December 2024

Christmas Carnival Games

Christmas Parade

Beach Cleanup with 808

Gingerbread contest winners at Bryan's work.

Wreaths Across America- National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)

6th grade Christmas Party

19th Anniversary in Maui

Snuba/Snorkle Molokini Crater

Hiking Haleakala, Waihee Ridge Trail, and Iao Valley

Christmas Party with Aloha Eye Clinic

Bryan works 2-3 days every month at an eye clinic in Maui.

The girls had a blast staying with our dear friends, the Chambers.

When we got back from our trip, we went Christmas caroling.

After we celebrated Christmas in Hawaii, the girls and I flew to Utah for a week. The girls were super excited to be cold, touch the snow, visit cousins, and open presents from grandma and grandpa.

We drove up to Bear Lake with Kim and her family. Kate and Jane couldn't wait for grandpa to pull them behind the 4-wheeler like they saw their Koplin cousins do last year.

We enjoyed 2 days of skiing at Beaver Mountain. This was my first time skiing here and I absolutely loved it.

December 2023

Christmas in Hawaii is a bit different than we've experienced in our other locations. Mostly, it just isn't cold. The people here do know how to decorate their homes and have a good time thought!

The first weekend, Krist came over for a girl's night. We made gingerbread houses, watched a movie, and pampered ourselves (Bryan even took in on the festivities!).

Bryan's best friend Marcus was visiting Maui, so we decided to tag along and enjoy their condo's nice amenities. I can't wait to go back and visit more of this beautiful island!

Bryan's brother Adam and his family came to visit over Christmas break. We went to the Polynesian cultural center for the first time, and it didn't disappoint. Lots of activities, lots of food, and great entertainment to the very end!

We took his family to Secret Beach

and went on a sunset cruise on the south side of the island. 

We took the girls on a hike up Tripler Ridge and found the Christmas tree 

and swing!

The girls had a Christmas recital and performed very well. We had a hard time finding a piano teacher, after 2 trials. We are so glad we found Zui! The girls are happy and practicing often.

Of course we got in the Christmas spirit by traveling around the island to the most decorated areas. Ewa was amazing! We even saw Santa walking around the neighborhood in his swim trunks!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day: Kristi spent the night, Santa brought way too many things again, and we did a cold plunge with our new pool. 

Then we headed over to White Plains for some beach time and surfing! So fun to see all the surfers wearing their Santa hats.

On New Years Eve, we hike Makapu'u for the last sunset of 2023.

 

December 2022

Kate sang with her school at the tree lighting ceremony at Fort Leavenworth.

The girls did an excellent job at their Christmas Piano Recital with Mrs. Low.

Kate had a superb student teacher over the last 4 months. They sent him off with lots of love and gifts.

We did a Luminary Walk in Overland Park, Kansas and talked with Santa Clause. The fairy gardens were our absolute favorite!

Kate and Jane made gingerbread houses. They get better and better each year!

And of course, we decorated sugar cookies with friends.

We brought home Ruby (Michael's dog) after Thanksgiving to see if we could mate her with Howie. Stay tuned...

Our gift to the girls for Christmas this year was a 5-day Disney Cruise out of Miami, Florida. We went to Castaway Cay, then to the Bahamas, back to Castaway Cay, a sailing day, and returned to Miami.

We were blessed with great daughters!

Meeting a dolphin was definitely a highlight for Kate and Jane. 

They loved swimming in the pool and watching Disney movies at the same time. 

We stood in line to see ALL the princesses- Jasmine, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Tiana, and Belle. The ship put on the musical Beauty and the Beast. It was absolutely fabulous! 

Kate and Jane were able to go to the Bibidi Bobidi Boutique before dinner one evening. This was also a highlight of their trip.

We flew out Christmas morning. Unfortunately, our flight was delayed and then delayed again. By the time we got home, we were exhausted. Well, mom and dad were exhausted. Kate and Jane saw that Santa had visited our house while we were gone and wanted to dive right in to opening presents!

For the New Year weekend, we drove to Silverthorne, Colorado to ski into the year 2023!