Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Hays Family!

We actually celebrated Christmas yesterday because Darrick has duty today. We all woke up in our Christmas Pajamas and then opened our stockings.

Then it was time for breakfast, cinnamon rolls, and then Micah read the Christmas story.

After breakfast it was time to open presents. We always take turns opening presents from youngest to oldest. Each person opens one and then we go around again until everyone is out. Naomi was first, but once she figured out what to do, we could not get her to stop! She wanted to open every one's presents and did not understand that they were not all for her! She got a Fisher Price purse with pretend make-up so we all had to have a turn while she put "make-up" on us.

Next was Jacob. His big wish this year was for Army stuff. He was very happy with what he got! Micah was pretty interested too!

Then it was Micah's turn. His big wish this year was for a new DS since he dropped his in the toilet on accident a few weeks ago. He was surprised since we told him we couldn't find any! He got a really cool Lego set from Nana and Papa too!

We hope everyone had a wonderful day!

Christmas Church Service

Last night we went to our church's Christmas service. Before we went I took some pictures of the kids by the tree!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday, but we actually celebrated it yesterday. Darrick has duty on Christmas so we moved my birthday and Christmas one day ahead.

We had an awesome lunch at Cholo's and at home yummy chocolate cake with ice cream. We did the cake on Skype and my parents and brother Sam sang me "Happy Birthday" along with Darrick and the kids.

I got some great gifts but the best part was just being together as a family!

Flubber Gone Wrong

Yesterday Micah was lying around watching TV and started smashing his flubber on his forehead. What he failed to realize is that it was also in his hair. We could not get it out and had to cut a chunk of his hair off!

Flubber

To start off Winter vacation we had a play date at the Beach Park with our friends Brian and Allison.

After a few hours we headed back to our place so the kids could make Flubber. Everyone took turns stirring, except for Naomi, she just watched.




Then it was time to knead it and mix it by hand. All the kids were quick to stick their hands in but it did not last. Allie started gagging and even the boys were grossed out by the texture and wanted to stop. So I ended up doing it.

But in the end it turned out really cool and the kids LOVED it! Yea Flubber!

Making Christmas Cookies

About a week ago, I was reading my cousin Kim's blog about making cookies. As soon as I saw her Santa Claus cookies it brought me back to my childhood when I remembered eating those cookies. So I got the recipe from her and this afternoon we made our own batch. Naomi had no idea what we were doing but she was very excited that she had two little bowls of candy!

Then this evening, after Naomi went to bed, we frosted them. Santa's hat is supposed to be red but we went to three different stores and they were all sold out of red sprinkles so we had to settle for green. Maybe it could be an elf with a moustache!

Last Day of School for Awhile

Today started off early, 6:45 am, for Breakfast with Santa at the boys school. We were served french toast, sasuage, an apple and milk. Santa walked around for a bit before he sat down to have pictures taken with all the kids and give them a candycane. (Micah had no interest in having a picture with Santa so he went to class).

Then it was time for Naomi and I to try to stake out a seat for the school Christmas program. It is about 2 hours long with each grade singing a few songs, the beginner and concert band and three age groups of cheerleaders.

Micah's class sang "Holly, Jolly Christmas" and "I wish it could be Christmas everyday". He really got into it, it was fun to watch!

Jacob's class sang "The Dreidel Song" and "The 12 Days of Christmas-Hawaiian style". He did a very good job remembering all the words and hand motions!

After it was done I got a cute picture of Jacob and his friend Allie.

Now the boys are on Christmas Break until January!

Da Night Bafo Christmas-Hawaiian Style

"Da Night Bafo Christmas"

Was da night bafo' Christmas, and all ova' da place,
Not even da geckos was showin' their face.

Da stockings was hangin' on top da TV
('Cause no mo' fireplace in Hawai'i)

Da kids stay all crashed, my old man too.
They leave all da work for you-know-who.

So me, I stay pickin' up alla their toys,
When - boom! - outside get only big noise!

I run to da window, I open 'em up,
I stick out my head and I yell, "Eh! Whassup?!"

And then, I no can ba-lieve what I seen!
Was so unreal, you know what I mean?

This fat haole guy get his reindeers in my yard!
And reindeers not housebroken, you know, as' why hard!

But nemmind, this Christmas, so I cut 'em some slack.
Plus, had uku pile presents pokin' outta his sack!

So I wait 'till he pau tie up his reindeer,
Then I yell out da window, "Huui! Brah, ova hea!"

An' I tell 'em first thing, when I open da door,
"Eh, Hemo your shoes! You going dirty my floor!"

He take off his boots, he tell, "You know who I am?"
I go, "Ho! From the smell, must be Mr. Toe Jam!"

He make mempachi eyes and he go, "Ho, ho, ho!"
By now, I stay thinking this guy kinda slow!

He look like my Tutu, but little less weight,
And his beard stay so white, mo' white than shark bait!

He stay all in red, specially his nose,
And get reindeer spit on top his nice clothes!

But him, he no care; he just smile at me,
And he start fo' put presents unda-neath da tree.

I tell 'em, "Eh, brah, no need make li'dat,
And watch where you step! You going ma-ke da cat!"

Then, out from his bag, he pull one brand new computah,
Choke video games, and one motorized scootah!

He try for fill up da Christmas socks too,
But had so much pukas, all da stuff went fall troo.

When he pau, I tell 'em, "Eh Santa, try wait!
I get plenty leftovahs, I go make you one plate!"

But he nevah like hang, he had so much fo' do;
Gotta make all them small kids' wishes come true.

So I wave 'em goodbye, and I flash 'em da shaka,
And I tell 'em, "Mele Kalikimaka!"

When he hear that, he stop...and I telling you true,
He go, "Garans ball-barans! Merry Christmas to you!"

Adoption Shower

Today my girlfriends who live in Iroquois Point threw Naomi and I an adoption shower!

It was during school so all the moms could come and actually talk to each other. We had an awesome lunch prepared by Jennifer and Baylor and then after visiting we opened gifts.

Naomi had so much fun looking inside each of the presents to see what was inside. She got some adorable clothes, books, toys and two beautiful handmade quilts from Baylor (one for Naomi and one for her doll). Everyone loved seeing her joy for simple things like a quilt or a new dress.

We ended with cupcakes before we had to run off and pick the kids up from school. Thank you ladies for celebrating with us and for making Naomi feel so special!

One of the many reasons we love Skype

There are many reasons we love Skype but yesterday was priceless!

Jacob learned to read his first book and he was able to read it to Nana and Papa over Skype. They could hear him and then he would show them the pictures in the story. It was awesome. The next best thing to be together!

We're in the Christmas Groove!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Gift Ideas for Naomi

We have been asked to re-post our Adoption Registry for Naomi for those of you who wish to send her a welcome gift. So you will find it on the right hand side. She is wearing size 3T now and she LOVES Dora the Explorer!