I uploaded pictures a week and a half ago, thinking I'd beat the baby rush and stay on top of this blog. Then, well, my water broke and the baby rush came.
The Friday before Christmas, we went to Polihale with the Clarks for a bonfire. We decided not to camp because Brady was buried at work and sick.
The kids looked like this about 3 minutes after getting in the car to go home. Love the sand/marshmallow mess on her face. (I'd get a pic of Zac but at that point it was too hard to twist that far.)
Brady and the kids attended a pancake breakfast at Zachary's school. I worked out instead and then got these pictures and felt like the worst mama ever.
100% believer right there.
A day before Christmas Eve, I was admitted to the ER by my doctor, who was worried about lack of movement with baby Owen. I was there with Kate for 3 hours, who was in sheer panic that we'd miss the live nativity in Kalaheo that night. We made it in the nick of time, but only because we starved our children. This year, there were no goats to nip anyone (Zac was "attacked" last year).
We also hit up the ever-charming "Santa Lane" and checked out the lights.
Many of our close friends left the island for Christmas, and my kids sure wanted to. We might have to take them to snow next Christmas. We loved the weather, here, though, and kept up our Christmas Kauai traditions, including paddle boarding in next to Santa as he rowed his boat ashore.
Santa this year looks less homeless than in years past. I do miss his Aloha shirt, though, but not his yarn beard.
Kate loved playing with her friends on Christmas Eve.
Zachary is obsessed with football, and these older boys were really nice to include him in their scruffy game.
Brady paddling with Kate.
Nic and Heidi had us over for a fancy Christmas Eve dinner that night. Lasagne--including a fabulous veggie variety--salad, rolls, and great company. These friends (as you will see in subsequent posts) are definitely family and always will be. That night, we talked and the kids played, and we watched the Nativity movie.
Tate and Kate holding hands. Ay-yay-yay. These two adore each other and I love that she has such close friendships with boys, too.
My last time busting out the "Merry Christmas" tee.
Christmas Eve wasn't that much work this year. We did most of the wrapping and prep earlier in the week. It was so nice to have gifts from grandparents and cousins this year, especially because we've all been missing family so much.
The doll house, lit up and ready for action.
This year, we totally forgot to have the kids decorate a cookie for Santa. Whoops. Mom took care of it.
Christmas morning, the kids called down the stairs at 7:00am, as directed. We sang our traditional "Christmas Comes but Once a Year," and they walked down to the living room.
Now that baby Owen has arrived, I especially treasure this picture. We were all singing our Christmas song and he was kicking away.
Presents from Santa!
She was so worried that Santa might pass on giving her an American Girl doll. She never officially wrote it down for Ralfie and worried the message missed Santa somehow. Zac was also worried, because his gift to Kate was an outfit for the doll. They were both relieved to find Maryellen (or whatever her name is today--Kate changes it daily).
Zachary continues to be the most expressive gift recipient I've ever met. Here he is opening up a pair of Walkie Talkies from Santa.
Santa also got him a Harry Potter coloring book. This expression is not contrived.
Dad's big surprise from all of us was an Ukulele. He is going to learn it and then teach Zac some basic cords so hopefully Zachary can participate in school Ukulele band next year.
I wish we'd purchased these about 4 years ago. The kids have played with them daily for hours since Christmas.
Love these handwritten tags.
Kate's face might not light up the same way as Zachary's, but she is equally fun to watch because she is so grateful.
Gift from Grandma and Grandpa Nufer. He even took this camping.
Gift from cousin Audrey.
Candid moment with tender Zac-man.
Everyone posted pictures of all the snow they were getting. We posted shots of our rain shower.
That night, we went camping at Polihale. Typically, we enjoy Hanalei on Christmas Day, but it was raining most places on the island. Camping sounded like a fun adventure and the kids were very excited about the possibility of camping (even with all their new toys at home). I supposedly wasn't having a baby anytime soon, so we supposedly had all the time in the world to get the house clean, get groceries, clean up Christmas, etc. before baby.
Zachary and Brady out boogie boarding.
It was perfect and beautiful. I slept better than I have in weeks, which shocked me. I've since named this place Polihappy.
The next morning, we were greeted with double rainbows, whales, and pods of dolphins. We spent the morning tossing a football around and swimming.
Zachary's annual sand man.
(My last picture before baby Owen's arrival.)
Saturday afternoon, we worked hard to detail our Pathfinder, and put it on the market to sell. My new car was supposed to be there already, so we figured we should get her done before baby. We've since learned that our car is still in Cali, so that was a long afternoon shot, but oh well.
Sunday, we had Nic and Heidi over for a post-Christmas ham dinner. They left just before 9pm. My water broke at 10:30pm. Heidi came back. That's a story for next post. I'm super happy that my last moments before baby were spent at my very happiest place, and so happy we got to spend Christmas together with family and friends. Perfect timing, Mr. Owen.
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