ALOHA!

Our first day here and already Desi and I are seeing what we would look like in bikinis. What do you think? Hot mamas!

Waikiki is a happening place. We stopped by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Ashlyn got so excited, she fell over backwards into the beautiful flowers.
Picture a beach covered in the softest, whitest sand imaginable, waves neatly lapping at the shore and salty sea air filling each breath taken in. This is Lanikai beach with Mokulua islets off in the distance. Who are the beautiful models? Desi and I of course, and this is day two.

On our way to Lanikai we took a little trip to the Nu'uanu Pali lookout. Perched nearly 1,000 feet over the dramatic peaks of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, the overlook has a breathtaking view of the valleys, mountain ranges, and blue waters of the windward side of O'hau. There was a gruesome battle between King Kamehameha and a rival chief here and thousands of warriors were pushed off the cliffs plummeting to their deaths. It's a good thing we love each other! Day three, we found ourselves at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, the largest flea market in Hawaii with more than 700 vendors. We couldn't resist this darling Hawaiian quilt for Ashlyn's bedroom. She even sings the ABC's and the pictures are all Hawaiian. Too cute!
Ala Moana Beach Park is only a short walk from H&J's apartment. It is a relaxing place to hang out after a tough day of shopping.
Ashlyn has a comfy bed to relax upon. Although she never seems to mind the sand.
Welcome to the Polynesian Cultural Center in beautiful Laie. Desi, Brittney and I immersed ourselves into the lifestyles of seven island nations.

The luau at the PCC was an entertaining feast. We had our choice of scrumptious pork, chicken, and fish as well as many salads, poi, and island specialties. We at least dipped our fingers in poi.

We had to have our pictures with the strong Somoan fire knife dancer. Day five, Brittney gave Ashlyn her first hair cut. (Under Jason's close supervision.) She was very cooperative, thanks to the "Baby Einstein" DVD she was watching.
After the hair cut we left for Haunama Bay for some snorkeling excitement. The water felt great and it was good to escape the wind for a few minutes. Haunama Bay is a sunken volcanic crater with clear shallow waters and abundant coral reefs full of tropical marine life. Later that day we enjoyed some fancy cooking at Benihana. And then Jason treated us to some Malasadas - delicious Portugese pastries. The next morning, we got an early start and crammed tons of fun into the day. We started with a trip to the Valley of the Temples where we saw a replica of a thousand year-old Buddist temple in Japan. It was tucked away in the foothills of the Ko'olau mountains and is a shrine to peace, harmony and tranquility. I have to say, however that I liked the beauty, peace, harmony and tranquility of the LDS temple in Laie better.Desi found her tranquil spot under the shade of a tree on the cool grass.We continued on with a visit to a macadamia nut farm, and connecting with M&M McIntosh. They took us to get Acai bowls and then off to Waimea Bay for some swimming. After that we went to a beach with sea turtles, and then to Matsumoto's for Hawaii Shave Ice. We then went to dinner for some delicious Thai food. We finished the week with a wonderful "Mother's Day." Jason spoiled us with flower lei and then cooked delicious Chinese food. I had phone calls from all - including missionary Matt. It was pretty much a perfect day.
Thank you Jason! Today we said "Aloha" to Desi and Brittney. We will always have fond memories of good times spent together this week. Have a good trip back and think back of perfect weather and floating on cool water on our colorful rafts.

What fun it is to visit Heather, Jason, and Ashlyn in beautiful Hawaii! The only thing that makes it even better is that I got to have Desi and Brittney Taylor along with me.