Hawaii

Nick and I went to Hawaii to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary. We had such a great time. We had the best weather, good food, and plenty of beach time. I can't wait to go back some day, it may very well be my favorite place to visit and I don't want to wait another 29 years to go back!

Hiking Diamond Head

The kids were most excited for us to climb to the top of the volcano in Hawaii. They were disappointed to learn, however, that instead of hot lava, in the middle, their is a military base! I guess that is what happens in 150,000 years since it erupted. We had a good time climbing it, and the view was incredible. Nick was wearing his five finger Vibram shoes and people kept staring at them and one little girl was like, "mom, that man doesn't have any shoes on!" Good job keeping heads turning, Nick!

Hawaii Temple

One of the most meaningful moments of our trip was when we went to see the Hawaii temple. This temple has special significance to my family because in a way it was one of the ways that my family came to join the church. My parents went to vacation in Hawaii and like many people, they visited the Polynesian cultural center. At the cultural center, they also stopped and saw the temple there. They took some pictures of the temple and after a great vacation, went home to Michigan. A while later, the missionaries knocked on their door and my mom told them that she had sick kids, but they were welcome to come back another day and she would show them the pictures she took of their temple in Hawaii. Well, the very next day, two very enthusiastic missionaries knocked again and this is how my parents joined the church. I am just so grateful for the church and all of the blessings that it has brought to my family. I also so thankful for temples in which we can be sealed with our families for all eternity. The Hawaii temple will always hold a very special place in my heart.

polynesian cultural center

Snorkling

It's been ten years since we last....

Nick and I were heading up to the North Shore when we suddenly turned onto a strange road. I said, "What are we doing?," and he said, "something we haven't done in ten years." I said, "oh, crap, sky diving again!" Nick and I went sky diving right before we got married. He really did surprise me and it was an incredible experience seeing the island from so high up. I really wasn't nervous like I was last time, although I do admit to saying a quick prayer as I leaped from the airplane. This was really the biggest surprise that Nick has been able to keep from me in the last ten years. Way to keep me guessing, Nick.

Happy 57th, DaDaw

We celebrated DaDaw's (Nick's father) birthday a little early this year since Nick and I would be in Hawaii during his real birthday. The kids were really excited to see so many candles and were extra happy that DaDaw let them help him blow them out.

Artist in the Family

Blake had a painting selected to be in the District Art Show. He was really excited to see his painting displayed at Keller town hall. Nana and DaDaw were visiting, so they got to see Blake's masterpiece too. We are so proud of Blake!

Trey's Speech

Trey is in a speech preschool to help him talk more clearly. He has almost completed his first year and he is making so much progress. We are starting to really understand what he is saying and he is a lot more confident, therefore he talks a lot more. Just this week and was saying his prayers and he was blessing each family member and when he got to me, he blessed that I wouldn't pull out any of his teeth! We were all laughing so hard. Sydney had lost her second tooth that same night and I guess he was a little concerned that he would be next!