Good Bye, Hawaii! November 1, 2008

Today we cleaned our condo and went for one last look at the beach. We went to Waimea Bay, because our kids love that beach. We were there at sunset and took some great pictures. I was bumbed. I could have easily stayed another couple of weeks. I guess we will just have to go back sooner then later. The next reunion is Austrailia in 2011!!!!! We can't wait.

Polynesian Culture Center, October 30th

This was by far my favorite day. I enjoyed being with the family so much at the PCC. It was the family that made it fun. Elika & family, Maacapi & family, Grandma & Trusilla, Laa'i & Jarrett, Faanu and us all together was what made it fun. We visited villages, took a canoe ride, ate at the buffet and attended the night show. The kids tried to learn fire knife dancing. Taela & Rhita demonstrated samoan dancing. Kailer & Jarret tried tahitian dancing. They all tried the mawarii poi balls. Taela actually acquired a pair and practiced all the way back to Utah.

Later that night was a highlight of our trip. We went on a Haunted Lagoon Ride. The PCC turned the lagoon into a spooky haunted lagoon. We all loaded onto a large canoe and listened to Laa'i scream the entire time. The kids were spooked but it was good for them. Especially since Kailer had a Halloween phobia this year. I think it help him to face his fears. Even if I forced him.

Pearl Harbor & Swap Meet, October 9th

All of the family joined together early in the morning and we toured Pearl Harbor. The kids enjoyed the big ships and the boat ride out to the memorial. The memorial lies horizontal over the Arizona. It lies as a memorial to the men trapped inside still to this day. It was nice to pay respect to these men and to also learn more of our history. I am glad that our children were able to be there.

After the Pearl Harbor, the swap meet at Aloha Stadium, was next. This is where I am proud to say I recieved my tan. Vendors line the circle of the parkinglot around the stadium. Black asphalt is definately a sun attraction. A lady approached me and asked me if I was Mormon. I laughed and said, yes! She said she could tell, because I had capri's on and a layered shirt and that Atina had two shirts on. Well one was technically a shirt. She thought we were ridiciously layered with clothing for Hawaii and we had to be Mormons. She was very nice and very observant.

Swap Meet was horrible. Kailer cried (his persistent cry) the entire three hours. Until he got what he wanted....Myali tried her own version of persistant crying....and then I was done. I was glad we went back on Saturday before we left. The deals were good.

Kahuku Red Raiders!!! October 26 & 27

Atina drove us to his old stomping grounds. He showed us his neighborhood, Laie Park, Hukilou Beach, Kahuku High School & we ate at L&L's. We stopped at kahuku.org and bought his Red Raiders memorbilia. The next day we attended a session at the Laie Temple and enjoyed the beautiful grounds of the temple.