Beach Day

Today we woke up to bright sunshine! This was very nice since we have had on and off sprinkling and partly cloudy skies most days. We headed to the beach. Today we went to a place called "Chinaman's Hat" and Makua Bay Beach. You can tell by the back ground of the picture of Madi on Mason's shoulders, why it is called the Chinaman's Hat. That is what it is shaped like. While we were there a couple that had just gotten married came to take their post wedding pictures. It was very beautiful! It was amazing this morning that we were standing on the beach in the surf in the sunshine and behind us, the mountains were covered in thick clouds and dark skies. We traveled from there all the way around the island to the "dry" side, to insure our chances for sunshine. We went to Makua Bay Beach. The kids were excited about the big waves for boogie boarding. After some time, they got some healthy fear of the big waves after a little time out in them. But all in all it was fun and they were safe, so don't worry Mimi! The views at Makua Beach were gorgeous. Everytime we go to a different place we are amazed by all the beauty. Driving back this afternoon we saw another huge rainbow while driving through a lush green valley, headed toward a sparkling blue ocean. We were all singing "God with us" by Mercy Me, and realized that with all that beauty around what else can you do but praise God for the beauty He created. Enjoy the photos.

Pearl Harbor Day

Today we went to Pearl Harbor. We had no real idea of what to expect, but it exceeded our expectations. You have to stand in line and get tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial, then come back when it is time for your tour. So, we had time to go and see the USS Missouri in the meantime. This was really cool, in case you don't know, this is where the peace treaty was signed with Japan. This ship was also used in Operation Iraqi Freedom, so there were modern things in the ship and lots of really cool things to look at. It's been raining on and off since we have been here and it started raining really hard just as we were finishing the "Mighty Mo" tour. From there we returned to the Arizona Memorial Visitors Center. They show you a documentary film of the Pearl Harbor attack before you are ferried out into the harbor to the memorial. Being the family cry baby, I had to wipe away tears before boarding the ferry. The trip to the memorial is very solemn. It brings out all that patriotism and thankfulness for our military. I think anyone under 30 should be required to go watch the movie, then go to the memorial and look at the names on the wall. You can still see oil slowly bubbling up from the ships hull. Mason took a picture of that, isn't it amazing, oil bubbling up for over 60 years? What a huge ship. Our next stop was the USS Bowfin submarine and museum. This was awesome!! We all decided that there must be a maximum size allowance for submarine duty. It is really tight quarters! There were lots of cool dials, switches, levers, wheels, just general gadgets, all around. This eventually left me quoting Sean Connery in The Hunt for Red October. You know, "Aim 43 degrees south, prepare to dive, load torpedoes," just silly stuff like that...meanwhile Carey was making sonar sounds and spotting things on the "sonar", the other visitors thought we were crazy. The kids laid on the bunks, sat at the desks, talked on the phone/radio, oh wait, that was me and Carey! Anyway, it was a great day, Mason was even smiling, mainly when he was laughing at me. The day ended with Shaved Ice from Matsumoto's in Haleiwa and crab hunting in the dark across the street from the house. Madi prayed as we left Pearl Harbor, thanking God for those that gave their lives for others in Pearl Harbor and for those still fighting today. We should all echo that prayer and remember the ultimate sacrifice that God made when He gave His Son for us, while we were just us not deserving a single thing. His grace, greater than all our sins.

What is at the end of the rainbow? Hawaii

I couldn't resist it! I took these rainbow pictures today. And, yes, they all ended in Hawaii...Also, if you click on the cloudy picture and zoom in, you will see at least three waterfalls coming down the mountains...This is what the locals have to look forward to after a rainy morning. Okay, it is late, goodnight.

Day Three- Diamond Head Crater and Waikiki

Even though this day began early and without coffee, it was awesome! First we drove from the North Shore towards Honolulu and searched for a gas station that was open. As a result of the power outage, many of the stations still were not open and we needed gas. We drove through Waikiki and up to the Diamond Head State Recreation Area. We hiked up the Diamond Head Crater. This is a landmark in the Waikiki area and has awesome views from up there. The beach was next on our list. We headed for Waikiki. This is definitely a more "touristy" area than what Carey and I usually like, but it was sunny and warm, and the kids loved it. We got some great pictures both at Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. We decided to drive back a different route and came across a much "wilder" area than we had seen. The new "love that view" picture to the right is from here. This area is near Makupu Point, there is a light house there and some very rugged cliffs with awesome waves. So enjoy the pictures, we are enjoying taking them.

Day Two in Oahu--FUN FUN

Ok, we had a great day yesterday. We went to the North Shore of Oahu, which is the surf mecca in the winter months. We got to see huge waves and watch people surf them. We also found a good spot to hang out and get cooled off in the water. Just north of Sunset Beach we found a little point with small pools in the large rocks, the kids found a cave to climb in and we just enjoyed watching. After spending some time there we went to the little town on Haleiwa. We had lunch there and got a "shave ice", imagine, Darby did not invent these lovely treats! They started in Hawaii! We drove from there to Ko'Olina Beach. In Hawaii, all property within 40 ft. of beach is public property, so even though this huge resort built these little protected coves for their guests, the rest of the public gets to enjoy them. The winter time is very big waves on the windward coast and the North Shore, so Ko'Olina was one of very few calm, easy swimming areas for 12/26/08. I was unable to post last night because there was a blackout all over the entire island. Imagine being in an unusual town, with no electricity for the entire night. When we got back up the next morning, there was still no electricity. Which meant NO COFFEE...well we survived, of course and began the next great day.

Christmas in Hawaii: Aloha

Well we made it! After a long night and early morning we landed in Honolulu, Hawaii at 12:05 (4:05 pm at home). Both Mason and Madi were really great travelers. Carey, always on schedule, had everything planned so well that we were never in a rush or worried about our time. We had time to take a few pictures as soon as we arrived in Hauula, Hawaii, at the house we rented. Yes, the beach is just across the front yard and there are HUGE waves in the distance. Just the drive from the airport, which took about 40 minutes was gorgeous. The kids were definitely impressed with the green mountains and blue ocean. We are all exhausted and headed to bed, but I did add a couple of photos for anyone interested. We hope you have all had a very Merry Christmas, we certainly have! God's creation is just amazing to behold.

This is a new week, YAY! Last week was too much...Do you guys ever feel that way? It just seemed like too many phone calls, too many appointments, practices, homework, we have to eat, what can I wear mom?, have you seen..., what about this idea?, did anyone ask you?, oh so and so is looking for you, can I come over?, a hurricane is coming, Its homecoming, I need a mum mom, what about the food in the daycare freezer? I mean really, just TOO MUCH!! I just felt overwhelmed all week. I was worrying, frustrated, short tempered, and just plain droopy. Then on Saturday I figured it out, I was already ahead doing my preparation for Sunday School so I didn't get up as early last week. Now that in itself is not a bad thing, but because I didn't take the extra time, I rushed in the morning. I just didn't give God my time and I missed it so much. I know this, I teach people this, and I still blow it. Jesus has given me so much, and He only asks for me to spend some time with Him. Isn't that so great! Thank you God for your continued grace, and the peace you provide when I abide in you.
To everyone else, Have a great week, learn a new verse, show love to someone you don't like, and pray for families affected by Hurricane Ike.