I didn't warn you

I would like this to be my view from the living room lanai please. Mahalo.

Happily Olivia is better - it was a medicine on empty stomach issue so we get to start 2012 in good health!  Haouli Makahiki Hou from our house to yours!

Happy Day Emily

I know that fancy parties are all the rage these days, but thankfully kids haven't changed much since I was one.  They like each other, cake and maybe a tablecloth.  Even the queen of overachieving is hard pressed to pull off major magic two days after Christmas but we always manage to have a special day. 

Cupcakes, cool whip and lollipops

Matching outfits with American Girl Doll (including hair extensions that you can design and print online...thank you barbie.com)

Neighborhood gang, complete with their favorite American Girl dolls

Cool whip beats buttercream any day in my book!

Create matching jewelry for you and your doll

Eat

Gifts

Play

Only 7 short years and how she has changed our lives.  We love you Miss Em.  You are one in a million :)

Emily's party - Free Slideshow Maker

A few of our favorite things...

And a merry Christmas it was!  We had a fantastically relaxing and wonderful day.  Thanks to all for the present bonanza...

Eventually we were all lost in gadget mania.  

My new camera is the bomb!  The above photos were taken old style but I have been playing with big guy since.  Still working it out but don't worry, you will soon be bombarded with my artistic gift and more up close photos than you ever wanted :)

I know, you're all excited for Christmas to be over so I'll stop taking photos of ornaments but they make great test shots when learning a new camera!!

Now we sit and wait (and enjoy)...

It feels good to be DONE!  These next 48 hours are some of the best of the year.

The houses are decorated

The flowers are in bloom (well, they are in Hawaii)

Santa is loading up the sleigh

Friends are delivering Christmas morning treats

Goodies are lined up

Good eats await

Gifts are wrapped

NOW, I can sit and enjoy a little mommy time.  I am thankful to be loved by my husband, children, family, friends and our Savior.  May you all have the happiest Christmas!

All I Want For Christmas is...

Candy Canes!

Christmas Parties!

A little time with Santa!

A cute dress!

My two front teeth!

Treats!

More parties, and a sister who can entertain the crowds!

All that's left is cookie baking and gift wrapping 

(and one more party)!