Three years ago when we went to Hawaii the week before Christmas, B and I really liked the low key holiday we had because we left town and didn’t have to – honestly – put a lot of thought into gifts or shopping in the crowds (Sadly, I gave up my be-ready-for-Christmas-by-Dec. 1st when I went back to school). We decided back then it would be fun to go for actual Christmas day.  I started planning and booking back in April.  J & C decided to join us but decided to keep it a surprise for their boys.  I swear that was the BEST part.  Christina is not known for her Christmas surprise abilities – but they pulled the surprise off so perfectly, it made it that much more memorable! They also haven’t really gone on a big family trip, so this was going to be extra special. I loved being a part of telling the boys THE NIGHT BEFORE WE LEFT.  Their reactions were priceless and the start of a great trip! Warning: This is going to be photo overload

12/22/14 On our way – woohoo Christmas in Hawaii here we come!

Airplane selfies

A great first day – Christina and I making a  pooman emoji sandman in the rain in honor of not making a snowman

The first day it poured on us, so we had a little family bonding over electronics

Driving up to the zip line in the extremely bouncy van ride

12/24/14 We went zip lining – a total muddy blast. We have a lot of video that will appear on Master D’s family video – which i will post when he gets it done:)

Master D and the zip line view – not bad!

Rather than making graham cracker trains we luau’d and opening pajamas was kind of a bust. They sent me the wrong sizes and I hadn’t checked them before we left. Ah well… and ….I couldn’t get rid of the red eye, so here we are possessed after the luau.  B went back to the hotel room early so missed out on the photo op.

Beautiful family Luau photo op

These boys were all too happy to pose with one of the dancers – although I couldn’t really tell you what the face Master D is making means?

12/25/14 Aub got an insta-camera that prints out the cutest little hard to see photos and we snapped this photo Xmas morning.

The kids all got one gift in addition to a helicopter ride over Maui and Molokai. This is really the most amazing way to see the island and all it’s beauty. B did not go along as his motion sickness doesn’t allow for adventures like this. When we went to Kauai when I was pregnant with the twins, we took a helicopter ride and he turned as green as the island did. I always ask the kids what their favorite thing is about a trip and this trip all 5 of them said the helicopter ride. These are a couple of Aub’s insta – photos. More video to come on the Hollywood version.

12/26/14 Surfing was our next big adventure. Wyatt and Landon are pretty expert being CA boys and spent most of Christmas day surfing. Ari had a boy in the pool tell her someone had been bit by a shark the day before so she had a bit of a fear of the water and chose to sit out during the time they took professional photos. She talked herself into going back out and I got some video but no photos. The hurley girl overcame her fear and I am so proud of her.

Master D

Lelu conquers!

B caught his share too!

TT is boss.

Wyatt owns it

And then doesn’t…

Landon is a natural

They both only have a couple injuries they are comparing

12/27/14 Our last adventure was whale watching and snorkeling – we got to see a mom and baby whale pretty close up.  This is definitely the best spot to sit on the catamaran called “The Gemini”. This was the same boat we went on 3 years ago and Ari was pretty sad that Captain Robert had retired.

Sisters Just Chillin in the amazingly blue ocean….Peace out

B, J and C probably won’t appreciate this photo but I was glad to get one of the 3 of them.

Daddy daughter time

Can’t help but love the amazing hair of my girls!

Oh how I’d love to tuck that tag in on Ari’s suit but this is a rare sister bonding moment looking at the beauty in front of them.

Snorkeling with the turtles

Now a bunch random snapshots over the week:

A little gift over our hotel after the first rainy day

Master D has some very animated expressions

TT checking it all out

Wyatt and Lelu just hangin

I can’t think of a better place to hang out at sunset, can you?

sibling love ….at the moment

I love coconut water so I decided to give the real raw fresh stuff a try…

saving sand creations from the tide

How cute is this? Cousins on the beach

Our last day we went for Henna tattoos. Guess who’s foot? I fooled a couple people too that it was real and I liked it so much that I considered getting a real one for about a minute, but B reminded me he’d have to institutionalize me if I did.

Lelu’s creation..

They look like they belong on a magazine cover, don’t they? It was great to have them along, it made for a very Mele Kelekimaka for all of us.

My final analyzation of this trip was that while it was an awesome time, I don’t think I’ll plan Christmas away again.  I really missed our traditions at home, despite planning, crowds and shopping.  However, I wished we stayed through New Year’s, so I think if we go on another Christmas time family vacation it will be over New Years and we’ll stay at home sweet home for the holiday.  Going through looking at all these photos and posting made me sentimental, a little teary and mushy about how much I love these people of mine.  I am always and forever grateful for these times together, especially as we get older, my kids move out and become adults and they become fewer and farther between.  That’s why I write all these details no matter how far behind I get!