Kauai Day 1

Yesterday was so great. It was Tuesday, and our first day on Kauai. Our condo is AWESOME, and we are across the street from a grocery store. So, yesterday morning we got up and went to the grocery store. We ate and bailed...we drove about 30 miles to the end of the road to a fabulous beach with AWESOME snorkeling. The beach was called Ke'e. There was a HUGE reef there and we saw all kinds of sea life, including SEA TURTLES!! Very cool. We hung there for several hours then headed back for shish-kadobs (it was our night to make dinner.) We stopped for shaved ice on our way back.

Steve & Angela left this morning at about 5am to get some photos, so I'm sure I'll have lots to share.

Waikiki

I have to back up a little and update you on our activities of Monday.

On Monday we woke up early and grabbed our prison breakfast (which we had to fight the birds for) and started walking. We walked and walked and walked and walked. We were told our hotel was 2 blocks from the beach....apparently we didn't walk the RIGHT two blocks. Anyway, eventually we found the beach and it was LOVELY! The water was so beautiful and such a perfect temperature. The surfers were out and we just walked along the beach for a long time. We took some pictures with Kenneth's camera, but I don't have them on this machine yet...so, stay tuned for photos.

After lounging around in the hotel for a while, we loaded up and checked out. We went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, and shopped a bit. Then we went for a scenic drive and circled almost the entire island. Upon returning to Honolulu, we returned the car and went to the airport where we met 7 more people from our party. It was fun to see everybody and we took our short flight to Kauai.

*Note: We never posted our initial reaction to Oahu. Our first drive around Oahu reminded us of a cross between inner city Los Angeles and El Paso. It was not the exotic Hawaii we had envisioned.

Tidbit From Kauai

 

 

 

 

We got here so late last night and couldn't figure out the internet. So - we owe you a post about Waikiki. However, Steve got up early this morning and took some photos and we'll post more after we go to the beach. Aloha!

Photos Day 2

 

 

 

 

Hawaii Day 2

 

 

 

 

(A disclaimer: The owner of this blog is not responsible for the content of this posting as it is being written by an imposter: Steve.)

Here’s a little tidbit of information I recently discovered from the New York Times :

“For inmates in the state's correctional facilities, a typical breakfast menu consists of cereal, toast, jam, jelly, doughnuts, coffee and fruit.”

Given that I could only imagine what we would be getting for breakfast in Hawaii! Waikiki no less! The world’s most famous beach destination in the world…

So for this, our first morning in ‘Paradise’, We eagerly ventured forth to sample the local offerings from our ‘Free Pool-Side Continental Breakfast Buffet’ with visions of bagels and lox, fresh fruits, a roasting pig, hula music in the background….Well, you get the idea!

We stepped around the corner to discover our free breakfast was actually a pile of toasted bread (limit 2) and a glass of water. Not a big glass you see…one of those Dixie cup sized glasses that holds two swallows of water, unless you accidentally got an ice-cube…then you’re hosed. To spice things up they did provide a pat of butter. I now know what a pat of butter is. And there was only one of those. Joy glanced over at me and said she figured that we could share the butter. I considered putting back one of my pieces of toast since I was evidently over-indulging. After a careful inquiry of the chef (yes, that would be the lady toasting the bread) we were able to avoid disaster and walked away with another pat of butter.

That being said, we’re ready for prison.

Day 2

I have to say that today was my most anticipated day on this vacation. I expressly planned this 3 day extension such that we would get a chance to spend a day visiting Pearl Harbor. I have to thank Joy for patiently indulging me this day.

The Pearl Harbor memorials are an incredible place to visit. In all we visited three specific sites: The Arizona Memorial, The Battleship Missouri, and the USS Bowfin.

First we visited the Arizona.

As you may know, the Arizona lies at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, along with most of her crew. A casualty of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, she alone accounted for almost half of the total loss in life when her main ammunition magazine was hit by a bomb and exploded. While most of the damaged naval assets were lifted and put back into service during the war (and most of those within a year) the Arizona, the Utah, and the Oklahoma were total losses. There are monuments to all three here in Pearl Harbor, and the Arizona’s is special since she is the monument.

After our visit to the Arizona we stopped for an incredible lunch at Schooners. It’s evidently a new restaurant next to the memorials and is quite good. The fact that it sits over a marina looking out over the water only made the food taste that much better!

After lunch we took a shuttle over to the Mighty Mo. The Battleship Missouri stands watch over the fallen of Pearl Harbor and is a wonderful museum-on-the-water. We took a self guided tour through many of her decks and operating areas. I was pretty much a kid in a candy store. I played on the fly-bridge and sat in the control room. I imagined the great 16 in. guns going off and could almost feel the powerful engines. I stood amazed in the spot where the Japanese envoy officially surrendered, and could almost feel the thin veil of history peal away.

Joy finally peeled ME away as it was getting late, and we had one more memorial to visit: the Bowfin.

The Bowfin is touted as being the ‘Avenger of Pearl Harbor’. She is credited with sinking the flagship aircraft carrier of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and really is a tiny little thing. We took an audio tour through her and were able to roam through the passageways where 80 crewmembers shared minimal space. When they say that the submarine is akin to a sardine can, I now understand. It was crowded with just Joy and I.

I think this was an incredible day. If I never return, I will always remember the somber, almost sacred, feeling of these grounds.

PS This is Joy. I also immensely enjoyed the day. We were immersed in history and the reality of war. There was a lot of walking, and I was worn out, but it was well worth it. Steve & I both commented on the abilities of those who design memorials…they are incredibly talented people. The symbolism and appropriateness of each of the memorials was impressive. How do you adequately memorialize 1177 people? They did it. Well.

PPS Kenneth, Daniel & Caitlin - we miss you! We love you!!!

More Photos Day 1

 

 

 

 

Day 1 photos

 

 

 

 

Beautiful flowers at the Temple grounds.

HAWAII DAY 1

 

Steve at Pali Point

 

Canal show at the PCC.

 

A waterfall at the PCC.

 

The LDS Temple in Laie.

That’s right folks, we’re in Hawaii. It is a bit unbelievable to us, too. This trip has been in the works for over 2 years, and it’s actually happening. We kissed the kids good bye last night, and left early this morning for the airport. We survived the 5+ hour flight (thinking of our other family members who each will have LONGER flights), and arrived at Honolulu International Airport at about 10:30am Hawaii time. We rented a car (which got upgraded, by the way), and headed for a scenic lookout we’d heard about from some friends. It was called Pali Point. It was a panoramic view of one side of the Island (I wish I knew which side). We snapped some photos and headed for a store. Checking luggage was so expensive, we decided to carry on our bags. That meant that we had to get a few products (such as sun screen) in smaller sizes. We found a Longs Drugs with no trouble (we brought our GPS), and soon we were on our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). The drive there was AMAZING. The houses are literally inches from the ocean. It’s a wonder to behold. The ocean is so gorgeous!

The PCC was a wonderful experience. We got to learn about each of the sets of islands in Polynesia. That included Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Hawaii, Tonga, Aotearoa. We learned a little about their culture, and saw each of their dancing. We enjoyed a buffet dinner and the night show called “The Horizons”. By the end of the show, we were both fading fast since it’s 3 hours earlier here and it’s been a long day, but we are having a great time.

As part of our day, we saw a 40 minute IMAX presentation, and went on a tour of Laie, saw the BYU-Hawaii Campus, and went to the LDS Temple Visitor Center. (The temple is closed for renovations until next June).

We got to talk to the kids twice. We miss them already – we love you guys!

More tomorrow….

PS Our hotel’s a dump, but it came with free breakfast and free internet, so we’re surviving. We’re looking forward to our 5 star accommodations in Kauai starting on Monday night, when the rest of my family flies in.

PPS I am consistently feeling our baby, now, and that is very fun for me. The baby wasn’t very happy about the seat belt on the air plane, and right now I’m laying on my belly on the bed, and the baby is quite active.

Teeth

The Tooth Fairy has been busy around here lately. Kenneth lost a molar yesterday, and Daniel lost his other bottom front tooth this morning. We need to get some photos taken...Steve?

We've had our friend, Suzanne, here for 10 days now. We've really enjoyed her company. I think she's done all my dishes for a week! It's nice having her here, and our kids LOVE her. They fight over who gets to sit next to her at meals, and last night Caitlin wanted to sleep with her.

She and I have done some shopping, and I've introduced her to Value Village (my favorite thrift store). She also bought each of the kids a "build-a-bear" and they are in LOVE with them. We have taken several pictures of those, we just need to get them uploaded.

She has made us lots of yummy korean food, and we even had a seafood night with crab and clam chowder (Steve did the cooking on that one).

She came with us to see Kenneth's final choir concert downtown Seattle, and she and I got to attend the temple together yesterday. She really enjoyed boating with us on Memorial Day, too. We've had a very full 10 days, and we're sad to see her go. Hopefully she'll come visit again soon.

Some Things Never Change

Life's a Beach....

These pictures were taken at Daniel's Kindergarten Field Trip last week. We went to a beach in Mukilteo. It was a lovely day and we saw lots and lots of sea life as the tide was extremely low.

Gratitude

I understand that we're undergoing some challenges right now in life up here. However, we're also very blessed. Steve is out of town, and last night as I stared in wonder at my children as they drifted off to sleep, I was amazed at their beauty, perfection, and strength. We have amazing children, and we're very blessed. When I went to the doctor last Monday, I heard the heart beat of our newest little one, and, as always, was brought to tears. It's just so sweet to hear that perfect little sound. We heard several other sounds, too, that I don't recall hearing before (I know it's been a while...maybe I've just forgotten). The doctor said those sounds are movement. So, I guess we've got an active little one on the way. I know this baby is going to rock our world, but we're all so excited. This morning the kids each wanted to hear the story about when THEY were born...over and over and over. Caitlin was so cute. When I told her that Shauna told me "It's a girl", she said, "You mean I was a GIRL baby in your tummy?" with that cute little intonation only a 3 year old little girl can have. What precious children we have.

I know Steve is frustrated that no job is forthcoming, but we have immensely enjoyed having him around the house, and it's going to be hard to send him back to work. He has become an integral part of the children's routines, and it's nice to have someone who can jump on the trampoline in the middle of the afternoon since mom's not allowed to right now.

Even being unemployed it's hard not to count our many blessings and name them one by one. I think I'd be up for days if I really took the time to name each one.

We continue to pray to be led to the next step in our lives...and we're hoping we can stay here if at all possible. The kids are settled and happy. Kenneth is thriving in his special program at school, and Daniel and Caitlin are just loving the days away.

We are also praying for our friends everywhere who are struggling with their own trials. We are also praying prayers of gratitude and thanks for our friends who have had their prayers answered.

Zenni Optical update

I GOT my glasses - 1 month and 3 days after I placed my order. All of them were exactly what I ordered. So, I guess their turnaround time is slower than it used to be, but the glasses are great!

Camping...in our house

For those of you who don't check the weather box on the right of this blog very often...if you scroll down on it, you'll notice that our sunrise is 5:52am and our sunset is 8:21pm.

Now, the day Steve lost his job, we turned off our thermostat. We chopped and stacked a bunch of wood last fall, and we decided we should be more diligent about using that resource. We had also JUST paid a chimney sweep to come and clean and inspect our chimney, so we could be confident we weren't taking any undue risks of chimney fires, etc.

Now with that background...you may begin to understand the title of this post. When we wake up in the morning our house is in the mid-50's. Steve gets up and starts a fire, and the kids eat breakfast in their sweatshirts and jackets. After we've had warm showers and baths and the fire is going, then we're all comfortable and happy.

Steve likes to sleep with the window open. Well, for about the past week, we've been awakened (quite early, I might add - note the sunrise time above), by chirping birds. They have very specific calls that they repeat, and repeat, and REPEAT! It's amazing. This is the best kind of camping I can think of. Camping with the comforts of a warm shower, clean towels and clothes, comfortable bed, plenty of space and a full-size kitchen! How bad can life be?

Happy Anniversary to us!

12 amazing years. I can't imagine anyone else who could make my life more complete. I love you, Steve.

Recall Notice

I know I've recommended Zenni Optical TONS of times in the past year...and I'm sad to report that they have NOT delivered my glasses that I ordered 3 weeks ago. They have lots of poor feedback online about not delivering, and I'm going to dispute the charge on my credit card if my glasses don't appear in the next day or so. I'm very sad to report this news...I was really looking forward to transition lenses for the first time in my LIFE. Grrrrr. So - buyer beware. Don't shop there.

A Winner!

Here's a photo of Kenneth with his car and his trophy from the pine wood derby.

A Ream

Have you ever kept track of how long it takes you to go through a ream of paper? It took me 1 1/2 days. That's right...500 pages, baby. We're rocking.

Happy Easter

I hope you are all having a good Easter Weekend. We have already had one baseball game (tonight) and we have one more tomorrow, as well as a soccer game, and Easter egg hunt, a baptism and a church party. What a fun day!

Kenneth's baseball team won last Saturday by a clear margin (I think it was 13-1), and they won tonight by 1 run (3-2). It was a close game, and it was fun to see both teams make some fielding plays. Yay! Kenneth had 2 hits last week, 1 today, and one strike out today. He is doing great and enjoying being on an "undefeated" team. :) It's been a while since he's been on a winning team.

Caitlin and Daniel provided the comic relief for the game when at one point someone yelled - "Toddlers in the outfield" and Steve & I were mortified to see the 2 of them walking across the field trying to get to the playground on the other side. Then, later, after retrieving them, I see a parent gasp - looking in my direction - so I look at Caitlin who has her tights and underwear around her knees. Geesh. Who raised those kids, anyway? We've had that problem several times at pre-school, but it was a touch more embarrassing at the baseball field.

Kenneth got to go hang with his buddies again tonight (a Friday night tradition for him), and the rest of us watched Herbie:Fully Loaded (it was on TV). What fun!

Great News...and not so great news

Well, the great news is that the Layton 5 will soon be the Layton 6! That's right...another baby on the way. We've seen the heart beat and I can't wait to see or hear it again. I'm exhausted and feeling marginal, but that's a good thing...right? The baby is due November 14th.

The not so great news is that Steve is no longer employed. That's right. He's a victim of the economy....bummer. We've had a week for it to sink in.

So....if you know anybody who needs a really hard-working, bright, experienced hardware engineer...you know where to find him!!!

The weather was lovely today (HOT if you ask Steve....I say...'where is your perspective, honey...really?'). It's supposed to be good again tomorrow, then cold again Wednesday. We shut off our thermostat a week ago and we've relied on our wood stove this week, but we didn't need a fire today. One day last week it was 51 degrees in our house when we woke up....brrrrr. Thank heavens for all the wood we split and stacked last fall. We've got plenty of fuel, but I think Steve's getting tired of starting fires with relatively wet wood. I know I've gotten frustrated more than once. Luckily, Steve is better at it than I am and we eventually end up warming up the house.

We enjoyed General Conference this weekend, and I'll leave you with the quote that stands out in my mind. It is from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

The future is as bright as your faith.