Our December

Ah... there's so much to blog about that I'm overwhelmed and I've been putting it off. Sorry. But here we are. Our camera wigged out on Christmas Eve and we lost a bunch of pictures, so I'm waiting for a cd of pictures to arrive from my dad and then I'll blog about my family's visit, my graduation, and Trooper Boy's blessing. But here's a sneak peek--courtesy of the iPhone.

With Brent's 3 week break from school, our December included a lot of outings, mostly to the beach. With that said, Trooper is getting really good at having his diaper changed in interesting places... 

like the trunk

and on the back of a surfboard...cool boy.

Brent is getting pretty dang good at surfing.

And I just enjoy relaxing on the sand with my little boy.

We spent Christmas Eve with the Kise cousins eating delicious food and playing fun games. They LOVE having Trooper around; always offering to hold him and burp him and rock him... it's nice! Here's Lydia cuddling up with our boy:)

We feel so blessed to be surrounded by loving family out here even though we couldn't be home in Idaho for Christmas. Our Kise cousins really are the best. 

Trooper woke up extra happy on Christmas morning.

We read the Christmas story in Luke and then took Trooper out to see what Santa brought him.

As you can tell, he was super duper excited. But he really does love that ball. I think it's a staple toy for any baby boy. Then we headed off to church , with Trooper in his adorable Christmas sweater.

Sweater, no pants. That's how we roll in Hawaii. 

After church, we came home to open the rest of our presents (and eat muddy buddies, I guess).

Brent got me a colorful pack of sharpies (which I've seriously been wanting my whole life) and Brad Paisley's book! He knows me too well. I also got outfitted to become a yoga master, which I'm quite excited about (thanks Mom and Dad Lambson)! Brent got a ukulele (Adam, get ready to jam) from Mom and Dad Brady, which he's been learning how to play and he loves it! 

Trooper got a bumbo,

lots of new books, and some puppets. 

Brent promptly set the shark up to look like he was eating Trooper's head.

Trooper also got a little LeapFrog puppy named Scout from our cousin Ashley. He loves it! It keeps him happy and entertained for quite a long time. 

Thanks Ashley!! 

While we missed being at home with our families, we had a fun Christmas as our own little family and created some of our own traditions.

We spent New Year's Eve at the beach. We watched the sun set on 2011 at Sunset Beach.. how fitting:) It was beautiful.

2011 was amazingly good to us. 2012 brings Brent's graduation, the MCAT and med school applications, and moving away from Hawaii (I already get misty-eyed when I think about it). But bring it on 2012, we're excited to watch our little Trooper grow and to move on to the next phase of our lives.