sunny and bright

It's funny how normal it seems now to have a warm Christmas season. Going to the beach over the holiday didn't seem so strange as it did the first couple of years we were here. As much as I miss the changing seasons, I must admit it sure is nice to not be cooped up inside every day...and I think my children agree.

happy 1st birthday

A party for a girl....how fun! Pink and flowers...way different than the usual trucks, trains and color of blue.The men did the cookin' outside...while us women were inside gettin' the fixin's ready...Ansley is such a helper.We had a few friends over to celebrate Ansley with us...A couple of these photos didn't turn out so clear but I thought they were too sweet to not post them.This was the kids table outside on the lanai...not because they were banned but because we ran out of room on the inside. Ansley's first bite of sugar...let's just say she didn't hesitate or think twice because she ate the WHOLE cupcake.She was so dainty about it at first but by the end she was shoving it in.When it came time to opening presents, she didn't quite grasp the concept. But once she saw the clothes she knew exactly what to do. "How do I look?"

Then she did this...I assume she thought she was putting it on.
Then she did this...maybe to see if it tasted good as well.
Our sweet, spunky little girl. What a great gift from God you are to us.

my baby is turning 1 tomorrow

Day 24 and 25

Well these past couple days got away from me. So here is a re-cap to finish out the photo project.

Obama's secret service/policemen parked in our drive-way on Christmas Eve. He is vacationing in the neighborhood across the street from us. So on his arrival they had our street shut down, the canal armed with coast guard boats, our neighbors yard the press zone and the beach was blocked off on the end they are staying at. Couldn't he find a more secluded place to stay so it doesn't ruin our Christmas with chaos? Oh, did I just say that out loud?The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...oh wait, we don't have a chimney, but our TV armoire does very nicely. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Day 23

Riding the Christmas Train

Day 22

baby steps

This video is Ansley's walk and dive technique where she just hopes someone is there to catch her. When she walks from furniture to furniture she puts a little more effort into balancing and actually taking steps.

Day 21

Christmas letters All stamped and ready to be mailed. Look for one in a mailbox near you.

Day 20

Pig in a Cup

It was actually "cold" enough to drink hot chocolate today. So the boys piled on the marshmallows and enjoyed their warm chocolaty drink. Jude however had a surprise in the bottom of his...and yes it was made that way.

Day 19

Norfolk Pine

Today we went and chopped down our Christmas tree. The boys were very excited to go to a "farm" (tree farm that is) and chop down a Christmas tree...and it was actually kind of chilly which made it feel even more Christmas-y. So we zipped up our jackets and had fun picking out the "perfect" tree. We didn't realize that they actually chop down a 12 foot tree and cut it to the size we want. With Norfolk pine they tend to grow kind of sparse, so to have a somewhat full tree you have to get the top part of the tree.

Our Charlie Brown tree.

Day 18

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

I guess our artifical Christmas tree had enough and decided it would take a rest. It toppled over and a few of our ornaments broke. This picture was actually taken once most of it was cleaned up. Very sad. So since the stand broke (the cause of the spontaneous tumble), I think we might venture out and cut down a Norfolk pine here on Oahu...yes, they have a tree farm here. A little different looking from the mainland trees but these claim to not drop pine needles all over the place...my kind of tree.

Day 17

plum pudding

I just made plum pudding today for 160 people. I think I will be dreaming about plum pudding tonight. It's not exactly a favorite of mine but it does go with our Madrigal dinner tomorrow night.

My counter and table looked like this all afternoon.

before and after

All wrapped up and ready to go...all it needs is flaming sugar cubes.

Day 16

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

...or if you live in a warm tropical climate that never gets colder than 70 degrees...let the fake tree spew forth bubbles. But don't tell the kids. They still think it's the greatest thing to run through the falling "snow"...although it doesn't taste nearly as good if you try to catch a "flake" in your mouth.Ansley was a bit overwhelmed with all of that wet white stuff falling from the sky all around her.

Day 15

Pre-paid Boxes

The United States Postal Service did it right when they created the pre-paid boxes where you can put as much stuff as you can fit into the box, no matter how heavy...with a flat pre-paid price. These are life savers when all holidays, special occasions, etc. are spent away from family.

Our small group is sending out these particular boxes that are going out to our friends that are deployed this holiday season. I am so grateful for the men and women that sacrifice so much (especially to be away from family during the holidays) to protect our country...protecting men, women and children they do not even know. So thank you to all the military...for your bravery, your commitment and your sacrifices.

Day 14

Pepin the Short

Ethan was reading a new book about Pepin the Short, called Pepin the Not-Big, who ruled in Italy in the 700's. After Pepin defeated the Lombards and ran them out of Italy, he donated the land (that was conquered) to the Roman church. It became known as the Papal States and after Italian unification in 1870 it was then known as Vatican City.

When I was reading the synopsis on the back of the book and it mentioned Pepin's mother whose name was Bertha au gran pie or "Big-Foot Bertha", Ethan then broke out into big giggles. Glad he was at least listening to what I was reading...but you know all he will remember about Pepin is the "Big-Foot Bertha" part.

Day 13

Sewing

This week is going to be dedicated to preparing for the middle/high school's Madrigal dinner on Friday. When I said I would help with altering the medieval dresses, I forgot that altering or sewing clothes, for that matter, is not my forte. Let's just say it's getting done but it isn't professional. Off to sewing I go.

Day 12

Christmas Cookies

Normally I make these with the kids but we ran out of time today, so Jason and I sat and painted the cookies together...quite a fun at home date!

Day 11

Botanical Garden

This is where Ansley sat and watched the ducks for a while until I took her out of the stroller and we went down the hill to get a closer look. I think pushing her down the steep hill wouldn't have been a problem...it was the pushing her up the steep hill. And here are a few other pics from our adventure at the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens:This tree was huge! As you can see...Jude was sitting in the roots of the tree.The lipstick tree...it really is used to make lipstick.The boys decided feeding the gold fish in the lake was way more fun than the ducks.One of the species of ducks that we saw...look at the feet on that thing. Freedom! This girl is happiest when she is not constrained in a seat and can go explore on her own.

Day 10

A Compass

We made our own compass for Science.

Supplies: yogurt lid, water, sewing needle, magnet, permanent marker and a cork

Directions: magnetize your needle by rubbing a magnet on it in the same direction a few times, put the needle through a small piece of cork, write N, S, E, W on each side of the inside of the yogurt lid, fill with water and float the needle on it.

Result: it will always point north...no matter how many times you pick it up and turn it around the other way.

Day 9

Belly Laugh Giggles

Ethan was making Ansley laugh so hard. We were all laughing right along because of how funny it was. A video would have been better to truly capture it but this is the December photo project...not the video project.

Day 8

Focaccia Bread
I learned how to make Focaccia Bread today in MOPS...so yummy!

Day 7

Symmetrical design

We are learning about lines of symmetry and made a symmetrical design.