Jacob turns 1!

My baby turned one and I can't believe it has already been a year since he was born.

Look at this picture of Jacob, taken a few hours after he was born. My 9+ pound baby with all that dark hair. It is amazing all that he has accomplished in one short year. I enjoy the changes as they happen but looking back it all happened too fast.




At his one year checkup, Jacob is now 20lbs 12oz and 31 inches long. Walking and busier than ever. We can't get him to hardly sit still except if it is to eat but even that doesn't last very long.







I had been thinking about having a pirate party for him for awhile and I enjoyed thinking of all the details that would make it fun (although after this party I decided I would never want to be a party planner- way too stressful). Richard helped write the invitation. Too bad we forgot to put that it was at Captains Quarters. Oh well, since it was only a family party it wasn't that big of a deal.

Homemade goodness from left to right:

Treasure Hunt with ten clues hidden around the house
Jacob banner (I saw something similar and couldn't wait to do it)
Pirate bunting. I love how much they add to the decor. I want to make one for all occasions.
Treasure hunt goody bags. I made each guest their own pirate bandanna with an eye patch, earring, swedish fish, gummy worms, chocolate money, and rock gems.
Birthday shirt for the 1 yr old
Beer (the root kind) labeled with everyone's name.
Pirate cupcake toppers
Not pictured: red and black beanbags (recovered blue ones from Brendan's Blue's Clue birthday when he was three).



Played put the flag on the X. Jacob got to do it with his eyes open. He had no idea what he was doing but as a mom and party planner, I was going to have him give it a try.

I knew I wanted bean bags for the party because Jake could throw one but wasn't quite sure what kind of game I was going to do- so I just winged it. I think trying to throw them into the 3 different size bowls was the perfect solution. Jake had to put each one in his mouth before he threw it. But what's a little germs between family.

The girls had a blast dressing up (way more than the boys). I love, love this photo and they literally posed themselves.

I didn't include the picture where everyone is singing to him and he is looking around wondering why is everyone singing and looking at me. There was so much chaos at this point with all the kids surrounding him wanting him to blow out the candle. He doesn't know how to blow out a candle and before I could help him he grabbed the flame. He really did not burn his finger but I am sure it hurt and of course it was all very shocking to him. He didn't dig into the cake. I tried by putting frosting in his mouth to entice him. He finally got into the frosting but not really the cake. He must of liked the frosting though because he kept licking his hands then his arms.

After cake he had to have a bath. There was so much going on I almost forgot about opening presents. He was so tired at this point (an hour past his bedtime) not to mention that he had fallen on his head, kinda burnt his finger, and hit his head on a table, but he seemed content sitting on grandma's lap as she helped him open presents. I went a little crazy with the pirate theme even buying him pirate presents. I couldn't help it they were so cute! Soon after Jake went to bed, guests left and I feel asleep on the couch. It was a long day but I would do anything for this little boy.

Lanai

Richard wanted to have a little getaway before tax season starting. He found great rates at a hotel we have been wanting to go to and he called and told me "I booked us a room for two days and we can't get a refund so we are going." I can't complain it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to and it is only a ferry ride away.

Once we got there, a shuttle took us up to the mountains where it was cooler until we found our way to the lodge where we were staying. It looked so pretty and colonial but also Hawaiian at the same time. I loved walking in and seeing the fireplaces and all the cozy nooks and crannies. It is nice to be able to use a fireplace every once in awhile when you live in Hawaii.

They had so many activities at the resort and most of them were free. We did pay for horseback riding-too bad they made us wear those silly helmets for a walking tour.

Some of our activities:

Lawn bowling

18 hole put put golf

Bike ride to Lanai City - a really strenuous ride through very heavy city traffic. jk the city is pretty close to the hotel and the ride around the city will maybe take all of 3 minutes if that. We did stop at a few little shops, one where I bought a sun hat, and one that was called Richard's Market-we had to stop there. It was such a nice bike ride and yes, you have to wear helmets for that too.

Croquet

Walking around the beautiful grounds. There was so much to see.

Inside the Lodge we played pool and played dominoes in the library. I even did a little jumping on the bed. I haven't done that since I was a kid.

Loved every minute of it. Thanks Honey for making me go!

Looking forward to a new year

I am so looking forward to a new year with all my boys and all the fun and challenging experiences we have awaiting us (messy floors and all).

Happy New Year!

One bright night

New Year's Eve was so pretty with the bright full moon. We were at Grandma and Grandpa James' house looking out at the ocean enjoying the view.

Up high against the mountain, we had to perfect spot to watch fireworks going off from all around the island. There was something so peaceful about watching fireworks from afar, surrounded by loved ones.

Signs of Christmas

We had fun with stashes from Santa

Richard getting excited about his new Kindle.

Here I am. This time behind the camcorder.

Jake-wearing the same thing he wore the night before because he was already asleep when we got home on Christmas Eve and I didn't want to wake him.

The mess afterwards.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Christmas Eve-a time to spend with the family sharing talents and having fun.

Brendan played a Christmas song he had been working on.
Dylan sang Jingle Bells, for the second year in a row. He wasn't very happy about singing it again but he didn't know all the words to anything else so Jingle Bells it was.
Jordan didn't want to play his guitar for the program but ended up messing around with it later on.
Richard read the Night Before Christmas to the kids.
The kids unwrapped the presents they received from their secret santa.
We played a new game this year. If you roll doubles you get to try to unwrap the present the only trick is you have to wear oven mitts and a santa hat. The guys got pretty competitive and some wrestling took place. In the end Rich opening the present-a battle of the sexes card game.

Happy Holidays

Year Highlights

Jordan

Played volleyball and soccer with his Middle School

He plays guitar

Finally passed up his Mom and Dad in height

Involved in Scouts

Likes to take apart things


Brendan

Still in Taekwondo - working on his red belt

Plays baseball

Likes reading and just finished the Harry Potter series

Enjoys being part of the Cub Scouts

Growing fast

Dylan

Not afraid of talking to anyone

Very independent

Played baseball for the first time this year

Just starting losing his teeth. Three gone and counting.

Loves the work he is doing in Afternoon Club (Kindergarten), especially reading and math

Jacob

Has accomplished so much in almost a year. (I can't belive he turns 1 next month)

Recently started walking

Like any little one, he loves to get into everything he is not supposed to

He has such a fun personality and is all around a happy boy!

When he is done with something he chucks it

Does cute new things all the time. His new thing is to tilt his head sideways to look at you.

Rich

Still enjoys Scuba Diving and Golf

He got a conure this summer named Ginger. Everyone loves when he brings her around. The only downside is she squawks a lot.

Rachael

I took two photography classes this year and have loved the new knowledge and skills I've learned.

I keep busy with my calling in church, but I love getting to know the amazing women we have in our ward.

Started quilting again and started learning how to machine quilt.