Snow you say

Amalie said she wanted to see snow, so here you go. There is snow on top of Mauna Kea right now. And people really do ski up there.


Okay, our tree really isn't leaning that bad, it's more the Angle leaning WAY forward. I just couldn't get to stand straight. Our house is very Christmas-y right now and I love it.

And Gabriella with her cute lips in front of the tree.

Volcano

Today Catherine and I went to Volcano National Park.  On the way we made a few extra sight seeing stops.  We first stopped at a beautiful coast line spot along the road side.

The second stop was at black sand beach where we ran into sea turtles.
And here we are at Volcano National Park

Parade Day

Alrighty, I'm extremely tired at the moment, but it's now or never on posting. So today was the Kona Christmas Parade down on Alii Drive. Last year no one took charge of decorating the cars, so this year we did our best to make up for it. And it turned out great. If I may say so myself.

Just picked up the flatbed truck 
Working on decorating it (Catherine was great and took the little kids to the park to play)

Finished and waiting to load up and go
Loaded and ready to go.  And yes, Olsen is in the center wearing the cowboy hat (he was not going to leave it behind)

I walked next to the truck and took pictures.  

We put my glider on the truck for Grandma to sit on.  Gabriella thought it was pretty comfortable too.
By the time we got back to the beginning Gabriella was pasted out on Grandma.  

Another busy day

Today we traveled and had fun (except for all the whining in the car). First we took the long drive to Akaka Falls and while walking down the path the clouds opened up and dumped buckets of water on us. Then we made our way to Hilo and hit the mall for a little shopping. Olsen and Gabriella had a blast riding the little carousel there. Tonight we hired a babysitter (thank you Jessie) and Catherine (oh, for those of you who don't know, Catherine is my niece going to the U of U) and I went to see Byron at the luau. And Catherine showed us all how to shake that thang. So enjoy the pictures of my wet babies, the beautiful greenery and Catherine dancing. :)

Catherine's second day

Let's see, this morning we took Gabriella to her 15th month check-up only to find out I got the date wrong and it's not till Monday. Errr, I can't believe I did that. Anyway, after that I took the kids home so Gabriella could nap and Catherine took the car to go shopping. By the time Catherine got back Gabriella was up and took off for the beach. And what a fun time was to be there.

Endless summer (that is Catherine holding Gabriella in the water)

Olsen joining the fun
Gabriella had some much fun.  She was a dare devil in the water and almost gave her mom a heart attack.

Catherine's first day

Today we pick up Catherine from the airport at noon and have been non-stop ever since.  And even though Catherine has been her for only a few hours, the kids LOVE her.  The both want to play with her and sit on her lap.  Hmmmm, I like this, it makes my job much easier.  :)

Olsen and Gabriella showing Catherine where she will be staying.  (Gabriella's room)

Having lunch at Bubba Gumps on the ocean front.  By the time we were done, Olsen was a muddy mess from crawling around the bushes and Gabriella was one big chocolate pudding mess.  
After lunch, we drove down south to Kealakekua Bay.  Famous for it's beauty and the spot where Captain Cook was killed. 

Yes, little girl is naked.  I wasn't kidding when I said she was a big pudding mess.  We had to strip her down to her diaper.  Good thing is a loving 85 degrees here.  
Olsen found some stickers and Catherine was such a dear and put them all over Gabriella

Olsen didn't like the fact that Gabriella was covered with sticker and helped take them off.