HAWAII

We finally have our underwater pictures back and I am ready to post. There are a LOT of pics, but these are just the chosen few of what we actually took.. If you can't get through it, that's fine with me! I wanted to document for journaling purposes.

Day 1-Aug 6th
We dropped the boys off in Salt Lake at my sister's home. Big props go to the Clawson clan for watching them!The kids were so busy playing with their cousins, they didn't even bother to say goodbye to us.Right before we left.. I was having anxiety about leaving them, but once we were gone, we didn't look back! Aaron and I kept saying during our trip, "I'm SO glad the boys aren't with us!" Mean, I know... but it was that kind of vacation.At the airport getting "lei'd" by Cody. She was the perfect Hawaiian hostess!Arriving at our place on the North Shore. We shared a small house with Aaron's parents and Brett and Kate. We slept on the floor on a mattress for a couple of nights, but we were so excited to be in Hawaii... it didn't really matter.
Aaron and I were up the first morning at 5am.. (when the roosters crowed.) We walked along the beach and watched the sunrise. We were only a few blocks from the temple, and it was so bright and beautiful in the morning. These pictures don't do it justice.
After we returned from our walk, we ate a quick breakfast and headed back to the beach. This time to "Pounders." The waves were big and we had the best time with almost everyone. (We really missed you B&K!) We just kept saying, "I can't believe we are in Hawaii!" This was one of my favorite things we did..(if you consider I have about 20 other favorite things.) The guys spent most of the time playing in the waves, while the ladies relaxed and chatted on the sand. It was absolutely heavenly.Can you see us in the big ocean?
Still the first day... we showered and headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you've been to Oahu and not to the PCC, then you better go back. It was an action packed day...A cool Samoan climbing a tree
The Luau was DELICIOUS! The fresh pineapple was to die for.

Next Day-Aug 9th- Snorkeling at Shark's Cove.Brett and JadeI touched this turtle (before I knew it was against the law.. oops.)Aaron and some big fish.. believe it or not, we saw much bigger!Coco and meJaderbugsBrett and kateCodyliciousJade and Janetkt, aka: kinkyIf you dare moon me underwater, you better understand your butt is going on my blog.. (viewer discretion advised.)some pretty coral


Later that night, we went to Cody's place to help her pack, clean and get ready for her big day! Both she and Jake had a lot going on... a wedding to plan, family to entertain, moving, plans for Korea.. and they were total troopers. After moving Cody out, we ordered pizza and ate on Jake's deck. They both lived in huge homes on Laie Point, meaning their backyard was the ocean--so beautiful. Pizza, family, the ocean.. how can you NOT have a good time? Cody and Jake's love story was the highlight of the evening...well, that and the pizza getting flung off the deck.Aren't these ladies gorgeous? I love them!! I miss you already!We laughed a little too hard that night. "Walter, Walter!!"Thanks to Brett for taking pictures of everyone.Cody, you don't look very excited for your wedding...our "girl talk" must have freaked you out! jk

Aug 10th- The Wedding
The bride and groom were glowing. We're so happy for you two!
Mother of the bride lingering on her kiss to the groom! Stan's looking jealous!the little sqirrelsBronmin-- We missed you and Kirk so much!

After the wedding, we changed and went to the beach for a luau. We ate some of the best BBQ chicken and steak! This is the only picture I have of the event... Isn't Jade juicy?
After the Luau, Jade went with Aaron and me to the beach for her last bit of ocean. She flew out that night with the parents. Cody and Jake flew to Maui for a week of honeymoon bliss. We went out to dinner that night with Brett and kt and stayed up late talking and laughing. I almost peed my pants over "whatever, doesn't count, and UGLY."

Aug 11th- Saturday
We woke up early to go on the coolest hike ever! We were heading to Waikiki that evening, so we made the best of our time with Brett and Kate..4 hours later, we found some disgusting cascades. It was the dry season and the waterfalls were mossy rocks dripping into a germ infested waterhole. Brett and Aaron still jumped in (and somehow survived.)We gave Brett a hard time, but it's now a distant memory. We weren't laughing after being attacked by bugs in the rainforest, but it's funny now.We survived and packed up our things on the North Shore. Brett and Kate were kind enough to take us to our hotel in Waikiki. They stayed on the north shore at Turtle Bay..

Aug 12th--Waikiki
Our place in Waikiki was super nice. We stayed at the Royal Gardens and I think we may have been the only guests in the hotel... or at least the door man and bell hop made us feel like we were. We were in walking distance to everything.. shops, nice restaurants, and most importantly, the ocean.Inside our pad.. trying read a little Harry.The view from our balcony.. on the 18th floor.
Kayaking in WaikikiWe did a little snorkeling, but it wasn't good. This is right before I tipped the kayak.. sorry Aaron, again. oh-that's Diamond Head in the background.Hawaiian shaved ice with ice cream. yummy.


August 13th--
We waited until Monday to go parasailing.. and this was our only regret. By the time we got out to the boat, about to put on our gear, the captain told us "the Hurricane's acomin'!" It was too windy for us to go.. This was a crazy old man who loved talking Aaron's ear off about law stuff. He was very funny and made the bummer parasailing trip almost worth it.

HANAMA BAY
We snorkeled and relaxed on the beach. The fish in Hanama Bay were incredibly large.. I was a little scared of them.Overlooking the beautiful bay.


Waikiki's night life was a blast. Great food, good entertainment, fancy shops, tiki torches, loud music, and people from all around the world.Trying to be Vanna.. Roy's=the best Hawaiian food around..Out of all the places we ate, our favorite was a little mexican restaurant called Senior Frog's. It was a party there.. karaoke, loud music and free tequila jello. (no, I didn't try the jello. Aaron wouldn't let me.) We didn't need a buzz to have a good time.

August 14th-- Our last day.
We didn't fly out until evening, so we decided to rent a car and drive up to the North Shore for our last day of adventure. We saved the best for last.We met Brett and kt at the Hukilau Cafe for coconut pancakes. delish.

After breakfast we went to Three Tables for more snorkeling. It wasn't crowded and there were a lots of colorful fish. It was my favorite beach, too. The sand was funky, like warm bird seed.. (but in a good way.) We were there for a couple of hours before going to Haliewa for pizza, shaved ice and the surf shops.
And last, but definitely not least, we went to Waimea Bay to jump off the point.
Aaron and Janet Video of Brett and kt's jump. I love kt's legs kicking.. as if she had changed her mind after the jump. You were a brave, brave girl, kt!
Our last sunset on the island was a sad one. It was not easy leaving, but we were ready to see our boys. Until next time, Aloha.

back to life, back to reality......

We've woken up from the dream.. We arrived home just a few hours ago. It was completely devastating leaving Hawaii, but it's great to see our boys again! Of course, I have plenty to post and lots to tell... snorkeling with sea turtles and schools of tropical fish, a Beautiful temple wedding, gorgeous sunsets, walks on the beach... etc, etc. Why do we have to actually work for a living? I will post more after we've recovered!

100 things about me

1 ▪ I love to be awake to see the sunrise.

2 ▪ I can unwrap a Starburst in my mouth faster than anyone else. If you want a challenge, bring it on, baby.

3 ▪ I don't love being pregnant, but there's nothing like holding your newborn for the first time. It makes the months of misery worth every minute.

4 ▪ I am a sun-worshiper and I will probably get skin cancer.

5 ▪ I met my husband on a blind date. Our second date was 15 months later.

6 ▪ I knew I was going to marry him before we ever held hands or kissed... (which was before our second date.)

7 ▪ We're about to celebrate our 9th anniversary and marriage is better than I ever expected.

8 ▪ I eat eggs for breakfast every morning.

9 ▪ My love for learning came after I graduated from college.

10 ▪ I received good grades in school but I didn't get much of an education.

11 ▪ I homeschool my boys. It's wonderful, most days.

12 ▪ I can't wait to have a baby girl...and I will eventually have one, even if I have to adopt her.

13 ▪ I hope to have children of other races-- and not because Angelina Jolie does it. I wanted it before she was born.

14 ▪ I enjoy baking.. probably because I enjoy eating what I bake.

15 ▪ I don't like to get ready...thus I shower about every 3-4 days.

16 ▪ I love to go camping! It gives me an excuse to not shower.

17 ▪ I love watching for shooting stars. There's something magical about looking at the vast, beautiful sky and realizing how small you are.

18 ▪ When Aaron is out late, I stay up watching crazy, scary real-life murder mysteries. I freak myself out and won't get out of bed even to brush my teeth.

19 ▪ I wish I was more organized.

20 ▪ I can't think of a fruit or vegetable I don't like. maybe turnips?

21 ▪ I desperately want a garden. Vegas has four growing seasons!

22 ▪ I love to cook, but would rather have someone else do my grocery shopping.. one reason why I need a garden.

23 ▪ I hate spiders. I offer a prize to my kids-- whoever can kill it first. I love having boys.

24 ▪ I don't really like pets, but I'm afraid we will eventually have a dog or lizard or snake. I'm not looking forward to it.

25 ▪ I love to play with my kid's toys... blocks, legos, lincoln logs, etc. but I usually end up saying "don't break mine" or "build your own.." I'm still learning to share...

26 ▪ I love reading to my children.

27 ▪ I turned 29 this year.. and still tell people I'm 21. Where did the time fly?

28 ▪ I fall asleep as soon as I lay my head on the pillow.

29 ▪ I like cuddling, but when I am ready to sleep, I need my space.

30 ▪ I hate pumpkin pie. Not the taste, it's the texture that gets me.

31 ▪ I've been a fan of American Idol since season one. I secretly have a crush on Seacrest.

32 ▪ I don't want to go back to high school, although my husband sometimes wonders.

33 ▪ I usually remember someone's name after meeting them once.

34 ▪ Mexican food is my favorite.

35 ▪ I enjoy speaking in public.

36 ▪ I am a big sports fan and love to watch anything with Aaron...especially if we're cheering for different teams.

37 ▪ I try to trash talk, but it always comes out unnatural.

38 ▪ I usually have 3-4 projects going at once..

39 ▪ I've been in the process of making a love sac (a really big bean bag) for 2 years.. I need to finish it already!

40 ▪ I will NEVER park next to a big car without windows. The people who drive those vans are mass murderers and rapists.

41 ▪ A bubble bath with candles always makes me feel better.

42 ▪ I'm a nazi about brushing my teeth. It's the FIRST thing I do when I wake up.

43 ▪ Early morning is the best time of day.. when everything is peaceful and quiet!

44 ▪ I have 9 siblings and 50+ first cousins.. talk about a family tree!

45 ▪ I loved growing up in an enormous family... we are all very close. I think the best "gift" a parent can give their child is a sibling.

46 ▪ I've worn the same perfume since 9th grade. Angel from Nordstrom. It's a little expensive, but makes me feel like me.

47 ▪ I wish my hair was naturally red. But my spunk is natural.

48 ▪ I'm all about girl power! I love to see a strong woman in charge. But no, I am not voting for Hillary.

49 ▪ I would love to run for political office someday. I don't want to live in the white house or anything, but I do wish to be involved.

50 ▪ I may have to settle for being PTA president (if my kids ever go to school, that is.)

51 ▪ I love, love, love to read. I typically have 20 books checked out from the library at all times (not including kids books.) But I do not read the scriptures as often as I should. I need to do better!

52 ▪ Halloween is my favorite holiday. I mean, Christmas is great... but isn't it fun dressing in a costume? I know my husband wants me to grow up... especially in October.

53 ▪ I don't know anything about decorating my home. Interior design is not my thing.

54 ▪ I've been to a gay bar in San Francisco. that's all I will say about that..

55 ▪ I always laugh when someone falls or hurts themselves. I know it's rude, but I can't help it. My kids often get mad at me and say, "Mom! That wasn't funny."

56 ▪ I love meeting new friends.. moving to a new place and finding new friends is thrilling for me.

57 ▪ I take relationships very seriously.. and love people (to a fault!) It's hard for me to not stay close my friends. But there's just not enough time in the day. Blogging helps.

58 ▪ I love my freckles. This was not always the case, but now they make me feel young and energetic.

59 ▪ I am not a procrastinator.

60 ▪ I still have a blanket. I don't NEED to have it, but I love it. It's yellow with sesame street characters. It's twin size and so raggedy and comfortable!

61 ▪ I will not allow my kids to have blankets (or anything else attachable.) Obviously, I am a total hypocrite.

62 ▪ I love to swim.. or rather, lay out by the pool with a good book...

63 ▪ Ten years ago, Reggie Miller (nba basketball star) kissed me on the cheek and called me his "white doll."

64 ▪ My first real kiss was JJ-- an older black guy. Not the best thing for a young teenage girl.. but it's a good story.

65 ▪ My grandma is my hero. Do you think the name Roma is too old fashioned? My husband does.. maybe by the time we have a girl it will be back in style.

66 ▪ I have a hard time spending money.. and it's a good thing because we never have any.

67 ▪ I love a bargain.. garage sales are fun when you find a good one.

68 ▪ I am so glad my husband is done with school.

69 ▪ I want to go back and get my master's degree.. as soon as Aaron will let me.

70 ▪ Like everyone else in the world, I love The Office. Can't miss an episode.

71 ▪ After having satellite tv for 6 months, I don't think I will ever be able to go back. I never watch commercials... and I love rewinding. (It's hard to catch everything the first time with three loud boys in the house.)

72 ▪ I don't collect anything in particular.. but I always seem to have clutter. ugh.

73 ▪ I was much taller than everyone else in elementary school.. some kids in my class called me "Tree." I guess it was supposed to hurt my feelings, but I just felt bad they were such shrimpy boys.

74 ▪ I am 5'11" now and love being married to a tall man. I was always prejuidice against shorter guys and would NOT date them.

75 ▪ Caffeine has the opposite affect on me. I can take a nap after drinking a pepsi. (diet wild cherry is my fav.)

76 ▪ I don't like silence. I usually have the radio or television on.

77 ▪ I love to throw a party-- for any occasion.

78 ▪ My favorite candy is strawberry Mentos.

79 ▪ I have a hard time sitting through an entire movie.. unless at the theater. I love going to a good movie without my kids!

80 ▪ I can easily eat a whole bag of microwave popcorn by myself.. I don't particularly care for movie theater popcorn, but I still buy it.

81 ▪ I wish I had an obvious talent... like singing, dancing or playing the piano or something. Opening Starbursts with your mouth isn't anything to brag about.

82 ▪ My hardest (and most stressful) class in college was beginning piano. I hated that course.

83 ▪ My husband often refers to me as "Rainman" because I've got a knack for numbers. I'm not necessarily smart.. I just know how to add and I store phone numbers in my head (after dialing them once or twice.)

84 ▪ I love to exercise but hate to run. My goal is to eventually run a marathon. Right now, I can go about 2 miles before dying... I have a lot of training to do.

85 ▪ While eating lunch with my husband, I saw a man choking and performed the Heimlich on him. A large piece of fried chicken was stuck in his throat.

89 ▪ All three of my babies were born 2 weeks early. My water broke in the middle of the night every time.

90 ▪ I want to have a baby without getting an epidural, but apparently I am not as tough as I think I am.

91 ▪ I really want to visit Nauvoo.

92 ▪ and New York.

93 ▪ Every day I think about Hawaii.. and how badly I want to go back. I often ask Aaron if he's be willing to take the Hawaii bar. My bags would be packed if we had an opportunity to move there.

94 ▪ We haven't lived by ANY family in five years. I miss them and wish my boys had more opportunities to make memories with their cousins/grandparents.

95 ▪ My in-laws are the best. I couldn't ask for a better family to marry into.

96 ▪ I am more grateful to my Mom and Dad everyday for what they did (and do) for our family. It's not easy being a parent!

97 ▪ I've always wanted to be a mom. Ben was born 1 year after we were married.. no regrets.

98 ▪ I love motherhood, but sometimes I forget who I am.

99 ▪ My kids make me laugh everyday... and cry about once a week.

100 ▪ I'm here to change the world and I believe I am by trying to raise strong, independent and capable children.

One chocolate chip cookie...

can turn into this.

I wonder if he put any inside his mouth..