Kai began "speaking" more than he ever has on this trip, thanks to the interactive efforts of many, like Auntie Jayne and cousin Audri.

While we were home, we got to see the new digs for Chem-Dry of Boise and Treasure Valley. Thanks to one of the Assistants to the President, Jeffrey James (seen in the grey fleece on the left), we took a royal tour of the impressive new facility. It was easy to see the continuing vision that has surrounded the company since Dad invested in it nearly 30 years ago. Major congrats, good luck in the next few months, and may success continue to come your way.

Kai sees his cousins for the first time, seen here with Sidney and Carson; Abby, Maddy, and Gracie. Kristie and I took our first trip with baby Kai up to Idaho and Utah. This was Kai's first time on a plane, first time in the snow, and his first time seeing most family members and friends. It wasn't long before he got his first runny nose, too -- so now he snores as loud as his mommy. Hopefully it's only temporary -- a man can only handle so much. We smiled and laughed a lot, watching everyone interact with him, pat his head, shove fingers in his mouth...everything a baby gets exposed to when visiting cousins.

"Can't wait to see my family next week!"

Buckled...

Happy...

Ready to go.

Here he is -- the man of the hour. This is our little boy the morning of his blessing, decked out in the same rags his dad was blessed in...minus the lei, of course. Don't you love his funny little looks he gives? This one's saying, "Okay, last picture right?" He was a real trooper throughout the blessing. Only hollered for about 15-20 seconds.

Kristie, Kai and myself pose for a picture just outside the chapel in Kahuku. It was our first baby blessing and we'll never forget the Spirit that we felt that Sabbath day. Kai makes us happy and thankful parents 97% of the time -- that 3% is the part around 3-4a.m. where we still wonder what the @*&! we were thinking. j/k

Enjoying a nice, and finally dry, day at the Polynesian Cultural Center...

Ron and Lynn Atkinson, Ron and Rita Hansen, and Mom 'n Dad had a blast despite a few incredibly rainy days (the worst flooding in nearly 20 years). The couples probably had too much fun, and that's what was so fun about hanging with them for the week. Parma was well represented in church that Sunday. "Thanks for being with us on such a special day. You're welcome anytime -- in a hotel near us, down the road :)"

Auntie Julienne and Uncle Blair made a special trip to the Pacific to see their new nephew and shower him with Alabama love, Air Jordan slippers, and good company. This is a shot of all three of them on the balcony out$ide their Ko'olina hotel room. Nice joint. Blair worked everyone on the golf course while Julienne got worked on in the spa. Kai says hi to his Hoover cousins Spencer, Stockton, Ella, and McKay. "Thanks for letting Mom and Dad come over and see me."

Mom & Dad (Grandma and Grandpa) came into town last week for Kai's blessing. Here we all are the Island Shack restaurant on the North Shore. Not much in the "interior decorating" category, but the food is off the hook! Brazilian cuisine...

The binki...

best thing since sliced bread.

This is the closest thing to a smile that we've been able to get on camera.

Guess who's starting to smile...

"What do you think about my sandals?"

I had to sneak in our little snow monkey. Just couldn't resist sharing this one.

Marvin Harrison v. Champ Bailey in Saturday's scrimmage. In the other shot, Kristie got tackled by her home team Bronco!

Pro Bowl family portraits.

Our first Pro Bowl. For the first half, we spent our time in the nosebleeds. When the second half came around, we found ourselves a better view...next to Peyton Manning.

Here is Mommy and baby having one of many moments together. From working woman to stay-at-home mom, Kristie has been a natural in her new role (and believe me, the stay-at-home thing isn't very accurate, 'cuz she's quite active). Kristie is good about balancing Kai's schedule and not forgetting about what she enjoys...walks, lunches out with Justin, shopping, etc. We even hit our first movie over the weekend. Although Kai didn't like the loud previews very much, once the movie came on he did alright. I mean he had his moments, but we didn't have to leave early - so chalk that up as a first and hopefully standing occasion. As you can tell, pictures of Kai have taken over our blog - and that's the way it'll probably stay for a while. Thank you to all the many aunties, grandmas, and friends who have sent gifts and love to the newest Hawaii Smith.

He loves the many gifts so many of his family and friends have given him, including this one from Grandma Smith.

He likes to be sung to, and he looks right at you when you speak to him.

Our observant little boy is checks out everything around him...

Donning his Hawaiian
duds...Grandma, Mommy and Kai..."all in favor..."

Nature's binki...

Daddy helped keep his son warm after the bath.

Grandma Blake came to town, and helped Kristie give Kai his first bath.

Here's our good little boy, Kai Lincoln Smith. He was born 5 lbs 12 oz., 18 3/4 in. long, blonde hair, and very alert. We love him so much and are thankful he is healthy. He couldn't have asked for a better mommy. Kristie loves nursing him, and seeing his responses as we talk and sing to him. The late nights have begun, but seeing his cute little face makes it easier to deal with the wee small hours of the morning. Thank you everyone for your prayers, your interest, and your love -- we are so lucky to have so many good grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and family. More pics later...

"These clothes don't fit." Kai is free to move about the cabin...

The first family portrait with the new baby.

Mele Kalikimaka!! We love you and wish you a very happy holidays and an unforgettable new year.

Love, Kristie and Justin

(Above) Kristie opening gifts at her surprise shower, thrown by the wonderful women of our church group. (Right) The crib is up and ready!!

Here is "Christmas Kristie" out in front of our studio entrance. This time of year, when we celebrate the birth of a special baby, the Son of God, it is a unique holiday season in the Smith family as we get ready to welcome our soon-to-be-born baby shortly after the new year. It's a blessing to be expecting, and we are so grateful to our families and ward members that have been and are so loving and supportive in this next transition of life. Merry Christmas!

A first look at our soon-to-be-born baby. This ultrasound is about 2-months old, but still fun. It may be obvious, but this picture is rotated so he/she is looking at you, and rubbing his/her right eye with a little hand -- must be a little sleepy. This same ultrasound, we saw the baby swallow and yawn. Cute. We were thinking, "Wow; there really is something in there!"

Kristie (who dressed up as a Yankees fan for Halloween; Justin was a Red Sox fan, and they faught all night long) is shown here with Katie and her two cute girls, close friends of ours and neighbors.

These pics show one of our first weekends in HI where we toured the solemn grounds of Pearl Harbor (left, J & K with the USS Missouri in the background; on the right, Justin aboard the USS Arizona Memorial). God bless the brave men and women protecting and fighting for our freedom, and the freedom of others. Our prayers are with you.