Hawaii--Day 3

The hike to Waimea Falls was very easy and on a paved road that wandered between wonderful banyan and monkey pod trees and under a blue, blue sky.

The boys played the concentration game all the way there.

Once there, we donned life jackets (required), had a brief lecture from the life guards (also required), and then were allowed to get in the cool water.  I'd had never swam under a water fall before, really cool.

 For lunch, we went to Seven Brothers, a must when on North Shore.  It was so fun, because we were helped by the youngest of the seven brothers!  And there is a really cool picture of all the brothers as little kids hanging on the wall.  Not to mention the burgers were delicious!

Our SIOTD was at the same spot, Wii Will's.  It was OK.  Uncle Clay's was better.  But after a hot hike, it was just what we needed.

 After getting fortified, we were ready for some snorkeling at Shark Cove.  It was pretty rocky and hard for me to get down to, so no camera and not many pictures.  But the kids, meaning the two Todd's and Kathy too, had a great time going way out to see what they could see.  The kids that didn't want to snorkel played in the tide pools, but there wasn't much to look at.  On the way back in, the big kids spotted some sea turtles hiding in the rocks.

SIOTD

Wii Will's located right next to Seven Brothers.  It was OK.  Uncle Clay's was better.  But after a hot hike, it was just what we needed.

Hawaii--Day 2

Because of the time change, we were up pretty early, so, 

we took advantage of the beach right out our back door.

It was pretty funny because the kids all came in and asked if it was almost time for lunch.  

It was only 9:00 AM!  This promised to be one LONG day!

At noon, it was time for the Polynesian Cultural Center.  What a fantastic place.  We were there from opening to closing, and it still wasn't enough time to really explore everything.  But, it was hot and humid, so we were all "done" when it was dinner and show time.

Every culture presented a program, both entertaining and informative.  And there were activities for all to try, like starting a fire by rubbing sticks together, weaving leaves into mats and headbands, fishing, and spear throwing.  One of them was a demonstration of how to cook green bananas.  Judging by the look on Wyatt's face, I don't think it's going to turn into a family favorite.

In the middle of the afternoon, there was a canoe pageant where all of the islands were represented

 with music and dance. It was quite amazing.

This is one of my favorite pictures...an update of my "Helaman Warriors"

After a buffet dinner, we attended a presentation of their evening show, "Ha, The Breath of Life."  It was spectacular.

And on our way out, we had to stop in the stores to look for souvenirs.  I found mine!!!

Between dinner and the show, there was time for a tour of the Laie Temple.  Some wonderful sister missionaries adopted us and followed us all the way to the top to help us get some pictures.

I love Luke joining the Mortensen family...

...and Todd photo bombing the grandkids.

Families Are Forever

Hawaii--Day 1

After two years of anticipation and several months of planning, our Hawaii vacation finally arrived!

Todd, Kathy and kids flew from Salt Lake...

...Amy, Todd, I, and kids flew from LAX...

..and we met in Hawaii!

Todd and Kathy went straight to the house, while we stopped off at Costco to stock up on food and the had our shaved ice of the day, or as Amy called it, SHIOD.   

The house we rented couldn't have been more perfect for us.

It had room for all to have a nice bed, a wonderful sea breeze that cooled the house down, 

a large family area, and a fun kereoke machine.

There was a small back yard, complete with a huge tree and giant rope swing,

But, the best part, was a beautiful, private, sandy beach just past the yard!  Heaven!!

(We are choosing to forget the ice maker that leaked all over the kitchen floor, the cockroaches, some pretty big, the line for showers in one of the two bathrooms, and the hallway that went right through Todd and Kathy's bedroom!) 

SIOTD

Uncle Clay's--the syrups were all homemade and really good!

Bring On Middle School

Emma and Wyatt had their 5th grade promotion this morning, under a very hot sun.  The 5th graders in choir performed and Miss Emma had a solo!

For a celebratory dinner, we went to a Beni Hanna style restaurant.  The only two who could successfully catch the egg in their mouths were Carson and Emma

Dance Weekend

I love going to Utah for the girl's dance performance.  They were wonderful.  Sophie was a baker and danced to-----

 Claire is now in company, so she had two numbers.

These two boys are crazy!

In between all of the dance performances, we worked out in the garden. 

 It is the most amazing garden I have ever seen!

 Their garden inspired me to get home and get busy with mine.  I planted bush beans, potatoes, onions and a tomato plant.  It's pretty meager compared to theirs, but it's all I have room for and all I can handle.

Happy Birthday Todd

Todd's birthday was celebrated at Disneyland, but he still needed to have birthday pancakes, dinner, presents and cake.  Todd wanted a new camera, so we all pitched in some money so he could get one.

Happy birthday Todd!