A Luau in the Mountains?

I had such a great time at YW Camp this week. We were at Camp Morning Star and I was in charge of the "Big Event" which was a luau. Many thanks to Tami and Amber for helping me hem twenty-eight table cloths in Hawaiian prints. We used them everywhere to decorate tables, wall, and windows. It made everything so colorful. The food is not out on this buffet table yet, but imagine the wonderful salads and fruits we were treated to later.
Coconut bowling was a fun game that we did a few days before the luau. The bottles doubled as bowling pins and centerpieces. The girls learned some Polynesian dancing as well as poi twirling and Maori stick games. It made for a fun competition during dinner.
Amber brought up some pretty hibiscus flowers to adorn our stage.
This place was really hopping during dinner. We had a D.J. and non-stop dancing. It was a crazy dance party with lots of delicious food and Hawaii shave ice. Everyone seemed to enjoy the whole night. We had hula dancers and stories outside at the amphitheater with tikki torches and a campfire. Call me crazy but it was so fun, I might even go next year!

From near and far...what cute grandkids they are!

We miss Emilee, Alix, Riley and Madison! They are growing so fast and becoming so beautiful.Here's little Ashlyn all decked out in her lei and huge flip flops.

Aloha. We miss you!
Here's little Andrew so cute and cuddly with Uncle Mike. Here's Spencer watching Ryan opening his birthday shirt I purchased in Hawaii. He was so excited, he started putting it on immediately.



Cool Ryan! A Hawaiian shirt with cars.

Uncle Bryan rigged up a pinata for the kids. Spencer broke it open with his mighty t-ball skills.Caitlyn, Kira and Grace were modeling in front of the pretty flowers.
I got a new hammock chair swing for Mother's Day. Grace and Raegan tried it out and sang "In the Leafy Treetops" while their feet went up into the little tree/plant.
I couldn't resist showing how pretty my flowers are looking this time of year.
Here's Grandpa with Caitlyn, Brinley, Staci, and Ryan and Tami in the background. It was a fun time to get together with the local grandkids and for one of the last parties with Grace and Raegan before they moved. We love all our grandkids. They're the best.

You're in the Army Now!

It took the army to pack up and move Bryan and Jamie - along with a huge moving van.

It was hard to leave the beautiful artwork on the wall in their back yard.
One last ride on the bike before it gets packed up.
It's all packed up and ready to go. Oklahoma or bust!

"Ducks in the pond quack a happy song"

We had a mallard duck show up on a rainy afternoon. He flew away and later brought back his date to frolic in our pool. They happily splashed around and then got out, shook off a little and flew away. This was a week of strange weather - from 100 degree temperatures down to 50 degrees practically overnight. Mother nature certainly brings us many surprises!

Happy Graduation, Dr. Captain Horspool

What an exciting day! Bryan came walking down the isle to music provided by the marching band from USC. We were fortunate that we chose the right side on which to sit to see his smiling face. "Let's cheer for USC!"


The hooding ceremony..."Dr. Bryan Lee Horspool" was called up to receive his diploma.It was a smoldering hot day, but the girls made it through the whole ceremony.Jamie's family came to support Bryan. We were thrilled to spend time with them.
Mike, Brooke and families came to join the celebration also.What a fun BBQ at the park!
Bryan and Jamie are trying to figure out which tooth is having a problem. Is it number 9? Anyone know a dentist?

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.