Christmas Break

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Aloha ya all,
Break has been so refreshing and sadly its about over. I start work again on Monday teaching another EIL class at  BYU-Hawaii, but before that happens I wanted to share my break with you.


It all started out with Graduation. My brother-in-law Felix graduated, as well as former roommate and one of my best friends Carla, and yes that is a cheese burger lei that Felix is sporting.




 Next, we flew to the Big Island to visit my Dad and Step-mom Theresa.
Kiholo Bay- also known by my family as Turtle Bay. Turtles are constantly sunbathing  there.






We stayed at one of my best friend's beach house in Kona and enjoyed the sunshine, ocean, as well as the sunsets. It's a beautiful place. I would highly recommend staying there. We stayed in the "Honu" house, if you wanna check it out. http://2papayas.com/vacation_rentals/



One night, Phil and I watched the sunset and had to capture the beauty that only a Kona sunset can offer. We ended up doing a photo shoot by just setting up the timer jumping up and down.














While we were on the big island we wanted to get some hikes in. Below are pictures of one of them: Pololu.





 And of course, one of the perks of going to the Big Island is that, if you are lucky, there is snow on the mountain. I got my white christmas.






Here is the snowman I made with licorice. 
Below, is the kind of Christmas tree I grew up with, they grow on the big island. I think they are called norfolk island pine trees. They are a little more sparse than your average christmas tree and they don't spell as nice, but I still love them. My dad cut this one down from Aunty Eleanor's yard.


My dog, Baby, who I got for Christmas 11 years ago. She is still my Baby.
 Next, we returned to Oahu for Christmas and spent it with my Mom and Step-dad, Stewart.
Christmas morning


Mom and Stewart on Christmas morning


These are the newest additions to the family. Mom and Stewart rescued and adopted them. Their names are 'Ekahi and 'Ekolu. I don't think there are dogs that are more loved out there.
 And then, we headed back to Laie to enjoy the few illegal fireworks that brave locals shot up in the air.




Since then, I've been mostly trying to recover from a cold/flu that I got after returning from the Big Island.   Still, I've enjoyed doing nothing and taking naps during the day.


I did make it out to my friend, Jackie's house because they just got a new adorable puppy and after seeing one photo of the puppy I could resist going myself to play with him.


You'll see why in the next few photos...






Jackie's family happens to own a green house and her Dad is an avid Orchid collector and breeder. They gave me a tour and the flowers and they were so beautiful I had to snap a few shots (Mom, these are mostly for you!)






And finally for all of those that keep asking for pictures of my belly (aka Jaimie, lol). Here, I am 22 weeks today. I am feeling great and am finally feeling baby move.





Pretty much an awesome break. I celebrated Christmas, New Years, my 2nd Anniversary and my half way mark in my pregnancy all in the past few weeks. Life is great!

Comments

  1. MeghanJanuary 8, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    First of all, in the turtle bay pics - is the 21 on your shirt for 21 weeks?
    ...if so, that. is. awesome. I LOVE it.

    Secondly, I love the pic of you at mom's house with the two dogs on your lap. So cute.

    Third, I absolutely cannot wait to meet my new niece. She is just going to be so dang cute. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. JaimieJanuary 8, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    Yaaay!! You are sooo cute!! Thanks for the pictures! :) glad you hac such a wonderful break.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SarahJanuary 9, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    Yay! White Christmas!

    ReplyDelete

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