Christmas Morning

Christmas with little kids, is always magical. The excitement and anticipation is THICK in the air. We had church at 8:00am, so we knew the kids would have to wake up early and open gifts so we could still make it to church on time. Luckily (?) they woke up before the sun did and were ready to go. 

The presents all wrapped under the banana tree was the cutest thing ever. The kids all helped wrap presents this year, which was a first. Plus Santa left them some things on the couches. Paul took the camera for a while, so I got in some pictures this time. Everyone got things they asked for and some extras. We were all spoiled, even Kina, thank you to all the family and friends who sent us cards, pictures, and gifts this year.

The boys made us gifts in class that were darling, and so thoughtful.

Then off to church. On Christmas, there is only 1 hour of church.  But having that little refocus on being grateful for what we have, for our families, for our Savior, is just what we wanted.

I am so grateful for these sweet little things. They make our life so FULL.

Then we went back home to make cinnamon rolls. Paul had a helper this time around.

Christmas morning was so much fun. The kids played and played and played and were SO happy.  Then after a while we set off to the beach, because who doesn't like a good swim in the ocean on Christmas? Here's a video of Christmas morning. 

Christmas Eve Dinner

On Christmas Eve we hung out with two of our favorites families here on the island. We went to our neighborhood beach and had a big potluck feast. It was so much fun. 

The sunset through the trees here is always spectacular.

We brought games for the kids to play.

We acted out the Nativity. Lullaby was Mary, and Cybil was the baby Jesus (we didn't have any real babies in our group).

Then it was Christmas charades. So so so much fun was had that night. All the kids were worn out and ready for the next morning... Christmas!

(Can you tell that Amy was a candy cane?)

lunch

Hawken and Daddy made the lunches to look like snowmen faces. 'Tis the season, right?

Christmas Eve

What did we do on Christmas Eve morning? Why, we went surfing, of course! What else would we do? 

And we built pretend fires near the woods and on the beach.  Not the worst thing to do on such a lovely winter holiday.

helper

Lullaby cannot keep away if there is flour involved. She loves to help, especially if it means she can get her hands in that messy soft flour.

joke

Living in a place that never gets cold is the exact opposite of how I grew up. I'm pretty sure, it's never totally summer in Wisconsin. This little meme made me laugh so hard. Public Notice to all of my Wisconsin family (and Utah, Arizona, and Colorado - of course): COME VISIT US. :)

sibling gifts

With 4 kids, it's expensive and time consuming to have each kid get or make a gift for each sibling, so they picked names, and actually spent some time thinking about what they wanted to give to the other. It was sweet watching them and helping them with their secret plans. I love the excitement and surprise planning that goes into Christmas morning. There is so much anticipation. 

old friends

Matix's first real friend, Dries, was the topic of conversation a lot just before Christmas. Matix all of a sudden remembered him and started talking about him. We sent his family a little gift for Christmas and this note from Matix. When they were three, and four, they loved trains. Both boys were obsessed. I love that he drew a train for Dries. So sweet. We really miss their family. 

movie night

One night right before bed, Paul came home, and grabbed the boys, taking them off for a surprise movie. There was a new Star Wars movie, and they loved it. It's becoming a tradition for Paul and the big boys. So fun!

PCC

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center to go on the Christmas Canoe ride. It was recommended to us, and was by far the BEST Christmas thing we've ever done. It was amazingly spiritual. There were other things to do and see other than the canoe ride, which we did too.

Matix found a million huge snails.

Solace and Lullaby found Mr. and Mrs. Claus, while Paul was with the big boys getting our food.

We ate and listened to a very talented Hawaiian family perform some songs, until it was time foe our boat ride.

Then onto the canoe ride, seriously, so so good!

sweet

Lullaby needed help getting her baby dolls to the beach, Hawken thought this up on his own. So cute and sweet. I love when they care about each other.