Top Ten Highlights of Hawaii

These highlights are in no order, but just what was memorable for me...

1-  Running in the mornings by the beach with Jessica.

2- Meeting up with Brady, Karen, and Zachary.  Having Brady try to teach me to surf.

3- Having Logan take a nap, so I could lay in the sun and read New Moon.  (I know, I know I shouldn't be tanning)

4-  Going to the Luau and the fire show at the Polynesian Cultural Center with the boys.
5- Just hanging out with my sister-in-laws.
6- Trying pineapple ice cream at the Dole Pineapple Plantation.
7- Watching my competitive  boys (including Paul) try to beat records in going through the pineapple garden maze.
8- Hooking up with Scott and Natalie for dinner before their flight home.  We were so happy Natalie was okay...(we will let Natalie share all the details).
9- Watching the boys having fun with their cousins and get to know them better.

10- Seeing Zachary and watching Logan "play" with him.  Logan was happy to give him lots of kisses.

Week Long Water Party

I wish I had better pictures to do our trip justice.  We stayed at the Mariott Ko'Olina Beach Villas.  Their pools were amazing and my kids were in paradise with 2 huge pools (like the one above), hot tubs, a sandy beach pool, and the ocean just down the steps, it doesn't get any better.  Well, actually it did for the boys when they realized they could order shaved ice at the pool bar and have it charged to our room! 
Here's Tanner trying out the snorkeling equipment in the pool.
Paul is always the fun Uncle.  Here Paul is with a bunch of cousins in the ocean with a mini trampoline we rented.  It was so fun.
A picture with the "older cousins".  Paul and I (and Logan) took Bryson and some of the older cousins on a hike up to this waterfall.   I was so mad I didn't have my swimsuit with me on the hike, but we had fun watching the kids and Uncle Charles swim around.
Logan was such a great sport, we took him every where with out a problem.

Hawaiian Easter Egg Hunt

We just got back from a fun filled week in Hawaii with all of our cousins.  You are now thinking that I have lost it and have posted the wrong pictures, do not adjust your computers, yes we indeed did an easter egg hunt in Hawaii in May.  Thanks to M'Recia (Paul's sister) for planning our daily events.  On Monday for FHE, we had a BBQ, followed by a kickball game and then an Easter egg hunt.  We did this all on the lawn of the resort.  The kids had a blast, and with over 50 Ritchies (yes that is what happens with 8 kid, spouses, and grandkids) we were quite the show.  There were people stepping out on their balconies snapping pictures of all of our festivities.  

Getting ready for the hunt.

Nothing says"Hawaii" like fresh pineapple for our BBQ!

Logan and Grandma Carolyn

After trying to find all the labeled eggs for 1/2 hour, we finally brought them all together and sorted them out.   The kids were extremely excited to have a bag full of candy to start off the week.  Just what we needed, something to keep the kids wired just a little longer.

FRIENDS

I am just thinking tonight how grateful I am for such wonderful friends.  I have no sisters or daughters, but have been surrounded with amazing friends (including my mother and sister-in-laws).  My friend, Lindsey Danley just threw me a b-day party Monday night for FHE with a bunch of friends in our ward.  We had amazing Mexican food, my favorite (no curry, hee hee).

I, of course forgot my camera, but you can see the pics from our party at:

heberdanley.blogspot.com/2008/05/cinco-de-mayo.html.  We had a blast, it was so fun to have a party outside again.  Lindsey not only makes good food, but she is also an excellent photographer. It's nice to have such talented friends. 

Oh, I plan on posting soon on our amazing family reunion with the Ritchies in Hawaii!  Stay tuned... ALOHA!