June 25th-Our Last Day

Today was our last day on the Islands. We first decided to get up and go north to Kohala. This is where the beautiful beaches on the island are. We wanted to spend the day at the beach so we headed up here. This also almost completed our Island tour. We had seen the majority of the Big Island.

We first drove up the coast to drive to the Pololu Lookout and Valley. It was very beautiful.



We also stoped by the Lapakahi State HIstorical Park . This was a the rocky remains of an ancient fishing village. We couldn't hike the entire tour. But we sure enjoyed the little we saw. It was so dry here.
We then went to Hapuna State Beach. It was the perfect end to our trip. We played in the water and just had a wonderful time jumping the waves. We stayed their a few hours before returning back to the condo to clean up.
After a few probelms with the washing machine and dryer we finally made it to the airport to head to Honolulu. We then flew home on the Red Eye flight. We left at 10:30 and then lost four hours of time and arrived home at 10:00 the next morning. We watched movies and tried to sleep. But we weren't able to sleep like I had wanted.

The trip was so much fun. I was so glad we were able to go. Thanks Scott for letting me come on your business trip.

June 24th

Today we got up early and did a snorkeling tour. We went with Body Glove. It was a 65 foot catamaran. They fixed a way yummy breakfast with lots of fresh fruit, muffins, doughnuts, bagels, the works. We then boated out to our snorkeling spot. We snorkeled for awhile. It was fun to see all the cool fish and animals "Under the Sea". Too bad that the waves were a little more than normal and I got a little sea sick. I had to come back on the boat and take a little break. Scott, however, just kept going and going. He didn't even really come in for lunch. But because of this he got REALLY Sunburned. I felt bad for him. It was a lot of fun. I had never been sea sick before. It wasn't from the boat ride but from the waves while snorkeling. But I still enjoy these excursions.


After that we decided to drive around the Kona Coast. We headed down to Captain Cook. Captain James Cook and his ships, the Resolution and Discovery, entered the sheltered waters of Kealakekua Bay (Pathway of the God) on the morning of Jan 17, 1779, during the height of a local religious festival. Thinking Cook was a returning God, the Hawaiians welcomed and honored him. Strife followed, and the Hawaiians realized that Cook and his crew were not immortal. In the end, Cook was surrounded and killed at this very spot. There is a monument there but we weren't able to see it.

We also went to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. Life in ancient Hawaii was governed by a system of rigid kapus or taboos. Transgressions against any kapu, however minor, offended the gods and could prvoke a natural disaster such as a tidal wave. To protect the community, offenders had to be killed immediatley-unless they could reach a puuhonua (hill of sanctuary) such as the one that was here. Here they would receive spiritual cleansing within.

We also saw the Famous St. Benedict Painted Church where a Belgian priest, Father John Velghe, took four years to paint the interior of biblical scenses.


That night we decided to go to the Kona Temple. We did a session and then some sealings. I had a family name to do for a sealing and thought it would be cool to do in Hawaii. The Kona Temple is a smaller temple but it was beautiful and a neat experience. I am glad we could do it.

We didn't get home until late that night but sure enjoyed the fun and spiritual part of the day.

Big Island- June 23rd

Today we decided to head up to the North of this Island and see the GREEN part of the Island. Yes, not the entire island is covered in lava. Just a portion. Today was a totally different look from the day before. We started out early and went near Parker's Ranch. A lot of this area was Sugar plantations. It was a beautiful lush green drive.

We stopped at several waterfalls during this day and many scenic sites. This area gets so much more rain than other parts of the island.

We stopped at Akaka Falls which is a beauitful waterfall plunging 420 feet into a mountain pool.
Akaka Falls

Scott and I in front of the falls

We also saw Pe'epe'E Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls State Park and the Botanical Gardens and the city of Hilo.
Here I am looking at the water on a beach in Hilo

We also went to a park in Lapauno'eho'e. Here a tsunami pounded the northeastern shores of the Big Island on April 1, 1946. It was the cruelest April Fool’s trick that Mother Nature could have played. In a matter of moments, more than 1,300 homes were swept away, and 159 people were killed. 20 schoolchildren and four teachers drowned in the huge waves. There was a memorial there and we it was a beautiful park.
Here's Scott near the area the Tsunami hit.

This was an amazing day and we enjoyed seeing all this island has to offer.







On our drive home we stopped by this way fun beach. This is where all the surfers hung out. They were all out in the water surfing and you could tell most of them spend all their time at the beach and in the water. They ranged from young to the old.

BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII- June 22nd

So after our Pearl Harbor trip we headed over to the Big Island of Hawaii. We arrived and there was a lot of VOG in the air. Vog is a pollution that is created by volcanic gases and pollution in the air. The Kilauea Volcano erupted in March and has been sending gases in the air since that time. Because of the VOG many people have cancelled their trips to the Big Island. Depending on the winds will determine how bad the VOG is. We only noticed the VOG a few times on the island. But it was bad when we first landed.


JUNE 22- Because today was the Sabbath we decided to attend Sacrament meeting in Kona. There is a temple in Kona and a church building next door. We were greeted by youth dressed in pioneer clothing. They had just gotten back from their Trek. It was an awesome meeting and I was brought to tears a few times. Those youth had strong testimoies and were not afraid to share them. The meeting went about a half hour longer then normal but it was full of the spirit and they allowed every single youth to share their testimonies. The kids did the Trek on Parker Ranch. Parker Ranch, in Waimea on Hawaii’s Big Island, was founded in 1847. It is one of the oldest and most historic ranches in the United States. Spreading across approximately 150,000 acres of the island, Parker Ranch is also among the country’s largest cattle ranches. What a fun place to do a pioneer trek.

After church we decided to take a drive to Volanco National Park. We also decided to do many stops on the way. We headed south from Kona and passed Captain Cook. We then head to the most southern part of the Island. It is also the most southern part of the entire United States. So we had to go there and see the beauty. It was so windy down there that all the trees were growing to the side. We drove 12 or so miles off the road so we could go to South Point. There were many fisherman and their families sitting there fishing.

We then went to the black beach at Punaluu. Here is where many sea turtles sun bathe. We were fortunate to see one. At first I thought it was dead. But no, just sleeping. Here is a few pictures of the black sand beaches and the turtle.

Just basking in the sun

Walking on the Black Sand- It had an interesting texture.

The turtle looking at us.

We then arrived at Volcano National Park. We decided to first go to the Ranger's Station to see what we should do. He told us that we had to stay until dark because at night you could actually see the lava flowing. He was so excited. He told us they don't know when it will stop so we need to take the opportunity to see it now. So we first went on a fun hike to another crater (this isn't erupting at the moment).

We took the -Kilauea Iki Trail

The Kilauea Iki Trail starts in the rain forest on the crater's rim. The trail descends 400 feet through the rain forest, with native birds in the canopy, to the crater floor. Hikers then cross the still-steaming crater floor, past the gaping throat of the vent that built Pu'u Pua'i cinder cone, and return to your starting point via the crater's rim. It was a 4 mile hike but well worth it. In fact, it was amazing. You are truly in a rain forst and then get to the crater and it looks like the land of desolation . You walk down a hill and there you are in the crater. AMAZING!!!

Scott in the beauty of the rain forest

Me and a tree???

It was a warm day but the hike was wonderful because we had a misty rain the entire time we were at the National Park. The mist made the journey just that much better. I can't imagine hiking on that volcanic black rock on a really hot day.

Land of Desolation-

Okay-There is a few plants- A very few

After our hike we decided to drive through the park. We couldn't do the entire rim because the road was closed. The smoke from the volcano was covering that road and the gases were just too strong for humans. But they had other cool drives.

A cool Arch in the water

Black volanic rocks completly covered this part of the island. Every year the flow moves and it continues to take up areas of the island. There is actually another island growing a few miles off the Big Island. In around 100,000 years you could come and see it.

This is an amazing spot. A few years ago they had a road through here. One of the flows completly took over the road and it is now NOT a road. Here we are sitting in the middle of the Lava covered road.

Here is a picture of when it actually happened.

So after our fun drive, we headed to one of the Jaggar Museum so we could see Kilauea's lava flow. We waited until about 7:15 to see it (because it was finally dark enough to see). They have telescopes so you can get a close up. It was awesome to see nature at work. Here is the Volcano and all it's steam.



Just this past Sunday it eruped even more. Here'w what FOX News said about it,

"A huge fountain of lava spurting from the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has scientists scratching their heads in disbelief.

They said they haven't seen anything like the geyser, which began shooting from the volcano's lava flow near the summit just after 11 p.m. Sunday, in more than a year, KITV reported.

The lava wave measures about 40 feet high and erupted about six miles from the ocean, according to KITV"

TOO bad, we missed it by just a few days.

PEARL HARBOR

PEARL HARBOR

The Flag that was on the Memorial

On Saturday we decided to get up early and go to Pearl Harbor. I have been there before, but Scott hadn't had that experience. It was very cool and I enjoyed hearing the history again. We were told to get there early so we could get tickets. We were a few minutes late and had to wait until the 10:00 a.m. session. It gave us plenty of time to look around at the museum and the gift shop. We also bought some food there and had a small breakfast.

Pearl Harbor is an amazingly sad story. It is a great part of our American History. I found it interesting and the memorial has a very spiritual feeling that presides there. To look at all the names on the wall of the memorial was touching.
The names of those who lost their lives on December 7th, 1941

We talked to the Park Ranger who told us a few cool stories about some of the men on the Arizona. There was a little bench that had recent deaths on the bench. I guess those who actually were on the Arizona that day and survived were able to have a special memorial if they wanted when they died. They would be cremated and then a special diver would actually dive into the Arizona Memorial and put the persons ashes inside with those who still rest there. He told us only 20 or so have done it but they would do it for anyone who wanted to be buried with those that died that day.
The Arizona

It was pretty cool to still see the oil from the Arizona still coming out after all these years. Although we were only on the Memorial for about 10-15 minutes, I was at awe at what happened here on December 7, 1941. This event brought the United States into World War II and changed the history of our Country. 1000 men are still entombed inside this great boat.

At the Museum

You can see the Memorial in the distance

The Arizona in the distance

Scott in front of the anchor

I was glad that we took some time to come and see this historic site. It reminded me of those great men and women who have fought for our freedom and still do fight today. I am grateful to have the freedom we do.

HAWAII- ISLAND OF OAHU June 17-20

HAWAII in JUNE

Scott and I just got back from a very fun and relaxing vacation to HAWAII. Scott attended a work conference on Oahu and I just went to hang out on the beach and read books. J/K.

We left on Tuesday, June 17. We flew into Oahu and headed to our hotel. We stayed at the Hawaiian Hilton Village. No kidding- it is a real village. They have several towers with rooms, two pools, private beach, 5 or so restaurants. The beach and gardens were beautiful and it was a lot of fun to stay at such a resort.

So after we checked in we decided to walk around and explore the area. We went to the beach and just enjoyed all the humidity in the air.

Waikiki Beach on Oahu- Our Hotels Beach

The Hilton Hawaiian Village

Scott Hanging Loose

Some of the beautiful water features and statues at the resort

Some of the pretty gardens

JUNE 18th- This was the first day of the conference. Scott got up early and I decided to sleep a little longer. Scott's conference was from 8-5 so he was gone for most of the day. That was one of the best days of my vacation. I went to the pool and the beach and just basked in the warm weather and read a book. WOW!!! That's a true vacation. Unfortunately, I finished my two books that day so I had to find some other ways to entertain me the rest of the days.

That night we went to a work Banquet. The food was Hawaiian and we enjoyed a nice show. Most of the people that attended the conference were Asian so it was quite interesting. But we had a good time. We sat next to a guy that we didn't know. I finally asked him where he was from. Well what do you know-Lehi, Utah. It was funny because we were the only ones there from Utah. Small World.

Pictures from the Hawaiian Show

JUNE 19th- I decided that I would go on a tour of the island this day. We started at 7:30 in the morning and didn't get back until 5:00. Here are some of the cool things I saw on the tour.

• Slopes of Diamond Head
• Kahala (Hawaii's Beverly Hills)
• Hanauma Bay
  
• "From Here To Eternity" Beach
• Sandy Beach
• Makapu'u Lookout
• Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead
• Nu'uanu Pali Lookout and Valley
• Rain forests
• Byodo-In Temple
• Windward coast
• Ko'olau Mountains
• North Shore surfing beaches
• Waimea Valley
• Pineapple & agriculture fields and Dole Plantation

Some of my favorites were seeing how Pineapples really grow and eating a Pineapple type shake, Seeing where the filmed Lost and Jurassic Park were filmed. Walking through the Waimea Valley and just enjoying the information I learned on the tour. We stopped at a cool Shrimp Shack for lunch that was just on the side of the highway. Way yummy Coconut Shrimp.
Pineapple Plant

Beautiful Beach

Byodo Temple

Where Lost and Jurassic Park were filmed.

JUNE 20th-
This day I decided I would get up and go to the temple on the other side of the island. But first I decided to go and hike Diamond Head before it got to hot. I was a little worried to hike it by myself but there were lots of people hiking so I wasn't worried at all. It was fun to hike to the top and see the Honolulu and Waikiki from so far up. I really had a good hike and got a little exercise in. After that I came home and showered so I could spend the day at the temple.

As I was driving I had made it to the other side of the island was came to a red light. I stopped and within 15 seconds was hit hard from behind. The kid in the car said his brakes went out. I'm not sure what happened but I was a little scared especially because it wasn't my car. The lady in the truck next to me told me not to let the kid go because there are a lot of hits and runs in Hawaii. I got out of the car and went to talk to the kid that hit me. He followed me to a turn off.

The first thing he told me was that he didn't have his license, he didn't have the car insured or registered. He asked me if I would not call the cops and he would just pay for the damage. I had to let him know that the car was a rental. He got very nervous at this point. I called the rental company and the cops and tried to let them know where we were ( I sure can't talk in Hawaiian. The street names were so confusing).

Well it all worked out. The kid will have to go to court. I felt bad for him but there was nothing else I could do.

So that ruined my plans to go to the temple because I had to drive back and pick up Scott and take the car back to the airport. But I was fine and wasn't hurt. So that was a blessing.

That night was had a yummy dinner and played at the beach.

Ashlyn's New Room

Ashlyn decided that she needed a new room. Her old room was just not cool anymore. Her Grandma found this cute bed spread and we decided to put up boards and paint. Grandma Jan came and helped us get it done. She is excited for her new colors and loves her new bed. Thanks Grandma Jan for helping out. SHE LOVES IT!!!!

PG Triathlon

Right before I went to Hawaii I decided to do another triathlon. It was a lot more laid back and we didn't get a chip to wear but just had our final time. This was backwards from the last Triathlon. We ran first, then biked and then swam. It was still a lot of fun. I came in 2nd in my age division. I was happy with my run but needed help with my bike and swim. I just need to get myself a real bike so I can actually train for it. But it is still a lot of fun.

Sorry, no pictures. Scott and family had a Father's Day Breakfast Primary Activity to attend. I told them that I didn't mind if they missed it. So they had yummy pancakes and I worked out.

Camping

This year we decided to go camping again up American fork Canyon. It was a lot of fun. We were worried that it would be too cold (since it still doesn't feel like summer yet). But we were lucky and had a good weekend to go up. The Granges came with us. It was fun to have Grandma and Grandpa, Kevin and Chelsey and their family there.

The best part of camping is the food. We had great food. Parmesan Chicken, Dutch Oven Potatoes, Salad, Cobbler, Spagetthi, Bread, Pancakes, and yummy treats. Thanks for going with us. Here are a few pictures of the family up camping and fishing.

Us hanging out and talking

The cute cousins

The cousins playing games

Ashlyn

Britton

Treyson

Brielle-and her dirty face

Hope to see everyone again next year. Maybe we can get the rest of the family to come for the weekend.