I have been putting off this post for a while, for the pure fact that it is full of SO much STUFF. This December had already been fun filled for us, but once the family started rollin in, it was non stop craziness and fun. The girls still ask me every day since then 'where are my cousins?' even though they definitely know the answer haha. I think they are just hoping it has changed since the last time, bc they loved every second of it. So, we'll go through it by summarizing pictures.


-Christmas Eve was probably one of the funnest, but also busiest days I've had this year. First, we rounded up all the troops and headed over to Alcatraz island-a first for a few of our gang! While cold, it was a beautiful clear day, and somehow, even with all the kids enjoying running around being silly, we made it through the entire audio tour on the island. It was a fun, different experience, from the boat ride, all the way to end.








-When we got home, we got right to work. This year, we still wanted to continue to Hanaike tradition of getting together, but with our numbers increasing, Krista and I took on the planning of the night, from food, schedule and games. Of course, I was a little nervous and rushed trying to get everything I wanted to done before the party. But in the end, I was SOOoo happy w the results! The food was all great, everybody was so willing and engaged in either the playing, or at least watching of the games and of course sharing opening presents at the end.

We played some minute to win it style games, like cookie face, carol of the bells, santa stacker, wrap the snowman/present and a few others. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a while, and at one point, while spinning in the wrap game, my Dad got so dizzy he almost barfed, and my Auntie Kathy had one of those laughing fits that you can't break out of till its over. In the end, Matt and Ross went head to head, with Ross coming out victorious. After this, we had brownie sundaes, present time and ended the night with an impromptu snowball fight, thanks to Auntie Maya and family. It was a night I will cherish and remember always, as I am sure will the rest of us.





















-Christmas Day itself was wonderful. After a short night, we woke up to an ecstatic Addy and a sweet, confused but excited Isla saying'HE CAME he came, I knew he'd come! He brought me a doll house!' From there it was a whirlwind of sweet squeals, wide eyes and smiles as the girls opened their stockings and presents from Santa, and we had our own little Christmas morning. After this, we went upstairs and enjoyed more stocking fun with my family upstairs, before we all hurridely got ready for church. It was a sweet short program, highlighted by the primary singing and Sean helping Addy not cry about it [so cute haha] and the feeling and wonder of the true meaning of Christmas. From here, we came back to visit with some of my Mom's side of the family and eat a little bit. Then, we spent time opening each others presents for each other and playing the day away. Eventually, we made it over to my in laws house for Christmas dinner and more fun, and it was a great ending to a perfect holiday.

















Everything Else

This section is going to be out of order, but for us Christmas never really feels over until the family trickles out. So both before Christmas, and even a few days after wards, we got to enjoy some more fun with family and friends while everyone was here. So here are the fun pictures and memories from that!

-We made another fun visit to the tidepools in Half Moon Bay. It was a beautiful day, and we loved looking at the sea life, splashing in the water, and exploring the forest up above. We even got to visit with Marina for a second which was fun!







-We also got to do a little fun baking, when Grandma let the girls help make and decorate sugar cookies. Lani and Linda came by as well and it was a lot of fun, and we had our visit with the Morco's. We also had some visits with lots of our friends; my friend Remmicks and her husband [whom we met at the Embarcadero Farmer's Market], the Benning's on Sam's bday, and of course Andy Pandy Poo and Melody. All of them were great visits, full of lots of fun!









-The boys and I made our way to the theaters to see the new Star Wars episode, and Andrew got the PLEASURE and gift of sitting next to yours truly. So that was fun.


-We spent a day in SF to a few places we thought the family would enjoy-the observatory at the De Young, the Academy, and the Japanese Tea Gardens. I think every single person that came found something they enjoyed, and we loved spending time in our favorite city with some family.






-Of course, we enjoyed some dress up and days just playing at home, reading stories and playing a ridiculous amount of games [including a new/old favorite with Oregan Trail]. Ironically, on New Years itself we were all so tired and funned out, that all we did was stop by my in laws to visit, then come home and fall asleep right before midnight haha. Still, it was a great year, and we welcome the next.





The crazy part is, now that it is WELL into January, it is finally starting to feel like it is all over. We had so much fun, the kind that lasted, both in memory but also our day to day. We miss everybody a lot, but no one more then the girls and their cousins. It was a fun filled, busy, WONDERFUL Christmas, and we feel so very blessed to be a part of it all. And with that, Christmas and New Years 2016 is finally a wrap over here. Until next year!