Hawaii

We just got back from Hawaii a little over a week ago. We had a great vacation with my whole family, Steve's parents, and Uncle Jeff. The weather couldn't have been better and our resort awesome! It was our first actual "vacation" with Nathan if you don't count the times we went to visit friends and family. He did great on all the flights. It helped to have two uncles, Grammy, Grampy, and both of us on the plane. Unfortunately, we did not have a direct flight, so it was a long day, but Nathan actually slept for quite awhile on the way there and the way back. If he got restless, we would just pass him down the line of people, so it worked out perfectly.

I found out it is very different vacationing with a toddler. I still wanted to see everything and do everything, but found that this was challenging when you have a little one with you. We were very fortunate and still did alot while we were there. It was nice to have so many babysitters around. We got to go on a helicopter tour, go on a hike to Kipu Falls, and do some shopping. The helicopter tour was amazing. It was a perfect way to see the whole island and to check out the Na Pali Coast. I loved hanging out on the beach, playing with Nathan in the sand and splashing around with him in the pool. Once he got used to the water, he loved going down the water slides and couldn't get enough of it. He would get so excited when he saw the slides and want to go down again and again. It was so fun to watch Nathan discover so many new things. The only complaint I have is that Nathan did not sleep well while we were there. Luckily, Steve and I have amazing parents. Both sets of grandparents offered to take Nathan for one night. So, Steve and I got two great nights of sleep. I think with so many new and fun things to do, Nathan didn't want to miss out on anything, so decided that sleeping was a waste of time.

I'm so thankful that we had the opportunity to go on such a great vacation with the family. I love discovering new places, and Kauai was a beautiful place to explore. I hope someday we'll get to go back and do some more hiking, kayaking, and all the other fun things they have to do there.

So happy to finally be in Hawaii

Heading to the pool with Grammy and Nanna

Chasing chickens - there were chickens EVERYWHERE on Kauai

Riding on Uncle Jeff's shoulder

Nanna and Grandpa Powell

Pool and water slides at our resort

Playing in the pool

View of some falls from the helicopter

Na Pali Coast from the helicopter

On our hike to Kipu Falls

Kipu Falls - the boys jumped off the rocks from above the falls

Spouting Horn

Playing on the beach at sunrise

Feeding the fish at the resort - every morning they let all the kids feed the big gold fish out in the pond. It was such a fun activity for all the kids.

Taking a snooze on the beach - much needed sleep since he didn't like to sleep at night

Patrick with his coconut - the boys found coconuts washed up on the beach and decided to try them out. It took some time to crack them open, but they were delicious!

The only turtle I saw while in Kauai

Moloaa Bay

Watching the sunset at Poipu Beach

Grammy and Grampy at sunset

Getting a ride on Uncle Ryan's shoulders

One more sunrise the last day in Kauai

My Favorite Things

This is one of my favorite pictures of Nathan, because it shows all of his favorite things at this stage in his life. He has a huge fascination with the vacuum cleaner. He gets so excited when we bring the vacuum out to clean. If we're just hanging out in the living room, he'll come grab us by the hand and lead us over to the closet where we keep the vacuum and point and say, "vacuum, vacuum". Kind of funny that this ended up being one of his first words. We decided to get him his own vacuum which he loves. It's nice because it actually works, not very well, but at least it does something. He also loves the toothbrush. He usually likes to take Steve's or my toothbrush when we're trying to get ready in the morning. There was a long time where we couldn't go anywhere without his toothbrush. He just had to carry it around wherever we went, pretty cute. Maybe he will be a dentist. It would be nice to have one in the family. The froggy boots were given to him by my parents for his birthday. I think they ended up being one of his favorite gifts. He'll go grab them from by the front door and bring them over and will want someone to help him put them on. Then he will be happy!

Nathan using the real vacuum. Too bad the hose wasn't connected!

Children's Museum

Rachel came home for awhile at Christmas, so we got to spend some time with her. Nathan was a lucky little guy and got to spend the day with Rachel and her mom at the Seattle Aquarium one day while Steve and I were at work. They had a blast. Nathan loved seeing all the fish, but I think he might have worn Rachel and her mom out just a bit. He has so much energy, and some days it feels like he goes 90 miles an hour.

On Thursday, Rachel and I decided to take Nathan to the Children's Museum at the Seattle Center. He absolutely loved it. Sometimes Nathan didn't know what to do next because there was just so much to do and see. It was pouring down rain outside, so it was the perfect day to spend indoors exploring. I definitely want to take him back soon.

He loves anything with a steering wheel

Climbing inside a fake tree

Playing with Auntie Rachel

Where are you Nathan?

Are we tired yet?

Nathan's First Haircut - December 18, 2010

Before Christmas, Nathan had his very first haircut. We took him to the Kid's Club at U-village. It was a great place to go for a first haircut. They have the fun little cars for the kid's to sit in and the hair stylist was very nice. Nathan did fairly well although his patience was very limited. I'm not sure how the hair stylist does it! Nathan was distracted by the cool steering wheel on the fire truck he sat in. We also tried to distract him with a book for awhile. He looked very handsome afterwards!

Playing in the fire truck

Reading a book

Playing at the playground at U-village

Catching up after the holidays

Wow, it's amazing how fast time has flown by. I realize I am always saying that, but it is so true. The holidays were here and gone before I knew it. Christmas was a lot of fun this year with Nathan. He really got into opening his gifts, and he loved all his new toys. He was once again very spoiled by everybody. We spent the weekend at my parents. It was great to have a nice, laid back Christmas with the family.

Nathan opening gifts Christmas Eve morning with Mom and Dad

Nathan's new fire truck from Great-Aunt Barey and Uncle John

Nathan loved this play house at my cousin's house

Us at church

The whole fam on Christmas Day