Christmas Morning With The Boys

Good Morning Boys, Merry Christmas!

The boys slept in so late Christmas morning we had to wake them up, we were too excited to have them open presents to wait any longer. Clark wandered out of the room to see his brand new train table set up. He slowly walked around the table, and said really slowly, ohhh wooow! He was so excited he couldn't even talk, he was just in total awe. We had to beg him to open the rest of his presents.

Harry was really only interested in eating the pieces to the train table. He also didn't care too much for opening presents, he just wanted to play and take it all in. We let Clark open everything, once he started he couldn't stop.

Clark played with his table all day, 13 straight hours, we managed to drag him away once to change his diaper and clothes, and another time to fed him some noodles. But other than that he didn't want to do anything else.

Even littlest Harry got a turn. Although he was more interested in his new Backyardigans dvds, and eating the Christmas cookies.

We had such a great Christmas! Spending time playing together, watching movies, and eating Christmas food. Jason surprised me with a new camera, which made me feel like a total heel for only getting him a couple dvds and some pajamas, but still very sweet. One of my favorite Christmas's in a long time.

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve

It was so fun sharing all our traditions (and making new ones) with the boys, they really could understand so much more this year.

Clark and Harry were glued to the tv watching The Grinch. Clark loves the Jim Carey version, rather than the cartoon one (I don't blame him, it is rather entertaining). They also really loved their new Toy Story chairs, that we let them open early. Harry was so excited to see Buzz and Woody, it took him forever to even sit in it.

Family Christmas Eve Jammie Pictures

We tried to use the self timer on my camera to take a picture. It took forever to get a decent one. Clark thought it was hilarious watching me run back and forth across the room.

Me and my boys.

I thought they were so cute in their Christmas footie pjs. Clark was so confused by the footies... I am sure he never remember wearing them when he was a baby. He just couldn't get over something being on his feet. I was blown away by the sizes we had to get to fit them, Clark in a 3T and my little baby Harry in a 2T! The are growing up way too fast.

Jason and the boys...what cuties! Jason is such a proud and happy Daddy.

Our attempt to take a picture of the boys together, under the tree, AND this was the best one, ha ha.

It is impossible to get a picture with the boys together. We have to hold them down, threaten them, make embarrassing weird noises trying to get them to look in the direction of the camera, it can be maddening. But all the while making memories I guess :)

We made cookies and decorated them, we watched Christmas movies, sang Christmas songs, and had a nice dinner with Jason's famous ham and all the fixin's. It was such a fun evening, together with family. Clark and the boys stayed up late, and Jason and I stayed up even later building Clark's new train table. I have never seen Jason more excited to give a gift before. We have always loved Christmas time, it was our favorite season, but now with the boys here is much more fun, and meaningful.

A Holly Jolly Clark

Have you ever seen that scene in the movie Elf, when Will Ferrel playing Buddy the Elf is so excited to see Santa and he screams "Santa!" Well, meet Clark, our mini Buddy the Elf. He was our Captain of Christmas Cheer this year, our Holiday Cheer-mister (haha, he also really loved The Grinch movie). He was all about everything Christmas. Christmas movies and cartoons all day, Christmas songs and books. Every time we passed any sort of wintery/Christmas decoration he would say "ho ho ho". Imagine driving down the street looking at Christmas lights, with a chorus of ho ho ho's from Clark in the back seat, it was precious. Anytime was saw a Santa picture, or anything resembling a fat chubby man dressed in red and white, he would squeal with excitement "SANTA!" He was in total awe when we finally met Santa at the mall. He eyes were wide with wonder and he was totally speechless. We must've watch Disney's new Prep and Landing movie a million times, and The Polar Express. He can sing almost all the words to Santa Clause Is Coming To Town (even though it is really hard to understand), I think it is his favorite Christmas song.

It has been so fun sharing the holiday season with him this year, a true delight. I am going to miss hearing him say ho ho ho all the time, and watching Christmas shows. Is it too soon to say I can't wait until next year???

The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

✭✭ (out of five stars)

I just can't make up my mind about this guy. I like his ideas, and for the most part the stories (I have read two of his books so far). But I just don't like the execution. I feel like so much is left out, and it could be so much more. More detail, more story, I like a story with more depth. This book got such rave reviews, as well as the author... maybe I am just missing something, I am just not deep enough to get it.

This book is about a young boy, in search of his personal legend. The story was thoughtful, and had a really nice message about finding out who you are and not giving up on your dreams. It was a pleasant easy read, just left a little to be desired... and I need more closure when I read a book.

I hate to say it, but I do want to read more of his books... so maybe he is not too bad after all ;)

The Candy Train

We took the boys to Ala Moana mall to ride the Candy Train.  We have been riding the holiday trains all season long, but we saved the best for last.

Clark was super excited, he kept saying "all aboard".  Even Harry got to ride a long.  They don't let the parents ride the train, we had to walk along behind them.  I was a little nervous strapping Harry in, he can be such a wiggle worm, but I tightened the strap as tight as it would go, and said a little prayer.

The boys on the train.  Harry was so into the Alvin and The Chipmunks music they were playing, he was bouncing along the entire time.  The train goes around the mall once, about a 10-15 minute ride.

Awe...they are so cute.  It has been so fun sharing this holiday season with them, and I am loving Clark's train obsession, it is fun for the whole family.

How do YOU eat an Oreo?

Harry likes to savor every bite, making sure he uses every part of his body to get the cookie in his mouth.  Somehow he got cookie on his elbow.  Oreos are his favorite cookies, he won't even eat any other kind.

Reese's Blanket.

I attempted to make Reese (my niece) a quilt for Christmas.  I found the cutest fabric and I was so excited.

I don't know why I torture myself, trying to be crafty. I just don't have it in me.  My squares were crooked again, and I used a ruler and everything this time.  And I spend an hour trying to pair up the squares so that none of the colors would touch...low and behold right in the middle of the quilt are three rows of matching squares, arg!

Anyway, I finished it, and even though I was frustrated most of the time, I had fun making it.  I hope little Reesey likes it.

Memoirs of a Geisha

Memoirs of a Geisha  by Arthur Golden

✭✭✭✭✭

I really loved this book.  I had seen the movies years ago, when it first came out, and it never even crossed my mind to read it.  I found it at my favorite used books store for $1.00, and I am so glad I bought it.

Since I had seen the movie before, some of the suspense and mystery were gone...but it didn't keep me from enjoying it.  I loved the narration of the story, and felt like Sayuri was speaking only to me, while she told her story.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading about Japanese culture and history.

Compelling and heartfelt, I had a hard time putting this book down, and was sad to see it end.  I can't think of a single bad thing to sat about it.

Mele Kalikimaka

Happy Christmas!!! 

Bosko Family 2009

Our Little Hawaiian Snowman

We went to the beach today to build a snowman! 

Isn't he a cute little guy.  It was much harder to build than we thought it would be.  But we all had so much fun.  A new Bosko family tradition for sure...one we can keep no matter where we move to. 

Me, the boys, and our sandy little snowman.

We were hoping to use a picture with the boys and the snowman for our Christmas cards, but of course they would not cooperate.  We couldn't get them to sit still, or even look in the direction of the camera.  And Harry had major nose leakage, gross.

Daddy and the boys.  

Harry's First Hair Cut

I always have such a hard time cutting the boys hair.  It is like letting go of a piece of their youth.  But it was time for Harry's first haircut.  It was getting so long and scraggly in the back.

The Before Picture

He did not like wearing his cape.  We eventually had to take it off.  Surprisingly he sat still the entire time. 

The After.  He looks like such a little boy now.  So handsome.  I love his new cut!

My Favorite Things

Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens...  

Just kidding.  I just want to share a few of my favorite things about the boys.

I love how much Harry loves leaves, even though it is really weird, and gross when he eats them.

I love how he hops and jumps when he gets really excited.  He bounces across the living room when his favorite shows are on, or you give him a treat.  He is a really good jumper too.

I love how he dumps out every basket and bin of toys, even though it is REALLY messy, until he finds the one he is looking for.  It gets annoying picking up after him, but I love to watch him look for his favorite toys.  (Like that plastic dog in the picture above, the dog swings his arms when you wind him up, and Harry loves it.)

I love to watch him laugh.  He has this cute little chuckle.  And you really have to work for it.  He can be so serious sometimes, it is such a treat when he laughs and giggles.

I love how patient and laid back he is.  He really is such a good baby, and puts up with so much from Clark and us.

I love how affectionate Clark is.  He hugs and kisses me all time.  He kisses me before, during and after he gets in trouble.  (Seriously, try punishing a two year who won't stop kissing and hugging you.)  He kisses me a thousand times before he goes to bed.  He will kisses you when he is really happy or having a good time.  He will kiss his books and dvds, he even once kissed his chocolate milk cup.  He is a little lover.

I love how he acts out movies.  He mimics everything they do on screen, and it is so cute and funny.  He is still working on the talking, but he will mumble his favorite lines and songs.  He will dance, run, make faces, do whatever the show is doing.  I love watching him, watch a show.

I love his curly, out of control hair.  I feel like it totally defines who he is, a little wild, and bouncy and oh so cute.

I love how he calls me Mahi (yes, just like the fish).  (He adds an H sound to almost all his words.)  I love to hear him call for me.  I love how he has been talking so much more now.  He can learn a new word in just a couple days.  It is so delightful to hear him talk!

I love how bashful he can be, sometimes.  He reminds me a lot of myself in that sense.  At home he is funny, talkative and NOT quiet at all.  When we are out of the house, or around other people he will talk in a whisper, lower his head in a shy smile to strangers, and almost be timid.  I find it funny, this little act he puts on.

I love watching my boys grow up (even though it can be bittersweet), it is truly one of my favorite things.  They both bring me so much joy.  

When the dog bites, when the bee stings.  When I am feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things...and then I don't feel so bad :)

Spank!

Clark making fun of the way I spanked him...

Clark loves to run downstairs and go in our neighbors (landlords) back porch.  Sometimes he even breaks into their house, and we have to chase him around in a dark house... so embarrassing.  We were playing outside the other night, and I warned him that if he went downstairs again that I would give him a spank.  Do you think that stopped him??  Nope.  He went downstairs, and started to open their screen door to sneak in their house.  I got him and gave him a spank.  Apparently it wasn't hard enough or I wasn't mad enough, because instead of crying he just laughed at me.  Laughed at me and ran up the stairs smacking his own bum, making fun of the way I spanked him.  I couldn't even be mad at him anymore which, I am sure, is the reason he did it.  He is so funny sometimes.

Going on a walk.

Going on a walk.

Mom, no pictures... we are going on a walk.  Clark wanted to move it along.

The other afternoon Jay and I decided to take the boys on a walk to the park. Clark hopped right in the stroller...or train as he likes to call it.  I am not sure why he thinks it is a train, maybe because the stroller is long.  I think it is funny that he toots and chugs as we push him along.

I am ready to go, he says, I got my leaves.

Normally Harry gets right in the stroller, he is all about relaxing and kicking back while someone is pushing him around town.  But this time Jason had to chase him down in the yard before he could put him in the stroller, and I mean literally chase him down.  Turns out that he (Harry)  just HAD to get some leaves to take along.  Three to be exact, and he didn't want brown crunchy ones this time, he wanted some yellow ones, he was very particular in the ones he was looking for.  Once he got his leaves he was more than happy to hop right in the stroller.  He is so funny...or weird, we aren't sure yet :)

The Town That Forgot How To Breathe

The Town That Forgot How To Breathe  by Kenneth J. Harvey

✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

This book was just okay.  I had to force myself to finish it, and only because I had to know what happened and why.  The beginning was interesting enough, the mystery surrounding the deaths and why people were forgetting who they were.  All the weird goings on in the town was intriguing, and the characters were well written.  I just felt like the book never really reached a climax that was satisfying.  It just kept getting weirder and weirder, and then a crappy ending.  I was expecting a lot more, so I found it a bit disappointing.  

Bad Mommy!

Clark burned his foot on the stove top today.  He was on the counter, helping me cook his noodles for lunch.  I turned around to feed Harry, and Clark ran across the stove to get his favorite mixing spoon (he really likes to help cook) and stepped on the burner, which was off but still hot.  He has blisters on the bottom of his foot and has been limping around all day.  I have never felt so bad in all my life.  I know it is mostly my fault, because I let him run around on the counter.  I know I let him do so many things he shouldn't.  Well, to be honest we really couldn't keep him off or out of things if we tried, he can get through any gate, unlock any child lock, and is the best climber ever.  Even so, Jay and I are entirely too laid back.  We let the boys eat what they want, sleep when they want, play with what they want, and do pretty much whatever.  I guess what happened today was my punishment, as well as Clark's.  I know I should be more strict.  I just don't like to be a nagging, yelling Mom.  I feel like as long as everyone is happy, healthy, and safe, then I feel like I am doing good enough.

Well, I learned my lesson today (bad Mommy) good enough doesn't cut it anymore.  I need to be more strict, enforce more rules, (and the dreaded) put them on a schedule.  Too bad Clark had to get hurt for me to learn my lesson.  I am sorry my little Tuna.

Through A Glass Darkly

Through A Glass Darkly  by Karleen Koen

✭✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

I liked this book, the beginning just sucked me right in.  I cared about the characters, however ridiculous, and had to find out what happened next.  However, and this is a big fat however...  The ending was horrible.  There was too much heartache, death after death, no redemption, I don't know how poor Barbabra survived it all.  There was too much trash, the first half of the book was great, but as soon as you got into the second half there was orgies and gay men, and trash trash trash...grrr after I was already hooked too.  As many things as I hated about the book, I was sad to put it down.  It really deserved a better ending, and happier one for Barbabra and her family.

The characters were great, as was the setting.  I love reading about Europe during the 1700's.  The balls, the politics, the court and church...it is all so interesting to me.  It reminded me a lot of Phillipa Gregory's books.  There is a sequel, and a prequel to this book, and I am sure I will pick them up eventually.

Trimming the tree.

Clark helping set up the tree.

Clark and Jason working together.  He loves building things and helping Daddy.

This is the first time we have put up a regular size Christmas tree in a couple years.  The past couple years we didn't want Clark climbing all over it, breaking the ornaments.  Well, not 10 minutes after the tree was up one of the leg stands broke off... guess this is the last year for this tree (we have had it since our first Christmas together 2001), maybe next year we can get a real one.  We didn't put very many ornaments up this year, mostly because I didn't want Harry to eat them :)  Next year we are going to go all out Bosko style.

Our Family Christmas Tree 2009

Clark was majorly stoked about the Christmas train underneath.

Dude, what is it with the leaves?

Harry and his leaf fetish...

I don't know what it is about the leaves, or twigs, but Harry is all about them.  I even found a stash of leaves under his bed the other day.  He cracks me up!

Riding Trains

Last weekend we took Clark to Pearl Ridge mall, and the Navy base to ride the holiday trains they have set up.  I am not sure who was more excited, Jason or Clark.  He must have rode each train three of four times, Jason loves making him happy.

Riding the train at the Navy base.  I know it doesn't really look like it, but he was really excited.  This is his shy face.

Riding the train at Pearl Ridge mall.  This one gave the kids tickets, that the conductor collected before the train started.  Clark did not want to give them the ticket...  He watches a lot of Polar Express and I think he was waiting for them to punch it. 

 I am sure this was his favorite weekend ever!

A Day For Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving 2009  Daddy had to hold Clark down :)

I really have so much to be thankful for!  

I feel like sometimes I get too caught up in all the negatives; all the chores I have to do, all the money problems, Jason's annoying habits, the boys messiness, the humidity and mold, the BUGS, all the little things that drive you mad, yet at the end of the day they don't matter a bit.  I am thankful for my boys, and my family.  I am thankful for my friends that help me get through the day.  I am thankful for Jason's job and the security it offers, and food it puts on the table.  I am thankful for the gospel in my life, and the guidance and comfort it brings me and my family.  I am thankful we get to live in Hawaii, and all the experiences it has brought my family (and I am thankful we get to move again, and discover even more).  I am thankful for my health, and even more so that my children are healthy.  I am thankful that I know who I am, and what this life is for, where I belong.  I am filled with graditute for all I have and hold dear, and not just on this day of giving thanks, but everyday.

My beautiful, funny, happy baby boys.  

We had a great Thanksgiving with our neighbors/friends.  We had our turkey and ham cooked overnight in the imu, which does cause it to be a little dry, but with a delicious smokey taste.  We all split up the rest of the meal, so nobody had to cook too much, and set up outside.  It was a beautiful day, with cool breezes and lots of sun.  We spent the afternoon enjoying each others company, and Clark's shenanigans.  Good food, friends, family...what is better than that!

This time it is official!!!

I know last time was a false alarm, but this time it is FOR REAL!  Clark can say Mommy!  And it even sounds like Mommy, and he even said it more than once (so I wouldn't be mistaken like last time).  We were sitting in a circle taking pictures, and he was pointing to everyone in the family, making sure they got a picture: first Daa-dee, then Babe (Harry), then My (that is what he calls himself), and then Maa-mee.  I love how he says each syllable so exaggerated.  He wasn't asking for milk, or a movie (like last time), he was just talking about ME!  This is totally the (REAL, not fake like last time) highlight of my week!

Babe Bruddah

That is what Clark calls Harry, Babe Bruddah.  I love it.  He is not such a baby anymore.  He has gone through another growth spurt, and is now even taller than before and he weighs in at a plumpy 33 pounds (Clark weighs 34).  He loves to run, and uses this as his favorite mode of transportation... he is constantly falling down and running into things, but will get right up and run again anyway.  He loves to play outside, and bolts for the front door whenever it is opened.  He still loves his Backyardigans, and dancing along to the songs.  He is so easy... just happy and playful.  I often feel like he gets over looked, because Clark is so demanding and requires so much extra attention, and Harry is just happy, quiet and so laid back. We are constantly trying to find ways to spend alone time with just Harry.  I love the quiet time I get in the morning before Clark gets up, just me and Baby Bruddah cuddling, singing songs, reading books.  AND, I love love love that he has learned to give kisses, even though it is more of a slobbery head-butt.

Clark's First Train Track

Clark LOVES trains, loves them!!  Everything is about trains right now, train shows (Polar Express twice a day), train rides (the monorail at the mall), train sounds...you name it, if it has something to do with trains Clark is all over it.  Jason and I spend the majority of our time building and re-building tracks for him, it losses its fun around the 50th time.  I imagine my delight when I found he had finally learned to make his own train track.  Now, if I could just get him to pick up all his trains when he is done :)

Her Fearful Symmetry

Her Fearful Symmetry  by Audrey Niffenegger

✭✭✭ 1/2 stars (out of 5 stars)

Undecided.

I liked the book, and I like Audrey's writing style.  I liked the whole concept of the twins, and the mystery of their parents past.  I loved the spookiness of it, and atmosphere.  

I hated the ending, it felt rushed and rather depressing.  I felt like she really didn't stay true to the characters, and made the "way out of the problem" too simple, without backing it up.  I also thought that there was on to many characters that, while very interesting, didn't contribute to the book.  Kinda messy.  Also, there was one thing about Elspeth (the ghosty) that drove me CRAZY!!

Overall, good read, I mostly liked it.  Just doesn't compare to Time Traveler's Wife, which I loved.  One thing I really like about her books: they seem timeless.  When I am reading I can picture the characters or situations during anytime, the only time I am pulled back into the 20th century is when they mention a rock band, cell phone, or some other modern convenience.  I like that about books.

Maaa!

Clark called me Mama last night, for the first time ever! 

He has been saying Daddy or Dad for about a year now.  He picks Jason out of all the pictures, calls for him, asks for him...and when Jason comes home from work he gets a happy "yay Daddy" shriek from Clark.  Poor plumpy Mommy gets nothing...until last night.  I was siting in the bedroom  folding laundry, when Clark walks in, climbs on the bed, points to me and says 'Maa'.  The he just turned around an left.  That's all, just Maa, no request for anything, no hug or kiss...just letting me know who I was, in case I forgot.  I am so happy he can finally call for me, over the moon with joy.  Now, just patiently waiting for him to do it again...so I know I wasn't dreaming last night.

--Update--

It turns out that Clark was not saying Mama :(  He was asking for milk.  He only likes to say the first syllable of words, so it is easy to get confused.  Poor me, I guess I still have to wait for him to say my name.

A Poopy Update

We are going to take a break from the potty training for awhile.  I have been doing a lot of reading, (and a lot of listening, from all my friends advice, thanks).  And I when it is all said and done, I just don't think Clark is ready.  He lacks the maturity and focus that I think he needs to make it successful, and I don't want to got through months of torture trying to get it right.  I will re-evaluate the situation when he turns three, in just four months, and go from there (actually, I think we may just wait until we move next spring).  Until then, I will just set him on the potty once or twice a day, continue to talk about it, and let him pee outside whenever he wants.  I will also be putting all his diapers on backwards, with lots of duct tape :)  

Thanks everyone for the awesome advice, and support.

Pixar, how could we live without you?

The Bosko family has finally added the newest Pixar release to our video collection!  I wasn't sure how much the boys would like this movie, it is a bit sad and dramatic in places, and when we watched it in the theater Clark had a hard time sitting still.  

Well Pixar, I will never doubt you again.  We have only had the dvd for three days, and we have already watched it six times...the boys are currently watching their seventh showing.

Harry loves the dogs and the silly bird, but his favorite is the short film at the beginning...the one about the storks and clouds.  He giggles the entire time he watches it.  I could watch it over and over, just to see him giggle and bounce with delight.

Clark does get a little worried during Up's action scenes, but he really loves it so much.  He had been dragging around this balloon we got a Toys R Us for days...I think he is waiting for it to take him UP in the air.  The thing that has touched me the most, broke my little Mommy heart, was during the first time we watched it (at home); Clark teared up at the beginning, when Ellie died, and with big crocodile tears in his eyes, said 'oh no, oh no'.  I am glad he is learning to be sympathetic to others feelings, even if it is only during the movies...baby steps.  

We sure do love Pixar, everything they put out is magical, my little boys couldn't live without them.

What to do next??

I have reached my limit of patience.  Actually, I am pretty sure that I reached two weeks ago...I am not sure how I keep going, or how Clark is still alive.

For the last six weeks, Clark had taken every opportunity he has to strip off all his clothes and diaper...and do his business on the floor.  And by business, I mean the dreaded pee and poop.  (You may remember that Jason and I gave up our old puppy Roxy for this same reason!)

The pooh/horror stories are unbelievable!  It doesn't matter how close I watch him, he waits until the moment I leave the room, or I am busy with Harry, and off it goes.  It is so disgusting.  The pooh everywhere...the smell, the not knowing for sure where exactly he sat or went in the house.  I doesn't matter how much cleaning supplies I use, the smell is burned in my nose.  The worst are the not so tidy poops, the ones that come the day after a nacho fest or a day of only eating hot dogs.  It seriously makes me want to die.

I know it is time to start potty training, but I have no idea how to go about it.  He doesn't tell me when he has to go, or even that he already did.  He barely communicates at all.  He has NO interest in sitting on the toilet, or the little potty.  He doesn't care about any of it.  I can't get him to focus.  He has seen me and Jason use the bathroom, we have no privacy since he has learned to open doors.  He just doesn't make the connection from what we are doing on the toilet, to what he is doing on the floor, the backyard, his bed, the bath tub, or anywhere else he feels like going.  

We got pull-ups and a little potty for him.  What do I do next?  I have no idea where to start.

The Witch of Portobello

The Witch of Portobello  by Paulo Coelho

✭✭ (out of 5 stars)

Well, to be honest. I did not really like the book.  I have a lot of mixed feelings. If I had to choose one word about the book, it would be... lacking. The story could have been so much more, and much better written. I liked the characters enough, but they seemed so shallow...not much depth. I did not like the way he told the story either, jumping back and forth, from a reporters point of view.  I also thought the ending was very disappointing.
I did like some of the thoughts and concepts that Athena, the main character, talked about and explored.  

I really think that there was a good idea for a story, I just didn't like the way it was executed by Paulo. It seemed to me like he was trying to be deep and talk about all these spiritual things...but just fell a little short of the mark. 
I am curious about his other book, The Alchemist...so I am going to try that one too, eventually.

Harry and his blankey.

Harry and his favorite blankey.

Harry never really needed or cared too much for his pacifier and blankest...that is until about a month ago.  We can't go anywhere with out his Wall-E blanket...or pacifier.  I was really hoping we weren't going to have another baby attached to a binky...but for some reason all of the sudden he HAS to have it.  I wish I knew what changed...

He is so cute with it.  He rubs it on his face, and caresses it with his fingers, he smells it and hugs it oh so tight... it's precious.

A visit from Little Reese.

Emma, Cody and Little Reese came out to Hawaii last week.  It was so fun to see them, and play at the beach.  Reese has gotten so big since the last time I saw her, she is a total delight to be around.  She has the cutest little personality, and infectious smile...I already miss her so much.

This was the best picture I could get with the cousins, they were so not cooperating for Auntie!  I wish they could've had more time to run around together and play together.

Playing in the sand with Auntie Emma.  Clark always enjoys going to the beach, but I think he had much more fun playing with other people (besides boring Mommy).

Clark and Auntie Emma.  Clark had fun telling Auntie all his new words and tricks.

The week went by way too fast...but I was so glad we got to spend some time together.  I hope Little Reese remembers me a little bit, cause I could never forget that smile.