Hawaiian Christmas!!

MELE KALIKIMAKA!!!

It's been three years since we've been to Hawaii so it was time to head back.  This time we took my dad, the birthday boy (60!!!), and met up with our cousins, and uncle.  I was so excited and had even packed a week in advance. Unfortunately, my organization wouldn't have even helped since little Ellie developed a double ear infection days before taking off.  She was sent home early from daycare because of a high fever.  After restless nights, continued fevers, and vomiting, we made it to the doctors to be told both ears were pretty bad.  Crossing our fingers and toes we headed off to the airport (with a million and 1 bags!)

Well....this is where my momma-hood stories get fun! (Can you sense my sarcasm?)  We try to book evening/night flights because Ellie sleeps great during that time.  However, the poor thing was, again, restless on the first flight. The antibiotic gets her wired as all get out!  Even with a whole row she wanted to run the aisles, say hi to everyone, occasionally yell, and basically not be in her seat.  We were fortunate to have amazing attendants who helped us throughout the flight giving her extra snacks, warming her milk, and helping us when she vomited....yep, lucky us!  They even comp'd our drinks, which was much needed by the time she settled down.  The second flight from Seattle to Honolulu was a bit better (no vomiting this time).

Once we got to Hawaii, it was smooth sailing.  Ellie somehow adjusted to the 5 hour time difference amazingly!  She was so much fun!  We did a lot of just sitting by the pool, beach, having delicious dinners and family time.  We were able to catch a luau, head to the Dole pineapple plantation, visit with family in Kailua, and do some sight seeing around the North Shore.  

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 DIAMOND HEAD FROM WAIKIKI

VIEW FROM OUR BALCONY...I COULD GET USED TO THIS!

SAND BABY

ONE OF MANY AMAZING SUNSETS

 LOVE THIS FACE!!

AT PEARL HARBOR

LUAU TIME!!!

 GETTING A LIFT FROM HER PROUD GRANDPA

GETTING HER LEI

THE FABULOUS KATHRYN AND ROB KAMIN.  HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH THEM!!!!!

DADDY ON STAGE WITH ELLIE AT THE LUAU

NORTH SHORE

 ENJOYING SOME FAMILY TIME AT UNCLE DAVID AND AUNT MARGARET'S IN KAILUA, OAHU

MY LITTLE MERMAID

I had so much fun with my dad too!  It had been a while since I'd seen him that relaxed and smiling so much.  I think Ellie had something to do with that though.  I'm pretty sure it was a fabulous way to ring in his 60th birthday!

 ALL READY FOR CHRISTMAS!

PLAYING IN CHRISTMAS JAMMIES

Our 9 days in paradise came to an end (as did the sun).  Once again, we were blessed with amazing staff at Alaska Airlines who blocked the middle seat for us on one flight, and then rearranged our seats on the second so we had whole rows to ourselves the entire way back home.  Seriously, as parents flying with a "lap child" this is HUGE!!!!  I only keep talking about it because it just makes the flight so much more bearable because having a 14 month old on your lap for a combined 11 hours isn't ideal.  But Ellie was amazing on these return flights.  Not. A. Peep.  She may have been too stunned by the outrageous, out of control, bratty screaming coming from two rows ahead.  I know that sounds mean, but this 3 year old was clearly in charge; screaming because she wanted t.v., kicking, and slapping at her parents the ENTIRE trip.  I really did feel bad for them, the mom was even in tears at about the 3rd hour.  It was just non-stop...couldn't believe it.

RELAXING ON THE PLANE

CATCHING UP WITH FAMILY DURING OUR LAYOVER IN SEATTLE

AUNTIE NICOLE:  I'LL SHOW MY COUSIN HOW THESE PHONES WORK WHEN SHE COMES OUT TO PLAY IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS!

LOVE MY AUNTIE KK AND UNCLE ROB

GRANDMA BETSY

GRANDMA KAE

Anyway, now we are back in Jersey and trying to get back into our routine.  Little one has always been a great sleeper but we are having a hard time getting her back into her crib at night.  Not sure if she's still on Hawaii time or the fact that she slept in her own queen-sized bed in Hawaii that is lending to this  difficulty.  It's rough, so is crying-it-out.  But I'll do it because my bed isn't big enough for the little tornado that she is while she sleeps.

OPENING UP PRESENTS

ROCKSTAR!!!

ELLIE HAS NO CLUE WHAT'S IN STORE FOR HER!

MY SWEET GIRL 1 YEAR AGO.

Couple more days until 2013....can you believe it?!  Lots of amazing things in store for everyone!  I hope you all have a fabulous time with your loved ones ringing in the New Year.  I....will probably be asleep.  =)