Another Great Memory

These kind of get togethers don't happen very often,

so I really do cherish them.

I am so grateful for dear friends and

the fond memories I have with each of you!

random Ad-Ons

First of all, we were SOOO glad my parents

got all of their packages.

All of our families had put together and sent them

2 packages containing 12 days of Christmas gifts,

in early November and they didn't get it until like

2 days b4 Christmas......talk about nerve racking & last minute.

The weekend b4 Christmas, Quinn decided we should

Fed-ex them another small package because WE were so

concerned they weren't going to get the original package.

Now they just got an extra amount of LOVE.

We hope that missionary bear reminds you

just how much we really do

LOVE you!!!

And now you can get hugs and kisses

(from Ame and Kaipo) any time you want now!

*We hope you had a memorable

& Merry Christmas*

Good thing mom knows what Santa is getting everyone.

This is the one thing Ame said she didn't get,

but really wanted.
She was surprised Christmas morning when it

made its way ALL the way to Provo!

We'll see if Kaipo can get the hang of this one.
He also loves all of his new Star Wars action figures!

Ash was the hardest one to shop for, for sure!
But he seems happy with his toys, just about as much as
his brother and sisters toys.
DOn't they always want what someone else has??
(which makes for friendly sharing of toys...NOT)
And here is another sledding picture.
Looks like fun, doesn't it?
Mom missed out cuz she was inside while Ash was sleeping,
but daddy did get to join them!

MORE celebrating

Christmas Eve was full of fun and craziness,

with the Hanamaikai crew.

We ate AND ate, talked, laughed, played, and

even had our own little Nativity Play

(with Joseph & Mary, an Angel, Shepherds, and

Wisewomen-you do what you gotta do when the girls dominate)

we opened presents and
loved what we got!

Ash does NOT leave mommy's side, except to see Uncle Clint

Quinn's brother, Keaka, took all the kids sledding Christmas Day.

They all had a BLAST!

We were so grateful to all our loved ones for their thoughtfulness, love and generosity. We love each and every member of our families, near and far, and are so thankful for the ways in which they touch, bless and enrich our lives! Most importantly, we LOVE our Savior for His life and His sacrifice. May we always remember him, and strive to keep him apart of our lives each and every day, is OUR goal, this coming year! Happy New Year to YOU and hope you have had a Christmas Season filled with much Aloha!!

An early visit from Santa

Because we were going to be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Quinn's family, in Orem, we decided to just spend the night (also because the weather was suppose to be stormy) down there. So, mom and dad decided it would be a good idea (thx Jme) to have Santa pay our home an early visit. When I brought up that idea to Ame, of course she had NO PROBLEM with that, cuz it really meant Christmas lasted even longer!

So we did our Christmas eve stuff, and I decided to start a NEW tradition of Navajo Taco, so here is my fry bread. The family seemed happily impressed, so I think this one is here to stay!

We enjoyed some of the MANY yummy treats that have been graciously been given to us, and some sparkling cider.

We watched this wonderful video...to TRY to put our focus in the RIGHT place.

and did our LOVE stocking.

Ame would not let us forget to leave cookies for Santa. She left a cute note for him as well. I guess he was pleased, cuz this is the note he left in return.

Ame got a BIG surprise from Santa. Not what she had asked for, but she has been happily cruzin' her new scooter around the basement (since it is way too snowy outside), with NO complaints!
Ash is loving one of his new gifts as well!

Kaipo was more than ecstatic with his new Mega-blocks castle. He is a TRUE knight now!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Asplund for the great gifts you got us (via mom)

We're hoping this one helps Ash say a few more (or ALOT more) words.

This one is a BIG HIT too.

Daddy liked his gifts
And mommy too
I made monkey bread last year and everyone thought it was just OK.

I thought I would try it again, and see if there were any opinion changes.

As good as I thought it was, I think I will be looking for a NEW Christmas morning breakfast.

Quinn and his family LOVE spam, eggs, rice, and the whole bit (which is what we had this morning), but I want something that is OUR tradition. (Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated)

One of our neighborhood friends brought this over on Christmas Eve (day) and I thought it was such a creative & fun gift idea.

*I may just have to borrow this one*

So the early visit, although it was a LAST MINUTE decision, actually worked out quite nicely. A LOT less stress on the REAL day, but I dont' think I want it to be a permanent thing. It still felt a little wierd! But our Christmas was still VERy Merry and Bright!!!

SOME are enjoying ALL the snow

As all the Utahn's know, we have been getting A LOT of snow and my kids never tire of wanting to play in the white stuff! Ash doesn't go out very often, but he did this day. Ame being such a great BIG sister!!
Kaipo would stay out all day, if I let him!

Ash quickly decided he wasn't fond of being IN the snow.

At least not where it was soo deep!

Because we have been getting SOO much snow, Quinn and I take turns doing the shoveling. It is just soo much fun, we don't want to deprive each other of the good times!

oh so cute...enjoy grandma and grandpa

Some cute kids all dressed up nice for church!
A proud mom, with her pretty girl

And some good lookin' boys

making houses

We made gingerbread houses today.

The kids (Ame especially) have been anxious to make them

all week.

Today was finally a day we didn't have a million other things going,

so we could devote our morning to some more holiday fun!

(PLEASE ignore the messy house)

Ame's work in progress
Kaipo in between in candy eating
And the finished products...one will stay and one will go
(for our 12 days of Christmas treat tonight)

Luckily they both didn't cave in!

This mom is definitely NO EXPERT in the

house building area.

The kids don't seem to care.

It just means they can eat away

at the poor little house,

without feeling the least bit guilty!

(as if they would anyway)

It was fun while it lasted!

Isn't it all about the moment anyway?!

decoration favorites

I've been meaning to do this for a while for my mom,

who wanted to see our Christmas Decor.

It is hard to get a look at the whole house, so here is a glimpse mom,

of some of my favorites around our Holiday home.

The wreath (as you know) I made last year, but the little tree is NEW.

It has different settings that allow for various lighting and songs.

It is s fun addition.

I have had this picture

(which has a beautiful thought on the opposite side)

for years, given to us by my always inspiring Mom.
I got this nativity last year, which I LOVE!

Here's is my wanna-be Hawaiian addition
to the tree, made last year as well.
Can never get enough of this reminder!

I didn't make a lot of new additions this year

...just didn't have the motivation.

although I do have some ideas for next year-

which could very well change in a year from now!

But I have TRIED to fill our home with the

Spirit of Christmas,

and hope that my family is enjoying it

...because I surely am!