Hawaii 2012

What a wonderful treat it was to hop on a Space A flight to Hawaii! B-man and I felt like we were on the Amazing Race, trying to get on the flight in the first place, get lodging, car rentals, etc. It was an adventure from the start. We welcomed the 90 degree temperature shift, going from -10 degrees to 80 degrees, as well as the FIVE extra hours of daylight we enjoyed on Oahu. We stayed in Army recreation cabins that were literally like 25 yards from the beach! Perfect!

I had to take this picture of Lil Bit because we took a pic of Boo when we went to Hawaii 2 years ago in the exact same location, outside of Haleiwa Joe's restaurant.

Shaka!

Beautiful beach at the lagoons in Ko Olina.

Breaking it down hula style at the Waikiki Beach Park.
They have a free hula show a couple of nights/week.

Our cabin.

Enjoying the sunset over Pearl Harbor.

We stayed at some dear friends house on the AFB there while we waited on a flight back to AK. I knew these babes when they were Boo and Bit's ages back in Colorado. I can't believe how much they have grown. This family is very, very dear to me. I'm so glad we got to spend some time with them. The only pic I could get of all of them is while they were picnicking on the floor.

Lil Bit getting ready to take her first steps into the Pacific.

Boo got sunscreen in his eyes and was miserable.

Haleiwa Joe's

They were worn out from the beach!

Hehehehe!

Super cute in snow AND beach clothes!

While we were waiting on our C-17 out of HI, we came across this plane.

Air Force One right there at the same terminal as us.
Alas, we did not return to AK on a C-17. The plane had maintenance issues that would delay it's return to AK by 4 days. So, we flew home on Alaskan Airlines.

We really had a great time and soaked up the sun and warmth as much as possible. I refused to wear socks while we were there! Lol! Flip flops (or slippers as the locals call them) all the way!  That being said, it was nice to get back to our house here in AK though, just in time for Christmas.

VIDEOS: They had a blast dancing!

I don't know why they were singing Feliz Navidad!

Boo's First Fishing Trip

I'm back tracking here big time, but we have to get this documented. Back in August, Boo got to go on his first fishing trip with Uncle D and PawPaw and Uncle D's father. To say he had a blast would be an understatement. He will tell you he caught 100 fish! And his witnesses say he wasn't far from it! Lol.
Uncle D works with a fella who has a fish pond. It's very well stocked so nearly every time you drop your line, you get a bite. Uncle D just sent us a CD with these pics and videos, so I had to share. I can't even remember wearing crocs! Lol!

Not even the rain can stop these fishermen.

Boos' new best friend?
This is not Bella, for those of you who are wondering. I think this dog belongs with this pond.
He/she's got an eye on that fish though.

Videos!

That voice you hear is Uncle D!
He's behind the camera so there are no pics of him.
This trip wouldn't have taken place without him.
Thank you so much Uncle D!!!!!!

Wait for it...

Advent Calendar and Wreath

This year, we started a new tradition. We have our own Advent wreath at our kitchen table. I'll be honest, we got off to a rusty start. The candles were late arriving in the mail, so we missed the first Sunday of Advent and had to double up on the second Sunday. And as I was explaining it to Boo and Bit at supper on our first night to use it, our conversation went something like this...

Me: This is our Advent Wreath; Advent is the season of preparation. Do you know what we're preparing for?
Boo: I don't.
Bit: Birthday cake!! Cake!! Cake!! (we've had a few b-days here lately that involved candles...)

Me: Well, what do we celebrate at Christmas. Do you remember?
Boo: Hanukkah?
(He just learned about Hanukkah in school; B-man and I steal a glance at each other)
Me: No, not Hanukkah. Whose birthday are we celebrating at Christmas?
Boo: (thinking...........) JESUS!
Yes!! There it is!
Lol.

Just proves that we need to be doing this advent activities, don't ya think?!

So far we have lit the Candle of Hope and The Candle of Preparation. And as I explained to Boo about our hope in Jesus Christ, he said, "Mom, can you tell us more about Jesus?"
Perfect! Mission accomplished.

So although they were not paying attention as I read the scriptures, and Boo thought Christmas was about Hannukah (he knows better, btw, lol), and Bit kept asking for cake, seeds are being planted and that is why we are starting these traditions with them at an early age. They might not get it all, but they are getting something. And that warms my heart and brings me joy. It really does. I feel joyful after our advent activities. And you know what, they do too.

I saw this evergreen wreath at a little gift shop in town and when I saw it's beauty and simplicity, I thought...this would be perfect for an advent wreath.
Three of the candles are purple. They are traditionally purple because purple is the color of the vestments worn in the church during Advent. There is a single rose colored candle (typically pink, but this reddish pink is what I could find) that is lit on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent. Rose colored vestments are worn that day. And we included a fifth, white candle to be lit on Christmas Day. The white candle, of course, represents our Lord, Jesus Christ.

There's a lot of information about advent wreaths on the internet and there are a lot of variations.
This is just what we've chosen for our family. First Sunday (purple): Hope
Second Sunday (purple): Preparation (I've also seen Peace)
Third Sunday (rose): Joy
Fourth Sunday (purple): Love
Christmas Day (white)

For a while, I had been wanting an Advent Calendar. But, I wanted something specific.
I wanted one that told the story of Jesus' birth.
BeBe and I found this one in Texas right before Bit was born.
Remember that, BeBe?

They love doing it and make sure we don't forget! :)
We start at the begining of the story  and add just a little bit more each night.
And Boo immediately starts playing like he's at the Inn and there are no rooms.

Boo: "Excuse me, we've come to Bethlehem to be counted. Do you have any hotel rooms?
Me (as the inn keeper; Boo calls it housekeeper): Nope, we're all out of rooms. But, if you really need a place, you can stay in the barn.
Boo: Okay, we like animals. Do you have two sheep? My baby sister loves sheep!
Me: Oh yes, we do.
Boo: Do you have TV in the barn?
Me: hahahahahahahahaha!


Seeds people. Seeds.

Aloha!!!

We ventured into the world of Space A travel this week! The Air Force was flying from AK to HI and they had 53 open seats in there C17. So, we packed our bags and began our version of the Amazing Race! We made the cut and boarded the C17. It's HUGE!!!! Plenty of leg room! We're not sure how or when we'll get back but we're going to soak up the sun and warmth while we can!

Letters to Santa and Snow Play

First, I want to say that my heart is broken and sobs with those families whose babies were shot and killed this week in CT. It is an unimaginable, revolting, and totally devastating tragedy. I think of those little children going to school and my soul shivers when I think of what they encountered. How terrified they must have been. I just can't even imagine...

It definitely makes you hold on tighter to the ones you love, doesn't it?

I pray for peace for those families. Peace, Dear Lord. Wrap them in Your arms so that they feel You and Your love. I think it must be the only thing that can begin to provide solace at a time like this.
.......................................................................

Boo has been working on a letter to Santa for quite a while now. He finally finished it up last week and was so excited to address it and put a stamp on it. Well, once Lil Sister caught on, she HAD to write a letter too.
So, we sent them off in the mail earlier this week. And Boo can't wait to get one back from Santa. Hopefully our little Elf from the North Pole will bring one back soon. ;)

We also had some snow last weekend. We've been in a snow drought this year. So, it was nice to get some snow so that we could get out and play.

This makes me smile.

Boo's letter says:
"Dear Santa, I loved seeing you at the mall (last year). I would like LM (Lightning McQueen) racers this year. Love, Grady"

I'm not sure what Lil Bit's letter says, but it's quite colorful and I'm sure Santa can deliver something fun for her too.

Boo's envelope.

B-man playing with his new snow toy!
4-wheeler and snow plow combo.

Looks like fun! I'm just glad he's here to tackle the job!

Lil Bit headed down the hill!

Here she comes!

She's a little unsure on the way down but all smiles once she gets there!

Boo's ready to go!

WIPEOUT!

No tears!
Hallelujer!
Seriously.

She's too much!

Cuteness!

Big boys have to figure out how to get themselves and their sleds back up the hill.

Whoa!

B-man took this pic right before Boo went between his legs at the bottom of the hill.
Haha!

A little concerned, but having a blast.

She loves it, but she can't move or hold on with all of those clothes on so it's hard for her to handle.
I got a new sled for her that I think will work better to help contain her.

Moving on down the road to try out another hill.

B-man was taking the pics for this day.