Have (2) ham bones - now need to make split pea soup. Help!

Personal preference. I prefer to cook down the bone, get the meat off the bone, strain it, let it cool down so I can skim the fat off the top. Then I cook the split peas in it. Usually cook the bone down the day before. I also add onion, carrots and celery to the stock. Peppercorns and a bay leaf too.