Last Christmas

The only reason I title this post last Christmas is because Pace picked up on the "Last Christmas I gave you my heart" on the radio and sang it to us quite frequently.  Not my favorite Christmas song ever, but it was impressive and cute that he could remember a lot of the words and the tune.  Also, I am late posting this so last Christmas seems appropriate.

The day after Thanksgiving.  We picked out a live Christmas tree, which was awesome that we could do that even here in Hawaii.  And put up our Christmas lights, much to the delight of Pace and Grant.

This Christmas we got to celebrate with two very lovely ladies that we know and love: Aunt Crystal and Grandma Monson.  We really wanted Grandpa Monson to celebrate with us, but alas circumstances didn't allow for it.  But we celebrated the best we could without him.

Grandma made Christmas cookies, apple pie, and most of Christmas dinner for us (yes I took advantage of her amazing skill).  We acted out a not so perfect, but oh so cute,  nativity.  Penny was our donkey, sheep, and camel (she is a very skilled actress).

We opened stockings and Christmas presents.  We even got Grandma and Crystal to join in my family's traditional German song tradition.

Yes, Louis still wasn't into the whole present thing (although he got a stuffed puppy which he immediately bear hugged).

The boys got all their required firemen gear

Aunt Crystal tried to do yoga, and generally succeeded with much more resistance.

We visited the head quarters for Hawaii 5-0.  And found the city lights right next door.

Ate some delicious food at various restaurants.  My favorite was the Bonzai Sushi Bar.  Grant preffered the Moon Garden Restaurant, especially their ginger and onion beef. Yum!

Seriously Grant tried everything there, and kept asking for more ginger beef.

This guy didn't love it quite as much, but was still a happy camper

Crystal and I went on an amazing hike to see the beautiful North Shore and Makua Valley.

Makua Valley

The North Shore

North Shore, better view

We had a great holiday season.  And were definitely sad to see our visitors go.

On a side note we also did a few other fun things before Christmas.

We were able to go to the BYU Hawaii game.  We brought the whole gang and we're so glad we braved it because everyone LOVED it.

We also made a trip out to Kaena point to witness the most beautiful weather/scenery while exploring the tide pools.

I found this cute guy and his baby there

Also, during our church Christmas party Louis decided he would take care of the trash.