Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Everyone! We had a very nice, relaxing day today. We got up at 7am (it could have been worse!) and opened presents. Then, for lunch we went over to Mackenzie's teacher's house. They are the nicest people and had at least 25 or so family and friends over for lunch, swimming, and karaoke. Fun Times! 

Taken this morning before the kids attacked the presents. :) 

Opening gifts

Very few places can you swim on Christmas Day! Our hosts have a wonderful pool and the kids had a blast! 

Kewalin and Troy leading us in a few Christmas carols before lunch. 

Kenzie didn't want to try karaoke but we finally talked her into at least giving it a try. After that we couldn't get the microphone away from her!  

The results...

Ok, the results from the photo contest are in. Determining a winner was tough because rules were not laid out ahead of time. If you don't count Katie's second vote, Dad and Sarah are the winners. Otherwise, Katie wins. :) The two swimming pictures I took last week at lessons (winter), obviously the picture of James and Bob was last Christmas (winter). The picture of Katie was during her summer visit. The broken arm was in August, so I guess I have to accept summer or fall. And, the picture of planting was actually during the summer. 

See how tough it is to keep track of time here in paradise! :) Oh, we have it so rough!

Anyway, tonight we had a fun family night out. We went out to one of our favorite restaurants, The Old Spagetti Factory and then went to see The Tale of Despereaux. It was a fun time. 

Here are a few pictures from tonight and a couple from the other day. 

Mason in the car. 

Mackenzie in the car. 

Making cupcakes earlier this week. 

A fun game of checkers the other day. 

Dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory (Kenzie was unhappy because she wanted to sit by the window)

A little game....

Ok, I've discovered the reason I don't take many pictures or update my blog often. Seasons, or more specifically, lack of seasons! It seems like all our pictures look the same and we do the same things all the time because the weather never changes. 

So, I don't know if this will make you who are suffering cold and snow feel better or worse, but here is how you play the game: Take a look at the picture below and guess the season. You can submit your guesses as a comment. The winner will receive...well, nothing really just bragging rights. :) Some pictures have hints if you think hard or analyze the picture well. 

Picture #1: She jumps through hoops for us! 

Picture #2: Swim lesson turned water park adventure. 

Picture #3: Boys will be boys. 

Picture #4: Crazy tourist! 

Picture #5: Broken arm 

Picture #6: Planting time

Good Luck!!

I don't have too much time to write anything tonight, but here are a couple of pictures I took before the kids' Christmas concert last night. The pictures from the concert didn't turn out so great (I think we need a new camera!) but it was a very nice concert. 

The lights on our house. Notice, no snow! :) 

Does Santa fill your stocking if you wear it first?!

Everything will change..

I had the sudden realization this evening that in about 6 more months we are going to be making some really big changes in our lives. Retiring from the military is just the beginning of the change to come. 

I guess it started at the kids dentist appointment when I scheduled their next check-up for June. I told the receptionist that it would be our last appointment. Wow, we will be starting all over with dentists, doctors, school, neighbors, and swimming/gymnastics lessons. From this point on we have so many "lasts" in Hawaii, which has been home for the past 5 years. Last week was our last Thanksgiving here. Soon will be our last Christmas here. You get the idea. :) 

Now, granted we have much familiarity that we will be coming home to-church, shopping, restaurants, and of course our family. But, I began to wonder, will it really be the same? I called my parents tonight and left a message on their home phone. Then I gave mom's cell phone a try. She answered that and said they were actually at home playing dominos with two other couples. Couples that are probably closer to my age than theirs! I think I was actually a little hurt that they chose to ignore my phone call because they were having fun at that moment. (Don't worry Mom, I'm over it now! **Can you believe my mom called me right after I typed that sentence? She is so awesome!)   I don't think I expected everyone we left 5 years ago to sit around staring at the calendar, counting the days until our return. But, you just don't realize all the changes that have taken place in everyone's lives. Katie  was 14 when we left and pretty much always available to babysit for one thing. :) To be fair, we've changed too. The kids are more grown up and that puts us at a different place in our life too. 

I guess the bottom line is that moving back won't be like when we come to visit where everyone puts their normal life on hold to spend time with us. And, it won't be anything like us being 3 time zones away, only talking on the phone and mailing packages for birthdays. It will be somewhere in the middle, all of us living normal everyday lives, but getting to make memories in the midst of the commonplace, mundane tasks of life. That is what sharing life with your family is all about. And I for one can't wait! :)

Goodnight moon....

Last night we saw the most beautiful moon and what I thought were two bright stars. I have since learned that they are Venus and Jupiter. (Thanks, Michelle!) 

And, a funny story: I talked to Katie this afternoon and she said she saw the same moon/stars tonight. After I got off the phone I told the kids that Katie had seen the same thing we saw. Right away Kenzie said, "probably she ate carrots." I said, "What? What do carrots have to do with it." She responded with, "Katie can see really far!" 

I guess maybe if you eat enough carrots you can see us all the way over here in Hawaii! Let me know when you're looking and we'll wave. :)

Other than than we enjoyed our Thanksgiving. There is so much to be thankful for!!  

Have a great week, everyone!