Christmas Vacation

We had a wonderful Christmas vacation and enjoyed visiting with lots of family and friends. It cured the homesickness we get here from time to time. 

Pamma and Bella at Tsukasa the day we got into Chicago.

Reunited and it feels so good! 

Cute Newton cousins! 

Having lots of fun after Charlie's baptism.

Belleville Visit

Our first stop on our winter road trip was Belleville to visit with the GGs. It was a short stay but it was very lovely to see them and spend some time together before the exciting family cruise.

William was very proud to have learned to stich a blanket stich and made this stocking for GG Laverne. 

Chris, Bella, GG Laverne, and William. 

William putting up a Christmas ornament on the "huge" Christmas tree. :) Bella had lots of fun going up and down the stairs! 

Sunset with Pamma

Before Pamma headed off to Cabo we went to the beach to watch the sunset. Every sunset is beatiful but this one was gorgeous.

Pamma, Arrabella, and William at the beach.

Colored sky and colored sea! 

HWS Fair

Each year the HWS hosts an big arts and crafts fair. It is a big community event.  

They had an animal petting area with cute little chicks and a really awesome big white bunny. We did not get a pic of the bunny though. 

William with this cute little chick.  

William and Jake making roll candles. 

Bella loved the baby chicks. 

William made a candle!

William as Joseph

William was chosen to play Joseph for Las Posadas this Chirstmas season at the school. He did such a great job. Him playing this big character really showed us how humble he is.  I love that they celebrated Las Posadas, it reminded me of my childhood.

William led the group of first graders and the horse to each classroom, including kindergarten. Once they got to each class, William was in charge of knocking on the doors. The first graders sang a song asking the classrooms to let Mary and Joseph in but none of them did (no room at the inn) until the 8th graders finally let them in and they all had a party to celebrate. 

Quick practice run.

Heading to the kindergarten class.

A smile for Dad. He also got to wear his Jedi robe, which worked great for this role. 

Bamboo Forest

We got to visit the Maui bamboo forest with Pamma and Grandpa. This is our very favorite hike and one of our favorite places on the island. It was special to share this beautiful place with family. The 4-mile round trip trail can be challenging at times due to its sometimes steep terrain but we all finished strong! 

Quick stop at a small black sand beach on our way to the Haleakalā National Park.

Skipping lava rocks in the sea.

Happy trails! 

A group shot of us with the 400 ft waterfall behind us. 

Cooling off after the hot hike.

Pamma near the huge waterfall. Where is Pamma? 

Grandparents and waterfalls.

After our hike we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow. 

Me and my Bella girl!

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

We had a fun time at the Ritz-Carlton while Pamma and Grandpa were in town. Chris planned it and he surprised them the day Grandpa got into Maui. William did a good job keeping it a secret.  We got to hang at the pool, play in the sand, and our favorite part just being with family!!! 

Hanging at Fleming Beach, this beach is right next to the Ritz. 

We also took the hotel shuttle to our favorite beach, Kapalua Bay. This is our very favorite spot to snorkel. We actually met up with Jameson and Isabel one last time before they headed back to Colorado. It was a special day at the beach! We also got to see a big sea turtle resting on the beach. 

Pamma brought William some fun sand filled with gems.  William loved finding all the different gems and other goodies in the sand.

Here we are at the club. The hotel started putting up all the pretty tropical Christmas decorations and it got us excited for Christmas.

Pamma and William at the Ritz-Carlton entrance.

The Kapalua Golf Academy

William was very excited to golf with Grandpa at The Kapalua Golf Academy at the Ritz Carlton. This 18- hole putting course is one of William's favorites! He really enjoyed this morning with Grandpa. They also hit some balls at the range. 

William the handsome golfer! 

Haleakalā Sunrise!

One of the mornings Pamma was in Maui, we went up the summit to visit the house of the sun! It was amazing up there as usual and well worth the early wake up call to see the sun rise at 10,000 feet! Afterward we had breakfast at a new restaurant! We love playing tourists! 

For the first time we all got to see the rare Silversord! This indigenous Maui flower can live for up to 50 years before blooming and dying! 

Miniature Golf and Aquarium

On Thanksgiving day Chris and Dennis took the kids to miniature golf and the Maui aquarium while Pamma and I went ziplining.