July 4th

For the 4th we went to Jason and Mahina's house, and lots of other family came over too.  Kalae and Corinna came with Kanoa and Auntie Puni, Makana was there, and Uncle Wayne brought Grandmama.  It's a rare treat to have Auntie Puni, Uncle Wayne, and Grandmama all together, considering Uncle lives in Seattle and the women live in Hawaii.  I was really glad to spend some good time with Auntie, Uncle, and Grandmama.  I'm even happier because Kawika warmed up to them right away. 

Kawika with his great grandma Edie

A proud moment for me as a mom was when Uncle Wayne got out of his truck and Kawika walked right up to him, put his arms out, and said "Up!"  He'd never met Uncle before.  I would think that it would be intimidating for a toddler to see a huge man he'd never seen before (Uncle is a Kapua in every sense of the word) but it was like he knew he was family.  When Uncle picked him up, Kawika even gave him a kiss.  Mahina, who was watching from the end of the driveway with me, elbowed me excitedly and said "You're raising him right, girl!"  I'm not sure how much credit I can take for that, but it made me proud nonetheless.

Uncle Wayne, Auntie Puni, and Grandmama Edie

We had lots of fun bbq'ing and just hanging out.  Kawika ran around all OVER the place.  You'd think he'd had more than an hour nap that day! 

"Playing football" with daddy

Goofing

Rocking the KARMMA gear and enjoying a little snuggle

 But he really only had an hour nap that day.  I ended up taking him home a little before 9 pm.  The fireworks were just getting started but he was exhausted and I had to work in the morning, so we left.  I shouldn't have bothered; he napped on the 15 minute car ride home and was suddenly raring to go again when we got home.  He didn't go to sleep until closer to 11:30, though I also blame the neighbors and their M-80's. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for celebrating on the Fourth of July.  Team America and all that.  But does it have to be so damn LOUD, like, right outside my baby's bedroom window?  I would totally let it slide if it was JUST that night, but the 5 nights of explosions prior and the 3 afterward really got on my nerves.  Not gonna lie.

All in all though, it was a great day and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I love Chris's family like my own and feel very loved in return when we spend time together.  I'm really, really, REALLY looking forward to visiting them all when we go back to the islands in April of next year.