Celebrating

Dana and Chris Bradshaw
Tyler and Becky Waldron

Da Gang

Happy Birthday DANA!! Our friend Dana's birthday landed on our weekly Monday FHE. So we decided to make it a surprise FHE and bring out the balloons, and cake, and ice cream. Ev and I attempted a new recipe, Haupia cake, since thats one of Dana's favorite types of cakes. I think it turned out pretty good! I was proud of Ev and I, we make a good team. We had a lesson, played some games and had cake and ice cream. It was a good nite.

I also started a new job today. I am a skills trainer for children with Autism and Asperger's syndrome. It was my first day of training. It was full of useful information and I am so thankful for Heavenly Father blessing me with a new job, especially since Ev and I will only be here in Hawaii for 4 more months. Who wants to hire someone for only 4 months? We are truly blessed and count our blessings everyday.

Today,December 7th, is also my sister Jessica's birthday! Happy growing old day! I love my sister so much and thankful for the relationship that we have developed. She didn't like me very when I was younger because I was annoying and the little sister, but I am thankful for her being my big sister and thankful that she and I can talk and discuss anything and that we can be there for each other even though we are far in distance. Happy Birthday Jess! I love you!

Our Christmas tree two days later! Thanks to Momma Maggie; we got our stockings (Evan's is so much newer looking than mine) and gifts. Oh and our first ornament for our paper tree! Now it doesn't look so plain. Thanks Mom!

Oh Christmas tree!

I love Christmas time! I have many fond memories of going to the local AAA tree farm in Nuevo, California with my family and the goal was to find the winning tree. Each family member would find a tree that they thought fit the profile of the perfect tree.Then we would stand by the tree and yell for the fam bam to come and observe the tree to decide if it was "the tree". We had so much fun and spent so much time at the farm because everyones tree was too tall or too fat or too bald..Well this year since Evan and I will be staying in Hawaii for Christmas, we are making the most of the traditions that I am used to. Like most things in Hawaii, Christmas trees are pretty expensive, but I decided I didnt want to have Christmas without a tree. So I thought about getting a small bonsai tree, but thats totally Japanese, not Chinese. I thought I could get a small plumeria tree, but then we would have this potted tree in our apartment and no where to plant it, so I went with the most practical idea. It cost us a whole $2.40, what a bargain! It works perfect and does its job minus the pine needles all over and the smell, oh and watering it!

I heard this quote the other day I am not really sure what the actual quote is, but this is what I pulled from it, "Where theres acceptance theres courtesy. Where theres gratitude theres humility." Just something to feed on.

Good times

We stayed the nite in town on Thanksgiving. After recovering from good food on Turkey Day, Ev and I were going to hit the craze of "BLACK FRIDAY" but then we decided that it didn't matter that much, its not like we wanted to buy things that were crazy on sale, so we slept. We did however go out shopping later, lots of people, lots of cars, lots of traffic even in Hawaii. We used team work. I would shop and Ev would get in line (he's a trooper). After our day of shopping or should I say dodging and weaving through people, we went out with Mom and Dad Stubbs to a movie I have been dying to see,THE BLINDSIDE. I would highly recommend it! I am trying to convince Evan to take me to see it again because I loved it so much! It was super inspirational and so funny! A very well balanced movie!

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. The Lord's hand in my life

2. The smell of rain

3. The people in my life

4. A good movie

5. An amazing husband

Entangled in the SAGA

For the past 4 days I have been entangled in a web. A web of Twilight Saga! I love to read, but I just hadn't taken the time to sit down and do it. After deciding to see New Moon on Saturday with Ev and some friends, I had to get caught up. I hadn't read any of the books. I started Twilight, but read here and there not getting very far and couldnt quite get into it. But then once I set my mind to finishing New Moon by Saturday, I devoted all my efforts to finishing. Poor Evan (someone might need to call Spouse Protection Services, he was neglected attention, I did make dinner though so not too neglected) I was happy to say that I finished Twilight and New Moon in about 2 days I think, but I was hooked! I could not put those books down..They were enthralling! By now I had felt like I was there observing all of what was happening. When I would have to stop reading, it was so hard, but it was as if their imaginary life had stopped too and when I would pick the book up again I jumped right back into my world. I loved it! I really enjoyed reading it and now Evan knows not to get me a good book if he doesn't want to be neglected--haha--He and are the exact same when we read "in our own little worlds". Emotions I went through while reading-fear, frustration, anxiety (too much arguing, it got me worked up), joy, happiness, enthusiasm, and I just wished Bella would stop being so pessimistic (it drove me crazy). I finished the final book last night/early this morning and I am probably the last person to have read these books in the world; Ev even read them before me..but its all good..I'm sad the story ended it was very good, but glad I don't have to neglect my husband anymore.

An Apostle came here

On Sunday, in place of what was suppose to be our stake conference, we had a regional (island-wide) conference..why? Because President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet of the Lord, and one of the Lord's Apostles, Elder L. Tom Perry, were coming to Hawaii. It was an exciting feeling to think that the Prophet of the Lord was going to be here, I was going to be here with him in the same room, listening intently as I would if Jesus were standing right there. Unfortunately, President Monson's wife had a fall and was hospitalized and he needed to be there to care for her. Completely understandable! Not gonna lie though, I was hoping He would be there. But we were still blessed with the presence of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder L. Tom Perry and a member of the Seventy, Richard Maynes. It was a remarkable conference. Elder Perry is hilarious (if that isn't irreverent to say) and so in tune. I listened intently trying to follow along to what he was speaking about to see some way that it could pertain to my own life and my progression. I mostly just sat and stared trying to absorb the truth and Spirit radiating from his mouth and his aura. Elder Maynes spoke about how the church in Hawaii will never be stronger than the next generation, basically to be an example to the future kids and the pathway to raising a righteous generation. Elder Perry talked about the fruit of repentance, spirit of strength and overcoming our faults, humbly offer our prayers (willing to make course corrections), and give thanks. Most importantly though he bore a strong testimony of truth. President Monson spoke from Salt Lake City, Utah and it was like he was there in the room with us. He spoke about the Aloha of the islands (Spirit of love). He too spoke truth. He taught: have a desire to rescue those who may be lost and how the lost members know where the church is they just need a little help to find the way. He said give service to all men ("If we dont try, we dont do. If we dont do, then why are we here?"), that love is seldom expressed, live together in love, magnify our callings and then he said people can change. "Dont you know a leopard cant change its spots, I wouldn't know I work with men and men change." "A friend cares more about helping than getting credit." It was an uplifting meeting and I am thankful that I had to opportunity to sit in and listen to the Lord's servants.

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. knowledge and learning

2. exercise

3. ability to love unconditionally

4. food

5. ability to forgive

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. technology

2. living in paradise

3. learning lifes lessons and the faith that accompanies it

4. food

5. friends

Countdown to Turkey Day!

I am thankful for..

1. My husband and best friend-I LUB HIM!

2. My Savior Jesus Christ

3. My families

4. A living Prophet and Apostles on the earth-TRUTH!

5. Laughter

Saturday is a Special Day!

We had an early Saturday morning. Despite the forecast of much rain and flash flood warnings, we played in a 6v6 soccer tournament at the BYU-Hawaii campus. It was a fundraiser that our Women's soccer team puts on every year, basically the players are the coaches and round up peeps to play on their team. You have to pay to play, but you are guaranteed 3 games and if you have enough points you can move on to the semi-finals then the finals. It was a good cause and we always play every year. Our team was the LADYBUGS-woop woop- our coach was Lauran McCullough (I served in the McCullough's home ward in Kennewick, WA on my mission-see previous post about special visitors). We played three games and came out with a 2-1 overall record. The game we lost was a bogus one. I really had my game face on in that game (dont push me because I will push you back and I will make you fall and then if you do it again I will be just as mean to you) It was intense, elbows out! Anyways we ended up having 16 points for the tourney and you needed 18 to move on the the semi-finals so we didn't move on, but we had a blast in the rain and sliding in the mud.

Afterwards, Ev made me one of his specialty breakfasts, Eggs and portuguese sausage in the toast and it was yummy. One of my favorite breakfasts Ev makes!

It takes faith

"It takes faith--unseeing faith--for young people to proceed immediately with their family responsibilities in the face of financial uncertainties. It takes faith for the young woman to bear her family instead of accepting employment, especially when schooling for the young husband is to be finished. It takes faith to observe the Sabbath when 'time and a half' can be had working,when sales can be made, when merchandise can be sold. It takes great faith to pay tithes when funds are scarce and demands are great.It takes faith to fast and have family prayers and to observe the Word of Wisdom..But know this--that all these are of the planting, while faithful, devout families, spiritual security, peace, and eternal life are the harvests...But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate droughts, heal the sick and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God. May this be our desire to develop this kind of faith and may we finally attain the blessings which such perfect faith can bring.."

--President Spencer W. Kimball

Life has many curve balls and many unexpecteds. But it takes faith to endure and faith to persevere. It takes faith to know you will be taken care of and it takes faith to act knowing that because you are going and doing you will be blessed and given what you need. It takes faith.

Naturally, most husbands lend an ear, a shoulder, and a hug when their wives have sad moments. My husband naturally does all those and more. He goes out of his way to make me feel better any way he can. I don't have "sad moments" all that often but Friday he bought me...

ICE CREAM!Very expensive ice cream! Now I am not really a huge ice cream fan, but.. I do like Mochi ice cream, it must be the Asian in me.I love my husband! He's always looking out for me.He sure is my favorite and my best buddy!

Saturday was a very Special Day!

Ev and I started out the day both working and then got ready to go into town. Today was a special day for us because we were going into town to visit Grandpa Quon at the cemetery. In all my time living here and being with Evan's family I had always driven past and known the cemetery as"that's where Grandpa is buried." I wasnt excited because cemetery's are the happiest place on earth, but more so because I finally could "meet Grandpa". I notice very quickly that on his headstone there were three small baby oranges. I couldn't help and be simple minded and ask," who would put oranges on a grave? they are just going to rot." Evan explained to me that in the Chinese culture, they have many rituals. One of the rituals is to put food/drink on the grave. Its considered an offering to the Spirits. By putting oranges, or any fruit and/or food and drinks in the "other" realm, they will take it, and use it to relieve their "hunger." I looked around and saw fruit, drinks, pumpkins..I thought to myself all I have ever brought to my Dad's grave was flowers, maybe he'd like some Dr.Pepper one of these days. haha..I took one of Grandpa Quon's flowers and put it on the grave next to him,Mr. Nakamura, because thats what I always do when I put flowers on Daddy Matthews grave, we always remember to put flowers on Clarence's headstone. It was a beautiful day especially to sit and be reminded of those we love. November 7th is Grandma and Grandpa Quon's Anniversary, it would have been 68 years today. Grandpa Quon passed away 2 days shy of their 57th Wedding Anniversary. When I was being told about the series of events that surrounded Grandpa's passing away, I was told that Grandpa was on a breathing machine in Saint Frances Hospital and the family had dinner reservations for November 7th (to celebrate their anniversary) at Kincaid's (Fish, Chop & Steakhouse), one of Grandpa's favorite restaurants that has a nice view of the Honolulu Harbor. Well last night, Evan, Mom, Dad, Auntie Chicky, Uncle Jonathon, Dems, and of course Grandma Quon, went to the same restaurant, Kincaids, that they had reservations for 11 years ago and set a place at the table for Grandpa Quon. It was a good day, a special day!

Dear Grandpa Quon,

Today, November 5th, 2009, We remember you Richard Kwai Yuen Quon. Another man I wish I could have known in this life. I am thankful for your amazing influence on my husband. Evan has so many stories and precious memories that I love to hear about. Its a special blessing to have such a strong relationship with your Grandparents. I am grateful that Evan has had that blessing in his life and still continues his special relationship with Grandma Quon. Thank you Grandpa Quon for touching my husband and best friend, I know he is a better person because you were in his life! You are missed! I love you!

FHE

“What is the great strength of [this] Church? … It is the emphasis which we place on families. … Keep your families close together and love and honor your children” -President Gordon B. Hinckley

One Evening a Week—Monday Night

“We have a family home evening program once a week [Monday night] across the Church in which parents sit down with their children. They study the scriptures. They talk about family problems. They plan family activities and things of that kind. I don’t hesitate to say if every family in the world practiced that one thing, you’d see a very great difference in the solidarity of the families of the world” (interview, Boston Globe, 14 Aug. 2000).

“[The Lord] expects us to have family home evening—one night a week to gather our children together and teach them the gospel. Isaiah said, ‘And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord.’ That is the commandment: ‘All thy children shall be taught of the Lord.’ And the blessing: ‘And great,’ he said, ‘shall be the peace of thy children’ [Isa. 54:13]”

"You have to establish in your life some sense of prioritizing things, of giving emphasis to the important things and of laying aside the unimportant things that will lead to nothing. Establish a sense of justice, a sense of what is good and what is not good, what is important and is not important; and that can become a marvelous and wonderful blessing in your lives”

A LETTER FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

October 4, 1999

To: Members of the Church throughout the World

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Monday nights are reserved throughout the Church for family home evenings. We encourage members to set aside this time to strengthen family ties and teach the gospel in their homes.

Earlier this year we called on parents to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. We also counseled parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.

We urge members, where possible, to avoid holding receptions or other similar activities on Monday evenings. Where practical, members may also want to encourage community and school leaders to avoid scheduling activities on Monday evenings that require children or parents to be away from their homes.

Church buildings and facilities should be closed on Monday evenings. No ward or stake activities should be planned, and other interruptions to family home evenings should be avoided.

Sincerely yours, Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson James E. Faust

Now with all these wonderful words from the beloved prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley, Evan and I have always tried to read something or we each just get multiple parts of FHE or just go on with our busy life and think, "oh ya, we need to do that, next Monday we will get on that.." Well it was so up and down that Ev and I decided to invite a few friends over to fulfill our need and their need to follow the prophet and have FHE. Rebecca and Tyler Waldron & Dana and Chris Bradshaw and us have set a record. We have had FHE every Monday for an entire month. It has been so great! We always switch off whos house we have it at and move around the lesson, scripture, prayer,treat and activity. I really enjoy having friends over, but more than their company is just the increase of the Spirit that I am able to obtain from 1. being obedient and 2. allowing myself to be touched or become better by the lessons. We played a super fun game called Raving Rabbids on the Wii for activity recently and had a blast!

Happy Halloweeny 2009

So I decided to look up the meaning of Halloween to refresh my mind on why we have such a holiday. It was pretty neat to read about why people wear masks and why food or "candy" in our time is given out. Refreshers are nice. Ev and I didnt have a typical Halloween. We dont have kiddies and we werent going to head to Waikiki for Halloween, those could be some scary costumes on the streets..So we decided to head to the beach..ahh..I love the beach. Ev played baseball in the morning with some friends and then later we went with Rebecca and Tyler to Haleiwa, HI. I had never actually been to this beach, but once you been to one you been to them all right? wrong..this beach you werent able to really walk out into as the coral reef covers almost the entire bottom of the ocean anywhere where you can reach. So I hesitated going surfing because I really didnt want to get in a fight with the coral and lose. But it was too beautiful and serene to pass up. I'm not all that experienced but the better I get aka the more I stand up and not just ride the wave, the more I love it. Its so much fun! Well I caught a couple of really great waves and stood up too. I have a good coach, Rebecca, giving me pointers here and there. I love it! After surfing we headed to Mililani to eat food and watch, "Where the Wild things are". I enjoyed the movie, but I spent a lot of the time sitting there eating popcorn and popcorn chicken, thank you for a large purse, but I also just thought about the point of the movie and how were all very much like the little boi Max. We have different sides to us. We are happy, sad, disappointed, angry, frustrated...etc I liked the movie because it really opened my eyes about the importance of love and loving people for who they are. You cant change people. You cant make them become who you want them to be, but you can help them see the potential they have to become better than they think they are. I appreciate feeling that someone, my husband, can help me become a better, happier person so that I do not battle with all of my me's. The movie was definitely thought provoking and I enjoyed it and spending time eating candy that I did not get from trick or treating, but that I had to buy myself..and enjoyed eating reeses pieces while picking out all the brown ones (because I do not eat chocolate and even though I know they are not chocolate, but just a brown candy coat, I am still a freak and wont eat them) so Rebecca ate them =) It was a Happy Safe beautiful Halloween night!

This is just a random picture taken a few weeks ago where Evan happens to be cuddling with a skeleton (from Lolly's classroom) aka me.

HAUNTED LAGOON

Halloween is so close I cant believe it! It came so quick this year. Last night, us and some of our friends hit up the Haunted Lagoon, which was a huge hit island wide, I am NOT even kidding when I say island wide. It took place at the Polynesian Cultural Center and it went on with all its other normal activities, they just had an added attraction tis the season. So since everyone and their mom and aunties and uncles were going we thought we'd better check it out. Our friends Chris and Dana got to the PCC first and got the tickets and stood in line. They were there for about 20 minutes before I had a chance to join them, little bit later Rebecca and Tyler joined us, we moved a whole 100 ft in 1 hour again NOT even kidding. The line was ridiculously long. We didnt mind though we knew it would be long, but it there were so many people there. It was a serious hit. About and 45 minutes later Ev had gotten off work and he joined us in line having only moved about 15 ft from the point before. And we thought we were almost there. Long story short we talked story,ate some snacks, played games and got scared by creepy scary monsters that would just walk in line right in front of you, or peeked behind bushes..I screamed a few times, even seeing them, I was always delayed in my reaction. Ev was my eyes for the rest of the night always warning me of a scary person coming my way. We ended up getting on the canoe/lagoon ride around 10-10:30 PM. It was a long night. It was very well done. I have to say I didnt get as scared as alot of people on the canoe but I think its because we were in the back and the front and middle got the bulk of the scare initially. I had my arm locked into Ev's arm the whole time and if something had come at me I would've probably throw him at them.They had scary music, great costumes, and alot of great ways of scaring people. I think the people got a thrill out of seeing people get freaked out haha..But even though I wasnt too scared I was always so paranoid looking behind me at every second because people that looked like plants or rocks were so hard to see at night and people were popping out of the water like crazy. I really enjoyed it and had a great time being Rebecca's arm to squeeze, even though her husband was right next to her haha for some reason she liked my little skinny arm, I guess it provides more protection than I thought =) We had a great night!

He's Amazing and...

YAY!! For everyone in my family that got a text at 1am California/Oregon/Nevada time sorry, I hope I didn't wake you up! If I did, it was for a good cause because I was sharing our joy (yes blame me not Ev, hes a little more considerate than I::hehe) So basically heres the skinny::There are only two universities on the west coast with an entry-level Masters in Athletic Training program, University of Hawaii and California Baptist University. Evan just submitted his application to Cal Baptist University. We will wait and see as there is nothing else we can do but pray, pray, and pray some more. We know that if its in the plans for us then we will be moving to California, if not, we will apply to UH and see if we are to stay here in Hawaii. If neither, well figure it out! I am just so proud of my husband. He is taking alot of credits this semester and next, as he crammed all his classes in so that he could be graduated by April 2010 (ONLY 6 months away!!) With each class comes a lot of information, projects, and discipline. But I know that he can do it. I know that he has such great potential to do even greater things than he has thus far accomplished. The Lord blessed me with such an amazing, smart, devoted husband and best friend in my life that I have much to learn from. He has taught me so much already and I am so thankful for him. He is a hard worker and does what he has to, to make things happen. I am so proud of my Evy.

Being Prepared

With all the natural disasters happening so close to us on the island, I kept thinking,"We really need to get our 72 hour kits.." then the countless earthquakes that hit Samoa again and again,tsunami warnings, the typhoon in the Phillipines and Indonesia and then the Category 2 Hurricane warning. We were fortunate to have everything just either miss us or go around us or just gets small effects of it on our island. So I really felt like Heavenly Father was testing my obedience. Very much like he did with Abraham. So that weekend we went to Wal-mart and got some of the stuff we needed. It was crazy to think of everything you could possibly need for 3 days. I got stuff like beef jerky, flash lights, ponchos, lighter, fire starters, threw canned goods we had like tuna, corn, clam chowder, beans, and the blonde did not even forget the can opener =) I remembered. I packed us warm clothes, a change of clothes, granola bars, peanut butter, first aid kits, extra batteries and water. Now I dont know that anything will happen where I will need all this stuff but it will sit in those back packs for the next 6 months, if we move, and if we dont we will rotate and improve our kits. But I just know I was feeling prompted to get these kits together and I didnt want to know what would happen if I didnt follow the prompting so I am so glad I did and that we have them now! "..if ye are prepared ye shall not fear". (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30)

Our 72-hour kits::

::funnies::

1. Nothing beats a stale bowl apple jacks after you open the box just a week ago..thank you Hawaii air.I figured I would eat the bowl of cereal anyways and not waste it, I mean there are people starving in the world..So I thought..ok..well if I just let it get a little milk on it it wont be so stale tasting..well I let it get a little too wet..lets just say soggy and I just cant eat soggy cereal so, I did eat some of it, but I did waste..sorry China and Africa and everyone else starving in the world I will promise to do better.

2. The Womens soccer team had a game that I wanted to watch. I finished up working and rushed to get in the shower. This specific morning Evan opened the medicine cabinet to find a gecko hiding out getting free rent. Well He had to go to class and so I tried to catch the gecko but he was so fast so I didnt bother with it, I just let it live freely in our home. So kind of me right?Well, like I was saying I was rushing in the shower to at least make the second half. I hop in the shower and start washing away, well I knew that gecko was in the shower because they love to hide behind our shampoo and soap bottles. So I started moving things around because frankly Id rather know where the little hoodlum is than him jump on me cuz he thinks I am cute or something. So of course he races out from behind Evans soap and I nearly slipped in the shower and pulled the shower curtain down with me, but I was safe, that little hoodlum scared me to dead. So then began the science of chasing a gecko thats in the shower with you..I caught him twice and tried to put him out the bathroom window but I couldnt get the screen to gap enough to give the hoodlum a clear shot out of the shower, so of course he just ran around the shower and finally settled at the bottom where I could see him. I mean seriously is taking a shower always this interesting?? not really..So I continued on with my shower and I kept a close eye on the gecko. When I was washing my face I was trying to keep one eye open to watch him because they move so fast, but that didnt work cuz then I got soap in my eye. So I hurried. Then as I am washing the shampoo out of my hair I do the normal thing and turn my back to the shower head thus rinsing the soap out, but then I was like,"oh no, hes gonna make a run for it.." So I turned towards the shower head turning my head down to rinse and watch, but that didnt work cuz I got soap in my eyes again...needless to say this peeping perve stayed in the shower the whole time. I finally finished and got out. Then chased him while I was in my towel and got him. I walked to the door scanned to make sure no one was nearby,since I was in my towel, and chucked the little hoodlum outside..phew..long shower, but I made it to the game by 2nd half.

3. Ev and I love AMAZING RACE! We watch it every week and its just so fun for us. We wish we could be on the show. So we kinda are preparing ourselves and every detour, road block, whatever task they have to do were always like,"Ok who would do this one..ya you.." its so much fun. On tonites episode there was a girl that is afraid of water and terrified of heights. Well they had to slide down a 6 story high water slide at almost a 90 degree angle in Dubai. Evan turns to me and says," would you be afraid?"then he answers his own question within seconds,"naw you would slide right down head first without thinking about it"haha I thought that was pretty funny. We enjoy that time we can spend together. We each always end up siding with one of the teams and wishing some of the annoying teams would leave. My team Megan and Cheyne are amazing and have been first the last two times and once before. Ev's team the Globetrotters are doing ok, they barely made it on this pit stop only because the girl wouldnt slide down the slide so they won by luck this time around. So Ev's team is still hangin in there. We also talk about how we would play the game and the strategies we would use. The important things we would need to bring..everything..pretty funny we are, but we love AMAZING RACE!!

4. so this event isnt so much funny as it is adorable and so sweet. I asked Ev if he could make me a sandwich because I was busy with work and he was waiting to head to another class and of course he did because he would do anything for me. Well instead of a LameO sandwich not even cut or just plainly cut in half, he was so cute and designed it all fun. It really brightened my day. And the one of the best parts besides the pickles on the plate and the string cheese with legs is that he put cut up pickles in with the chicken, he knows me so well. It tasted so good too! I love my husband.

The Story that made my Jaw Drop!

Intro:: This is a stroller. Strollers have wheels. Strollers have brakes for those wheels. Safety first please::end of intro::

I couldnt believe my eyes!!

Saturday is a Special Day!

We had a great adventurous day yesterday! We hiked the most famous volcanic crater in the world called Diamond Head, located on the South-east Coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant "brow of the tuna", cool, I guess?

Just some history about Diamond Head:

When the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, harbor defense became a main responsibility. One of the major defense forts, Fort Ruger, occupied the Diamond Head Crater. A battery of canons was located within the crater providing complete concealment and protection from invading enemies. An observation deck was constructed at the summit in 1910 to provide target sighting and a four level underground complex was built within the walls of the crater as a command post. A 580-foot tunnel was dug through the crater wall to provide easier access to the Fort.The observation deck and underground complex is now abandoned with the advent of radar but evidence of the command post is still present along Diamond Head Trail. The trail is paved the entire way but can be steep in spots. There are two set of stairs, one with 99 steps and the other, 76 steps. There is also a 225-foot unlit tunnel. The hike is classified as easy to moderate in exertion but is certainly worth the breathtaking, unparalleled view of the entire west side of the island, from Waikiki to Koko Head. We had such a fun hike and now I can cross another thing off of my bucket list of things to do before we leave Hawaii. We had some friends join us, Becky and Tyler Waldron. We had such a great time with them. We made it to the top together! The view was for sure breathtaking. I love the color of the water here.And not that we didnt already know this but there are a lot of homes and buildings in Wakiki.On the way down the trail we listened to this gentleman that was probably in his late 40's, try and spit his game on these younger Asian girls. He had two boys with him and was telling this story about some bunny named Floppy and how he found him dead because Floppy ate rat poisoning.haha.it was so funny to listen to him tell this story and then the boys came back over to him and he was like, "Im telling the girls about Floppy, kids you remember Floppy right?" It was so funny..Then he goes on to tell this joke: "What did the river say to the ocean" and the young boy says,"Im a river Im bigger than you ocean." Then the Dad or whoever he was, asks the joke again and the kid says, "I just said it!" Then the Dad said no Im asking these two(meaning the girls). Anyways it was pretty good entertainment.

My cute hubby!

Becky being illegal::She climbed over the railing to check out the other bunker.

Then theres me!

After the hike we headed to Waikiki beach to go Surfing. Now I mentioned Becky and Tyler previously, but I would like to give them an intro.They are recently married,like 1 month, they moved from California so that Tyler could attend BYU-Hawaii. Tyler is actually one of my companions, Kimber (aka Sister Stevens) bro-in-law, so while talking to her one day she mentioned that they were out here. It didnt take long and we got connected and we have had a blast. Tyler and Becky like to surf and since we were going to be in town they brought their surf boards and it was nice to do something new. I have gone surfing (riding on the whitewash with a surfboard::hehe) while in California and Hawaii, but Ev and I dont own boards and we arent very good at it. So it was nice for me to practice something and maybe get better at it. I caught a few waves stood up then fell, but I had so much fun. I stole all the time and Ev didnt get a chance to go since it was nearly dark by the time I came back into shore(such a mean wife, but he wasnt mad he was just happy I had a great time). But theres always next time! All in all we had a blast and we look forward to more fun times with Becky and Tyler.

Becky and Tyler, the cool surfers.

me,paddling in after a good time in the water.

It was neat to be in the water and just chillin on shore as the sun was setting! Ev captured these amazing photos. Way to go!