January 2011 - Wrapping Up

I swear, every year around this time we all get sick off and on for months.  Yuck!  I am on week 3 of a nasty sinus infection which I hope to kick in the butt with some antibiotics.  I had the Dr. check Quinns ears today, just because I had a feeling she has had an ear infection.  Sure enough!  What gives, I thought tubes would cure all.  Poor kid, I just don't know what to do about these infections.

On a happier note, we went to a great bday party last weekend. 

Our little friend Kennedy turned 3, she had a milk n cookies party. 

Kennedy has a mom that throws the best parties. 

I mean look at that cake? 

 My girls decorating cookies

 Pinata meham

 Kennedy!  Sporting her cookie babylegs of course.

 Kennedys mom also makes the best cookies.  She set up a cookie bar with little baggies for us to take home treats.  I'm still recovering from the sugar I consumed.

 This past weekend we hit the McCall Winter Carnival.  I don't remember it being so low-brow (think pitbulls and cigarettes).  I was kind of sad about the whole thing.  The kids had fun though!

We even made the Fri. night torchlight parade and fireworks show.

 Butteryfly glow sticks.  Little did I know that they play the most. annoying. music. ever.

 Watching fireworks.

 Kathie and Mike joined us for the weekend.  Kathie has been dying to ski with Meredith and she got her chance.  Delaney also hit the slopes and made 5 runs!

 So proud of her for skiing.  She was by far the tiniest one on the mountain.

We met up with the Richins to let the kids ride the rides at the kids fair.  Adam was super thrilled to be on the carousel with Eli.

 I think Sara got the better deal riding with Sam on the Ferris Wheel.

 Meredith LOVES rides.  Much to my dismay.  I hope she never hears of a little thing called the Idaho State Fair.  She's going to have to get her Dad to take her.

 Waiting for the super fun saucer ride.

 Delaney held on for dear life.

 Sam and Eli had a blast!

 Part of the Winter Carnival is the ice sculpture contest.  Here are the girls at the Forest Service sculpture, riding a snowmobile.  Jesse wishes it were a real one.  He hasn't worn me down yet, I'm holding firm on my 'no snowmobile' stance!  I can't handle owning another trailer.

 Ice chairlift!

The dogs love hanging out by Quinn.  Food!

Hawaii Vacation - Kauai 2011

I can't believe our vacation to Kauai is already over, we had such a great time!  We've been looking forward to this trip for such a long time.  It was so much fun to get the girls ready for Hawaii.  Now it's back to the gray and brown of winter in Idaho.  Boo!

So here is a look back at a great vacation with my Mom, Dad, brother and his fiance.

We stayed at the Kiahuna Plantation on Kauai. It was the perfect spot for our stay!

I totally overpacked.  2 big suitcases, one duffle bag, 2 ladybug carryones and one huge beachbag.  And Quinn, she was a given.

 It's not a vacation until you have a cocktail on the plane.  I am noticing my shirt which is white.  I know I should not have had a bloody mary with Quinn in arms reach.

 KK to the rescue!

 Early morning on our first day, exploring the beach 50 yrds from our door.

 A lot softer than the sand in McCall!

 Zoe and Meredith became fast friends.  Coconuts on the beach in undies.  Doesn't get much better.

 Before dinner across the street at Kiokis.  The resort had really fantasic gardens.

 Knives and babies are always a good combo.

 Leapster buddies.

 I think this was our only moment alone.  At Spouting Horn where we ran into some friends from Boise!

 The lovebirds at the Hyatt.  Someday I will stay here.  Why snorkle in the ocean when they have a pool full of fish to swim with?

 Ariel..I mean Delaney.

 Snowcones with Papa Jim in Hanalei

 The big kids got to go out one night.   We ate at a great Tapas place in Koloa.

Deconstructed Ahi.

 Scott and Stacy - engaged at Christmas!

 Waiting for the perfect wave.

 Waiting for my next beer.

 View from our condo deck.

 Quinners!  She hated the sand and the water.  Perfect for a beach vacation.

 She does however like a good grilled cheese sando.

 Thank goodness I brought the Joovy. We loaded this thing with gear instead of kids.

 Jesse trying to entice Quinn into the water.

 'Our beach'

 Meredith took to the ocean right away.

 The pool was a ways away but the girls loved the slide, so we ventured there a few times.

 Still not a fan of the water.  Safe on land with KK and snacks.

 I brought this floatie for Quinn but Delaney hoarded it most of the time.

 Meredith went down this slide umpteen times.

 I went once.

 Beach meltdown with Uncle Scotty.

 Meredith and Quinn have a special bond, they luuuuv each other.  Probably because Quinn can't get into Merediths toys YET.

 One Lake, three Hamiltons

 The girls version of 'surfing'.  Which reminds me that I need to mention that Jesse finally got to go surfing!  You might recall the botched Portugese surfing attempt of 2007.

 Feeding the fish in the lagoon outside our condo.

 Super happy when not in sand near water.

 Spouting Horn trip #2.

 The equivalent of our city workers.  Thanks coconut chopper guy!

 Day 6 - Quinn discovers sand isn't that bad and actually pretty tasty.

 Delaney doing her best Monk Seal impression.

 "I love sand!"

 Huge popscicles on the beach.

 Hula Hats

 Family photo attempt.

 So close, but someones eyes are all wonky.

 We vacationed with our dear family friends the Lakes!  Roger and Jaki went to WSU with my parents.  Their sons Aaron and Gavin went to UW with Jesse and I.  Aaron married Sadie and have 2 adorable girls.  Gavin and his girlfriend live outside of Coppenhagen and traveled over 26 hours to join us...

 The Meredith/Hamilton Family!

 It was KKs birthday while we were there.  Any excuse for a cake I say!

 Move time

 Rare parent only photo. 

 The dreaded 4 hour layover at SeaTac.  I did see my Uncle Wayne while we were there and another friend from Boise.  Small world.

We had such a fun trip and we have so many fun memories.  The girls did great and we can't wait to go back!  Next time we are staying longer...