O Christmas Tree!

Last Sunday we decorated our Christmas tree ( I know, this post is a bit late). We did a red and white theme and I think it turned out really nicely. It's hard to see the white ornaments in these photos though, so just know that it looks really pretty in real life. Kaiya and Gidget (the dog) wanted to help too, so with all of us, all of the ornaments, the tree, and the pets, it was a bit crowded, but we got it done. It didn't really feel like Christmas to me until we put the ornaments on the tree, but now I've gotten fully into the spirit of it. I'm so excited for this season and already a little sad that there's only a week left until Christmas. I guess I'm excited too. I'm really excited for Kaiya's first Christmas and can't wait to see her having the time of her life on Christmas morning with all of the discarded wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons. Of course she won't care at all about any of the actual gifts we got her with all of that excitement around. Well, now that I've rambled, I hope everyone is also enjoying the last days of the Christmas season!!

Her First Haircut

Before

During

After

Snow Baby!

The other day we had our first real snow and decided to make the most of it by taking Kai outside to experience the winter wetness for the very first time. She pretty much reacted to it just like she does everything else. She stared at it, studied it, and tried to pick it up and put it in her mouth. Here are some pictures of the fun.

It's about Patrick

So, since this is a family blog, I thought I would blog about someone else in the family besides Kaiya. Hence the title, it's about Patrick. I think most of you know that Patrick has gone back to school and is now pursuing a Masters from Boise State. He is studying Historical Research and enjoying it quite a bit. Right now he's focusing on the Japanese internment from World War II and doing tons of research about that. All of this work will hopefully turn into an internship opportunity next summer at the Minnidoka National Park, which is one of the Japanese internment camp spots in Twin Falls, Idaho. This opportunity would be amazing for Patrick, as it would combine his love of Japanese people and culture with his desire to work in the National Parks. So we are really hoping it works out. He's also working at BSU as a TA for the history department. We've been blessed with that opportunity as well, because even though it doesn't pay much, the job provides a tuition waver. I think he would also want me to mention that he is NOT a die hard BSU fan, and was actually rooting for Hawaii in the BSU vs. Hawaii football game a few weeks ago.