Christmas 2014

Oh wow, where do I ever begin. After a third Christmas in a row of being cold and sick last Christmas it was decided ( by me) that this year we would spend Christmas in Hawaii. Spend it warm and swimming. After a year of saving every penny we were blessed to fulfill this dream. A trip of a lifetime for these kids. A trip I am pretty sure they will never forget. 

Technically we traveled for about two days. With a snowstorm headed our way we left Pagosa around 4pm Sunday and arrived in Hawaii at 11pm Monday (or 2am Tuesday in Colorado) The kids were total troopers.

And were so excited to see our cousins!!

A Hawaiian Christmas tree looks much like a Colorado tree.
Skinny but perfect.

First day was a little rainy so we headed to the aquarium.

walked a little on the beach of Waikiki, saw a real live pirate ship...

Christmas eve we headed downtown to Honololou City Lights.

Shaka Santa and the Mrs...

Carnival Rides on Christmas....pretty fun!

We woke up Christmas early before the sun.....

and then did what most people do, (wink wink)

headed straight to the beach....

This is where most of our days where spent. 

A convenient 5 minute walk from The Coates residence Lanakai Beach is ideal for these kids. Calm, clear, and warm....

We wanted to take the kids to the Pillboxes. A hike we had done last summer, which was pretty amazing. You get a little history and an amazing view. It is fun to let them see something different from the top of a peak.

We then came home to this cutie pie ready to ride some bikes...

and of course head back to the beach...

Our last goal of the trip was to visit Pearl Harbor. It was really amazing how many people arrived there on a Monday morning. We arrived at 8:10am and over 2000 tickets had already been sold. 

It was an amazing week. We hope to go back one day, now that Uncle Gray is there!!

New Years cards with more pictures coming you way soon!!!

Lake Part two....

We have been pretty slammed here this week so I apologize for taking so long to post more pictures.
We had the pleasure of hanging out with the Reich Family one day. Kathi and I worked at Gap together in Blowing Rock and hit it off right away. I miss her a ton!! Kathi and her hubby David brought thier girls down to swim and play . It was so great to spend the day with them, we had a blast!!

Rylie and Harlie became quick friends...

sweethearts

James and Aunt Lisser came down the next day. 

That boy headed straight for the water like my kiddos did! Must run in the blood!!

Grandma Haynie came down to visit as well.
Such a blessing these kids got to see two Great Gramma's!!!

off to the airport....

After a Fabulous time at the lake we weren't quite ready to head home yet. So we stopped off in Boulder to visit the McAndrew's. We don't get up to the Denver area much and we are so glad we took an extra day to spend with them! They are always so much fun to be around. Ailish gave Rylie some soccer tips for the fall and Liam let Wyatt watch him skateboard!

did I mention Rylie came back with my Cabbage Patch doll!?
Pete looks awful good for 30 huh!!

Blowing Rock

Our first stop, besides the airport of course, was Blowing Rock. We landed around 7pm eastern time, so with a 3 hour drive the kids had a late night after we arrived. But that's what vacation is all about anyways right...

so excited to get on the plane!!

We headed to the park first thing the next morning.  They were ready to run! The biggest surprise was running into The Smith Family at the park! Buxton and Elin are just precious!!

The next day we had company! Myron's great Aunts came in for lunch. What a treat!!!

Aunt Barbara did some art with Ryile!!

Aunt Jeanne, Myron, and Aunt Naomi!

I miss Hydrangea's

nothing like sisters shucking corn...

 GeGa had a special treat for the kids...

Smores, can you tell Wyatt was excited!

Cousin James came up the next day. He had to leave early because he got sick, bit boy was it fun while he was here!!

Four Generations.
I hate this picture didnt turn out better, it was such a sweet memory.

Such a great time with the Carr's! Can't wait to come back!!