Lots to catch up on--Few last pics in Hawaii:

So...  Sigh.  We're back on the mainland. We're obviously way behind on updating the family blog, but it's been hard to get motivated.  I got a nice little treat from my lovely friend Kate though.  She graciously edited a few pictures of the kids during our last days there, so I'll put those up.  Thanks again to my talented bestie!

I think this one of Kennedy is my absolute favorite:

We decided to live it up down in Waikiki for our last week and a half.  

There's a reason that's the big 'touristy' spot.  We had a blast.

We were so busy vacationing that it was hard to fit in time for lunch!

Hilarious Schaffer 'chillin.'

Hit the Honolulu Zoo one last time

Hangin' in the Regency Lounge

These two.  So sweet.

Where's Drew?  Running around of course!  Not into posing for the camera yet.

A few of just Kennedy.  

Is it just me or does she keep getting more & more beautiful?

Here are a few after we flew in from the island.  

We visited Adam's family first thing.  Nice to be so close to them now.

One of the only ones I was able to get of little Drew.  Gotta catch him when you can!

Schaf & Dad

Hopefully we'll post more pics in a bit.  Life in Virginia has been good so far, but moving & settling in again with THREE kids has been a little nuts!

Kennedy's Baptism

I cannot believe our girl is now old enough to be an official, baptized member of the church! She continues to grow up way too fast for our liking, but is still our perfectly compassionate & kind-hearted little Doodlebug (sniff sniff).

My wonderful stepmom, "Grandma Terree," made her this awesome towel just for her baptism. It has her name & baptism date on it. She's also doing a cool scrapbook page/plaque with Kennedy's picture & lots of informative tidbits about her. Thanks grandma Terree!

Kennedy was very nervous, but took comfort in the fact that Dad was performing the baptism (I'm afraid they made him dunk her twice to be safe though, heh heh)

Both of them looking a little more serious before the baptism.

All of us...of course Dad & Kennedy are the only ones 'camera ready!'

This was our first 'child of record' baptism, & when I found out how it worked (mass baptisms, one meeting for all) I was kind of disappointed. But of course our amazing ward made it so special...so many friends came out (even though I didn't think to invite anyone). She was showered with all kinds of lovely gifts & leis.

Swallowed up in leis!

Our wonderful friends, Kim & Fritz came & then treated us to Buca (sneaky kids!)

Bishop & Sister Tanaka...our favorites in the whole ward.

A CTR ring from Mom & Dad.

And scriptures with her name on them.

When she opened them she said, 'Yes! This is just what a wanted!' So cute. :)

Horseback Riding in Laie

Kennedy's favorite thing in the whole world is horses. She wants to have one of her own someday. One of her birthday surprises was going horseback riding up on north shore near the temple. It was gorgeous.

Getting ready for the ride; she had some last-minute jitters.

Gathering her courage with all the Gibson boys.

Up at the top (scenic point) of our ride. She's laughing because our guide told her that her horse 'was leaking!'

She was a real pro...handled her horse like she'd riden dozens of times before. I'm afraid mom seemed to be the one 'lagging' in the rear most of the ride!

We had a great view of the shore line most of the ride back down.

Why do we have to leave this paradise? It's just not fair.

It was a great time & we've already got plans to go again to Kokohead crater.

Two very special birthdays

Once dad came back home from Japan we needed to celebrate Kennedy's 8th birthday & Drew's 1st (& Adam's homecoming). Since I'm a very lazy girl we did one big party to celebrate all of it.

My beautiful baby is ONE! How did that happen so quickly?

We were worried about Schaffer feeling a little left out, but I think he had more fun than anyone!

Trisha made the cakes...she's awesome.

She did them both 'topsy-turvy.'

Drew was kind of a zombie by the time we had cake. Poor little guy.

He wasn't sure what to do when we gave him the top of his to smash.

Kennedy tried helping him out by having him taste it.

It worked.

She also encouraged him to get messy & 'cakey' by example...

Schaffer got the top cupcake part.

The things that are funny when you're eight.

Here Schaffer's 'helping' with the presents for Drew. I'm pretty sure he was thinking, "JACKPOT!" Heh heh. It was a fun time.

Now we're looking forward to our little 8 yr-old's baptism. Wow.

Dad's back...again

Hopefully he's back for good; well, at least until we PCS from Hawaii... :(

He brought what has become Schaffer's favorite toy yet. Here we go. Watch out little Drew!

The kids are all super-happy to have him home (as am I). They're doing their happy dance in these pics.

Schaffer will just bust into a funky dance any time, any place. He makes strangers in Target crack up.

It's so adorable how he does & says everything his big sister does. I'm pretty sure Kennedy loves that more than most anything in her perfect little 8 yr-old life.

This face!!! What the heck? Definitely a picture to bribe him with when he's a teenager!

Drew wasn't really feeling the happy dance. I'm actually a little worried about how 'dramatic' these two little guys are with their expressions...we will NOT be encouraging participation in the 'theatrical arts' in this family! ha ha