Christmas at Home

We got home from Hawaii on Christmas Eve and had learned just before leaving that Mom's house had been broken into while we were gone.  I had been planning since before the trip to have everyone over for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner of Bratwurst and was also able to convince mom to sleep over until we could resolve the issue of her busted basement door the next day.  I was so excited to be able to wake up on Christmas morning with my mom.  I can't remember the last time that happened.

Me and mom getting ready for dinner

Our feast!

Mom bought this Volcano Tiki Candle in Hawaii

 

After dinner, Dad read "The Night Before Christmas" in Hawaiian.

Riley wasn't too impressed.

He woke up at the word "presents" though.

I gave him this shirt from Pearl Harbor...

... and...

This blanket that I made for him.

He seemed to like it :).

After everyone went home, mom and I watched  my favorite Christmas Eve show "Amal and the Night Visitors" and went to bed.

Santa caught in the act.

Look what he left for mom!

Me and mom with our Christmas morning cinnamon roll breakfast.

Mom opening her presents.  She got some new jewelry to replace what was stolen...

... and a digital picture frame preloaded with a bunch of pictures of Hawaii

Mom liked all of her presents, but was missing her kitties and really wanted to go home.  Besides, her brother was going to come over later to look at the door so she left shortly after.  Kristin had gone to Salem to spend Christmas with her family since her parents are leaving tomorrow for a mission in Ohio.  I spent the day resting from a lot of travel, catching up on sleep, and playing "Hawaiian Christmas Photo Shoot" with Annie.

Santa also came and left a few Hawaiian surprises for Kristin

Hooray!  Kristin finally made it home on Christmas night and got a traditional Hawaiian Lei greeting.

A little late, but SANTA CAME!!!!

We had fun opening our presents and all the kids loved everything Santa brought them.

Annie playing with a fishing pole made from palm fronds that Lisa made in Hawaii.

 

Last Day at Sea Life Park

This would be our last day waking up in Hawaii.  We had to check out of our house in the morning, but our plane didn't leave until 10:00 at night, so we loaded up the cars and headed out to spend the day at Sea Life Park before going straight to the airport.


This cute little lizard was running across our table this morning as we were making breakfast



Since this was the last meal we would be eating at our house, and we couldn't take the food with us, we served up all leftover food and anything and everything that there was.  For breakfast we had, spaghetti, corn dogs, corn on the cob, cereal, milk, pineapple and oranges.



On our way to Sea Life Park we passed the island of 'Chinaman's Hat' one last time.  We read a story about the legend of Chinaman's Hat and got out to take some pictures to go along with a book that I bought about it.

Sea Life Park is Hawaii's version of Sea World and although the sign says it's "awesome!" it's really no comparison. Still, it was a nice mellow way to spend our last day and since the park wasn't very big it was easy to keep track of everyone.

It was a long drive and Riley fell asleep in the car.  When we got there and he woke up he asked "Are we still in Hawaii?"



Me and mom waiting for the sea lion show. 

 



Riley hangin' out with more Giant Sea Turtles

Catherine getting kissed by a dolphin

I didn't even know there was such a thing as a purple star fish!

Catherine and Riley checking out the tide pool

Lazy Sea Lions

Beautiful view next to the dolphin show.

Waiting for the dolphin show.

Ooooo, Ahhh!

Sea Life parks has the only known walfin.  Half killer whale, half dolphin!

Ohhhh, cute penguins going for a walk.

And another sea lion spreading Christmas cheer.

There was a fun playground for the kids.

Riley practically had the whole ship to himself.

Me and Kristin in Hawaii (Kristin in on the phone).

Mom with the penguins

This is the totem pole that I want in my front yard.

Walking though the exit tunnel on our way out of Sea Life Park.

 

At the exit getting ready to leave for the airport.

  

The scenery driving to the airport.  This is the last picture that I took of the trip (while I was driving).  I love the beautiful palm trees against the blue sky.  I will miss all of the amazing views, clean air, and oceans of Hawaii.  Sad to go.

We spent the next 5 hours at the airport, getting checked in, returning our cars, and waiting for our flight.  we were all to tired to do much, including take more pictures.  I'm looking forward to being home for Christmas.  We will fly all through the night and arrive home bright and early tomorrow morning which is Christmas Eve.

From Hawaii, Aloha!
(which not only means hello, but good bye and I love you!)