Fall colors

Who says we don't have seasons here in California? While they may not be so extreme, the leaves are definitely changing and falling off the trees. I went for a walk with Kekoa this morning and couldn't resist taking a picture of this gorgeous, fire colored Japanese maple. Kekoa loved it because when the wind blew, all the pretty leaves would drift slowly down onto his blanket.

no puffy jacket mama!

Kekoa has an aversion to all things "puffy", no puffy jackets or vests. This makes me so sad since I love puffy jackets and vests and have purchased one of each for Kekoa. Luckily, both the vest and jacket were bought on sale and were inexpensive. I was able to bribe Kekoa one afternoon to wear his vest...I used a graham cracker to bribe him (I know, bad mama) and it worked. But as soon as his graham cracker was done, he wanted to take the puffy vest off.
We were going for a walk this afternoon and it was so cold outside. Kekoa was protesting wearing his green puffy jacket. We did finally get him to put it on after we unzipped the hood. It stayed on for about half the walk, and then Kekoa wasn't having it. There are still many months of winter and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will come to love the puffy as much as I do! :)

little handyman

Kekoa is super into his tools right now. He loves hammering and using the screw driver. It is quite amazing to see his fine motor skills developing and how well he can turn the screw driver! I'm pretty sure Kekoa has added "tools" to his ever growing list of presents he would like from Santa!



Here he is hammering away.

Kekoa in love

Kekoa is seriously so in love with the little neighbor girl downstairs, Leia. I have never seen him act so giddy and have such a smitten smile on his face. He loves seeing her so much, his whole face and body lights up. It is really like "love at first sight" when these two met and the fire hasn't died! :) She is an older woman for Kekoa, 4 months older than he is.
When he saw Leia today, the two of them started holding hands as Kekoa showed her all the Christmas lights in the patio area.









Here they are at the park together. We ran into Leia at Oak Meadow and Kekoa was beside himself. Again, I have never seen him so happy at the park. He couldn't stop laughing and was following Leia everywhere. He even gave her a big kiss today, before asking her if she wanted to come have a snack with him. He said, "'mon Leia, come have snack" (come on Leia, have a snack with me). I told Kekoa to put his arm around Leia, when they were on the bench together, and he scooted closer to her and said, "like this mama?" as his arm went behind her....SO adorable!

fantasy of lights

Tonight we took Kekoa to the Fantasy of Lights here in town. We are so lucky because it is about a 2 minute drive away and since it was a weeknight, there was no line to get in. Kekoa was completely entranced at all the amazing lights. He got to sit up front on my lap to get a birds eye view.
His favorite part was the dinosaurs, that roared in delight to see Kekoa! :) He was so bummed when we were driving out, didn't understand why we couldn't go back to see all the dinosaurs.
The best part of was we got these 3D glasses. When you look through them, every light you see has a reindeer.
We didn't take any of our own pictures tonight, but we'll be going back to ride the Christmas train and will snap some photos then.

window shopping

Kekoa loves looking at all the window displays downtown. His favorite is this one, there is a red train and miniature merry-go-round...it is a pretty awesome display. His second favorite is the Polar Express train that goes around and around on the track. I love this time of year, with all the lights and decorations. Walking downtown during the holidays is a real treat.

spaghetti and meatballs...yum!

A very yummy and messy meal for Kekoa. I was surprised he let me put the "napkin bib" around his neck...thank goodness. There were noodles everywhere! This is definitely one of Kekoa's favorite meals!

After Thanksgiving Day hike

We woke up to sunshine today, such a gorgeous morning.
On our way out for our hike, we even contemplated going to the beach. Scott asked Kekoa if he wanted to go to the beach and Kekoa replied, "No baba, I need to go for a hike"! Isn't that the cutest thing?
A hike was a great choice. Nothing beats digging in the dirt, making holes, and throwing rocks in the rushing stream. We are so proud of Kekoa too...he made it all the way to the top of the hill without being carried! Good job!





Kekoa was watching a dog chase a stick into the stream, over and over again. He thought it was very funny.


Kekoa telling me, "I made it to the top!"
strolling back to the stroller.


Kekoa and Rufus, his new doggy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for...

my beautiful son and baby brothers that keep us entertained and on our toes!










Watcha got there Kaiwei?

Can I touch it?

Mama, please get Kaiwei to share this with me!

Is it my turn yet?

Finally I get a turn!




Mackie giving Kekoa a push


my sweet niece and adorable nephew, Kekoa's cousins...

family...


yummy food...

new thanksgiving memories...


Yum, Thanksgiving dinner is delicious.

Hmmm, not so sure.
Let me take another bite! (Jordan looks just like my brother in this picture. We were all so sad that Uncle Mango didn't make it, he has the stomach flu. :( )


I took about 50 of these pictures. I think it is impossible to have all the kids smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. This was the best one.

Two cutie pies in matching sweater vests! :)

The men cooking in the kitchen!

I loved watching Kekoa and Meilani. He LOVES her so much and she is the best cousin. They had so much fun playing together and snuggling up too.





Meilani and Kekoa went up and down the stairs probably 100 times! Kekoa thought it was hilarious!


I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving!