Hawaii 2012

 Tom and I decided to take the family to Hawaii for spring break. This was what are mornings started out like.

WARNING: picture overload!!

We survived the rain, winds, clouds  and enjoyed everyday.

Because after every rain there is always something beautiful to look at. 

The rainbows were perfect!!  This was paradise!!

Skyler was obsessed with this bird.

We checked out the Buddhist Temple.
This place had spectacular grounds.

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was beautiful and the luau was great.

The Breath of Life show was amazing. 

Tom and I at the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center

A sample of our food that night.
Those purple rolls were so good.

Our cute Hunter and her headband.

This guy was great and so funny.

Climbing the coconut trees at the PCC.

Tonga was our favorite one and they didn't disappoint us.

They put on a show at the water of all the islands

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We don't get to many family shots.
This was the end of our night at PCC.

Fishing for something.

Hunter trying to do the hula.

The Temple and what a beautiful temple it was!!

Skyler and Hunter with the Samoan. His paintings are on the wall behind them.

Pearl Harbor was one of the places that Skyler was adamant that we see. He is such a history buff that we could not miss this place. In fact due ti weather we could not go out to the memorial the first day we went. So like any good family we went back. It was such a humbling place. It really got to us when we read how the men of the Oklahoma banged on the inside of the ship for 2 days to be let out.

The rain didn't stop us from taking in the sights. 

Skyler in his element.

Skyler in deep though about the memorial.
Taking it all in and making this a memory he will never forget.

As we left this memorial we had lots of thoughts. I think we left with mixed emotions.
I felt like we were intruding on their final resting place. With that said it truly is a solemn place to visit.

We did this sub scooter thing from Island watersports. It was so cool and fun.

Hunter and I on our way out to the ocean.

Skyler was first and did he love this.

We were about half way to the ocean floor which was about 30 feet.
We were able to see turtles and lots of fish. The scooter would go about 5 mph.
Under water it felt like 1mph. I would forget to look up and sometimes we would miss the turtles.

The turtles were huge.

Hunter had a blast. They put this sea urchin in our hands

I was trying to take pictures but it was hard. They took pictures and videos for us.
They got some amazing shots.

Our christmas photo!!

This picture is crazy!!

Crazy how big the turtles were.

This was Punchbowl.
Another history sight that we took in.

We hiked up Moana Falls. It had stopped raining and we knew the falls would be flowing with all the rain that had been dropped on them.

This was a great hike. And the scenery was beautiful

We all made it to the top.
And it did not disappoint in any way.

Skyler was brave enough to get in. He said it was super cold.

We spent several half days at various beaches. It was perfect weather when the sun finally came out.
The water was so warm. My kind of ocean.

Hunter standing in front of Duke.

Brint and Hunter paddling out.
This was her first time surfing.

Skyler got up on his first try.

Yes, I even tried to surf. Hunter made it to her knees. Brint was so good with her and patient as he tried to help he surf. Brea stayed out with us the whole time and was able to get us these great pictures.

On Sunday we went to hear Brint talk and then went to a swap meet for some goodies.

Shopping like the girls we are.

I can't believe I went here. In case you didn't know I am allergic to pineapple. It's ok I don't like it any way. This place was a favorite with everyone else for their ice cream. It was so good Tom wanted seconds.

We made it to the Temple twice since it was raining and night time the last time.

Yes, family I love you!!!

Families are forever.

Skyler  eating his favorite ribs.

We went to Papa Ole's twice their food was the best. The ribs were the best thing we had ever had. We never went hungry as Brint and Brea made sure we hit all the great food places. We had authentic ramen noodles and teriyaki chicken.We also eat this ice cream. It is called mochi ice cream and  comes in all kinds of flavors. It  has a coating on it. It was so flavorful and good.





Our last day was spent on Waikiki. This is where we surfed and the weather was just spectacular.

We walked the beach and a family had made this sand sculpture.
Amazing!!!

We decided to take a catamaran boat ride out. This was a great way to end our vacation.

Skyler and Hunter hanging out on the front of the boat.

I loved how blue the water was.

Our final night in Waikiki Hawaii. The sunsets were just spectacular.
We spent the best 10 days ever in Oahu, Hawaii.
As a family we were able to see some very special places and make some very special memories.
We stayed with Brea and Brint and what great hosts they were. The made sure we got the most out of our days. They would send us to the other side of the island just to hit the beach. We drove the whole island in several days and saw some of the most beautiful scenery their was.
With their help we were able to see all the touristy things and take in the local flare. The food was always superb. It was just such an awesome trip and the weather never got in our way of having fun.
We saw so many things and places that there is just to many to name. I am grateful to Brint for being so patient with Hunter and showing her how to surf. She was so excited to just get up on her knees. I am sure she will always remember butter buns.
This was one trip that we all were able to choose something to see or do and we all got to do that.
Skyler was happy to see the history sights.
Tom was just happy to be on vacation and relax. Something he never does.
I was thrilled to be in the tropical weather as were all of us.
Thanks again you two for a great time.
Memories were made, friendships were built and a love of Hawaii was developed.
Aloha