"Maui" Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I'm going to use the old "too-busy-playing-at-the-beach-to-blog" excuse for the month in between posts! The Smiths spent Christmas in paradise (with my parents and siblings), and except for Laney reverting to newborn sleep patterns and getting an ear infection, paradise it was. I already can't believe we were so recently in 80 degree weather, playing in the pool, going for runs (in shorts!) and drinking Luke's new-found love, POG.

It took Luke two full days to trust that his water wings would truly hold him up. By day three and with the added flotation vest (can you say cautious?), he was jumping in by himself!

Laney LOVED the water. Even with an ear infection, she was the best little traveler.

Seriously the happiest little girl.

Finally! It was so cool to watch him conquer his fear and jump in!

And this is the pre-jump position.

No chance of this kid sinking!

Such a water dog! A couple days into our trip, Luke made a friend named Alex and they had so much fun playing in the pool together. This was nice for mom and dad, too, since Luke could far outlast us in the pool!

Uncle Evan playing with Luke in the pool.

We call this beach "Baby Beach" because the waves break hundreds of feet out from the shore. Perfect for the kids!

Thankfully she's a quick learner and we only had to rinse the sand out of Laney's mouth twice.

The girls! Me, Auntie Jen and Laney.

There was some serious sand castle building happening on this trip. I love the sunglasses perched on his forehead.

Too bright, Mama!

Luke and Daddy working hard.

Some brother love before Christmas dinner, Christmas bingo, the white elephant exchange and Hedbanz.

The Smiths!

Laney opening her new blocks on Christmas morning. My stepmom sewed all 13 of us these Hawaiian-print stockings.

Lukey's stocking! Inside were new dinosaurs, Pez, a sweet Timex boys' watch, and a Lego space set.

There's a big tree right outside our condo that we hooked Laney's jumper onto. Nothing like jumping by the pool!

Look at the teeth she got over Christmas break!

Picking out a pearl for Grandma Janis in Lahaina.

Laney's first Christmas was pretty special.

We returned home late on the 27th and have had a few days to settle back in before school started back up today. Now onto party planning for someone's FIFTH birthday!

Happy New Year to everyone!