Smith Family Luau-Part 1

I have a ton of pictures to post, so I am breaking this up into 2 parts. We attended a luau at the Hyatt in Poipu several months ago. We were told it was much better than the Smith Family Luau, so we went. It was ok, but not great. The Wysowskis had wanted us to come with them to the Smith luau many times, but things never worked out. This time the timing worked out perfectly since we both had family in town and wanted to go with them. It was so. much. better!!!! We also paid less, including my parents, than we did at the Hyatt. It has these amazing grounds with all different trees and vegetation. There were tons of birds, even peacocks, that the kids fed by hand. They loved it!

Smith Family Luau-Part 2

We had a superb, delicious dinner. Definitely better than the Hyatt. The rice pudding was to die for! Seriously. I think I had 3 or 4 servings and still wanted more. (Yes, I know I'm a pig!) Several of our girls went up and danced the hula, including little Madelyn. It was precious! After the dinner we went to a covered amphitheater that sat right next to a stage with water surrounding it. I got one terrible picture before I had to leave and walk around with my crazy, walking, baby girl. It was a great show, from what I saw.

Our friend Ben works at the Hyatt and talked toTaylor Swift and her family while they were staying there. They mentioned that they went to the luau, which ended up being the day after we went and the day we had originally planned to go. We ended up switching days at the last minute. The day we went was much better, since it was dry and sunny, unlike the following day that rained so hard Kauai had flash flood warnings. Sienna was very bummed to not get to see her idol.

Baking Fun

Sienna and Aidan love to help me with cooking and especially baking. I am trying to let them do more and more by themselves in the kitchen. Sienna's friend, Grace, who also loves baking, was over and the kids decided to make some cookies. I thought they were so cute, in the kitchen, and working together. The cookies might have had a few little issues, (partly my fault!) so they didn't turn out as pretty as usual, but the kids had a lot of fun making (and eating) them and that is most important!

Thanksgiving Day

We had such a great Thanksgiving. We are so very blessed in too many ways to count. I love Thanksgiving; it is one of my favorite holidays. It seems extra important now, in our culture of wanting, to take the time and think of all that we have been given. I love the quote, "Gratitude makes what we have enough." I want this to be the mantra of my life. We are very thankful for our friends, the Wysowksis, for welcoming us in their home, with their family there, so we had people to celebrate with. We are very blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Holly's nieces loved Lucy

 Playing soccer with the kids

 Our friend, Zuly, and Lucy

Disneyland Vacation-Days 1 & 2

We are so blessed! When we found the tickets to Texas, with Spencer's schedule being the way that it is (by taking 1 week off, he ends up with 3 off,) we looked at the cost of stopping in Utah or California. Utah was another $250, per person, so it was out. Cali. was only $50. So we decided we should go to Disneyland while we had the chance at a much cheaper trip than it would be otherwise (leaving the island is normally at least $500  per person).

The blessings I am talking about is our friends and family. My beautiful parents, decided that since we were so close (all relative, compared to being across the Pacific Ocean) they needed to come see us. We also had one of my dearest friends and her family meet us there too, since we had always talked about going there together and timing worked out. I cannot express how much it meant that these wonderful people changed schedules, spent money and time to be with us. We feel so very loved and hope that we can reciprocate one day.

Papa and Luce

 Already loves the Princesses

 Love Lucy staring up at her!

 Yummy desserts! Couldn't resist a picture!

Disneyland Vacation-Days 3 & 4

On one of our days in the parks, my beloved Grandpa Hanson insisted he needed to see us and since we didn't have a rental car, he drove to meet us and spent the day at California Adventures. He had never been there and we had a wonderful time. The World of Color show is amazing. I love seeing him with my children and watch them develop close relationships with him, just like I have. He and Madelyn are especially close. They have always been that way. I adore that!

Me and Jenna

 We are all powerless to the need to kiss on that sweet baby!

 Grandpa meeting Lucy for the first time

 Best Buds

More Disneyland

I wish I had gotten more picture with our friends, Jeff and Jenna Wilson. Hopefully they know we love them!

 Aidan and Hunter, who share the exact same birthday

Tunnels Beach

We went to Tunnels Beach with the Wysowskis in September. It was a beautiful beach; one we had not been to before. There is great snorkeling there so it was extra fun, since most beaches here are sandy and not great for seeing anything. There was a monk seal nearby. They are endangered, so we can't get very close. They just swim up to the beach and rest there for a while before taking off again. It was beautiful to see.

 I love big, chubby baby bellies in a bikini! 
The first and only time she wore it!

Hat Baby

My dear friend, Joan, sent Lucy this hat from China and we love it. Isn't she a cutie! Thank you Joan! We miss you!