A New Year Makes for New Memories-Part 1 of January

I thought these next few pictures were from January, but to my surprise, they are from the day after Christmas.  We went to the windward side of the island, near Koko Head to hike up the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail but it was so busy and no parking so we then decided to go back another day.  We did a little bit of exploring on the beach nearby.

Justin and Gracie on the rocks

Gracie and her daddy

Gracie and I

This would not be a safe place to take someone who is clumsy.

Koko Head

In January, we celebrated the New Year with our Hawaiian O'hana.  Since all of our families have at least 1 child, we all pitched in to get a bounce house for the night to entertain the kids.  This way the kids could play while the grown ups got to talk, play Pictionary and the husbands took numerous shots of whatever liquor they had.  Gracie stayed up till 1:15 a.m. despite our great idea of tiring her with the bounce house.  She was just too excited for everything to really fall asleep anywhere.  We were the last people in the world to celebrate 2012, which was kind of nice because we were able to be awake to text friends in each time zone on the mainland.  

Here we are...post midnight :)  Sorry the picture is kinda crappy, it was taken with my phone.

We also celebrated Justin's 28th birthday with a breakfast, beach day and birthday cake.  We went to Ko'Olina since they have the best beach for kids/families.  The water is calm and beautiful, there is plenty of space to relax and plenty of sand to play with.  Gracie is such an outside kid...much like her daddy.  Those two could be twins.

Throwing sand

Gracie and Birthday Boy

She loves being thrown into the air.  Justin had to do this multiple times with her.  Good thing he's strong.

My water baby 

Soaking up the sun and trying to warm up

This will be a framer

Birthday Boy and his sidekick

On our way to the beach, we saw a coworker of Justin's who offered us her golf cart.  In Ko'Olina many of the residents choose to have golf carts to get around because there are a lot of cars but not a whole lot of parking by the beach.  We were having major difficulties that day trying to find a parking spot.  Thank God for her because we got to borrow her sweet ride and park close the the lagoon.  Score!  Oh, and I'd like to point out at this time that here in Hawaii, there are no "Expecting Mommy" spots.  P's me off.  Not even at Target or the grocery store.  So much for getting "fat" and having special privileges. Not here.

Gracie driving the golf cart

Gracie attempting a thumbs up :)

We made Daddy a special birthday cake to celebrate, strawberry cake with sprinkled icing.  It was delicious!

Gracie helping spread the icing 

The iPad was much more interesting for her

Look at that face! 

Happy Birthday to the greatest friend, husband, and father I know.  You are truly an amazing man, and I am so glad to get to spend my life with you.  Gracie, Baby Boy and I are so blessed to have you.  Here's to another year full of health, happiness and new memories babe!