Off to the Islands--Day 2

 Bright and early in the morning, we headed down to Honolulu to the "Aloha Stadium Swap Meet."  Hundreds of vendors circle the Aloha Stadium with every souvenir and trinket and treasure you could imagine.  We spent hours there choosing treasures for each of the children.  It was like Christmas shopping, and so fun!

Cooling off with a icy coconut, to drink from.

 

6 lanes of traffic going both ways

 After our morning shopping, and a lunch at Costco while getting some groceries---

we headed to the Dole Plantation.  Who knew that pineapples grew on a bush, like a flower?  Well, I did, but Ryan didn't :)

We took the planation train tour, devoured some pineapple whip ice cream, and learned a little about the history of Dole Pineapples.

Off to the Islands--Day 1

Ryan and I left for a vacation together, first time since our honeymoon! 

(14 years and almost 8 children later)

Walking up to our first plane

 After hours over the ocean, here is our first sighting of Oahu.  The beautiful blue and green ocean glimmering below.  

 Getting our rental car, and heading off for a drive around the island.  Our week was to be spent at Turtle Bay, on the North Shore.  We drove up the east side of the island on the way to Turtle Bay.  It was so reminiscent to see places I had seen 18 years ago, while attending BYU-Hawaii.  

It was like digging up old memories that I could no longer remember.

 We checked into our room, and this was our first view.  The breezes always blew, and the palm trees always swayed--during our entire time there.  The breezes are wonderful to compensate for the humidity.

 We drove over to Haleiwa, and went out for sushi.  It was delicious!  I was thrilled to see Sunset Beach, and so many little places I remembered.

Sunset Beach

             (nothing like a pregnant profile)

Right before dark, we hiked out to the point of the bay that surrounds Turtle Bay.  It was a coral reef of sorts.  This is Turtle Bay Resort in the background.

Favorite People

 Some of our favorite people came to spend a few days with us!  Uncle Caleb and Aunt Becca!  And don't forget our cute cousins Jack and Charlie!

Love my sister Rebecca

Moses Lake Water Park Day!

Aunt Andrea, Aunt Joanna, Aunt Becca with Charlie, Me and Emma, Matthew

Cousin Addysin, Cousin Jocelyn, Cousin Evelyn, Cousin Jane, Mark, Cousin Caiden, Cousin Jack, Eliza, Andrew, Nathan, and Miriam

not pictured----Uncle Caleb is taking the picture!

We had so much fun.  Going to the water park has to be done at least once per summer.  It is most fun when done with cousins!