Pearl Harbor

Today was a rainy, windy, day here on the island. All schools were closed and city offices as well. They were calling it a"Hawaiian Snow Day" I think that they just look for excuses here to have snow days because neither the wind nor rain was all that bad. We went to Pearl Harbor today and that was such an amazing, sobering experience. To be right on top of the wreckage of the U.S.S Arizona was unbelievable.



This is the exact spot that theU.S.S. Arizona was sitting at the morning that it was attacked by the Japanese.

This is part of the sunken ship that still sticks out of the ocean.

Some more wreckage under the water.

The Flag flies high and proud over the memorial.

Looking out at the memorial

A Naval ship nearby

The salvaged anchor from the ship

I'm so glad that we were able to visit Pearl Harbor and go out to the memorial. I have always heard about the attack but to actually be in the exact spot that it happened just makes it so much more real.


Tonight we just messed around a little.

View from Waikiki Beach

Surfer Dude

Oh No Look where Grandpas been

We have to get up super early in the morning to take a ferry over to Maui so we'll hope for less rain and wind and more sunshine tomorrow!

Exploring The Windy Island

We hsad a fun day exploring the island of Oahu today. There have been some pretty strong winds and a few showers but it still felt warm. The beaches on the North Shore were closed due to the winds. It was amazing to just sit and watch the massive wave

Chad found a new woman

Before we left, Lance told me that we needed to go to Motsimoto Shaved Ice. We found it on the North Shore and it was sooooo delicious. I don't know how they make them so much better than your average shaved ice but WOW was it yummy. Thanks Lance!

We found the famous Giovannis Shrimp Truck. Oh my was it ever delicious. Thanks to Christina for telling us about this. I think that I have a new "favorite food I've ever eaten"

The Shrimp Truck

Feeling the water

Loved this little light house

When we stopped here, we were looking out into the ocean and saw a bunch of whales out jumping and playing together. It was awesome.

This is really popular beach for snorkeling. We are not snorkeling until we get to Maui.

Lovin' it here

I Love Hibiscus
This is at the temple. We were not able to attend a session because the temple is closed for renevation and wont be open until next year. We alked around the grounds and went in the visitors center thiough. What a beautiful place.

This was inside the visitors center. I thought that it was so cute.

Beautiful

Maybe we'll bring Kort back a souvenior from this store. HaHa

Aloha!!

Yay, we are finally here. Our flight was great, only a few little bumps. Hawaii is a beautiful place. Can't wait to explore and check everything out. We were laughing today because we were watching the local weather and they said "it's going to be CHILLY today, only about 77." Funny hu? pool at the hotel

Chad waiting for the rental car

We have arrived!!

On Our Way!!

Well we're all packed and ready to go. My technology savvy husband is going to hook us up so that we can blog from the trip so check back for updates!!

Tootin' My Horn!!

So I just have to brag a little because I am really proud of myself today. This past summer I was looking at a picture of myself in a swimming suit and I thought "What the heck has happened here? This is just not good!" So I reluctantly found a scale and weighed myself and was shocked to see the pounds that I have put on over the years. I knew that something had to be done because we had the big Hawaii trip coming up. I made the goal then and there that I was going to lose 17 pounds, that would get me back to my High School weight. I'm a big believer in the one and only way to lose weight is through diet and exercise (no crazy fad diets for me) so I cut out all of the junk (well most of it) and started walking my butt off. I have an awesome neighbor who became my walking partner and she kept me going and made me really enjoy exercising because we had so much fun visiting every day while we walked. Well it's been 4 months and it is 6 days before the trip and at weigh-in today (there are a group of us at school that weigh in once a week) I was exactly my goal weight! I never thought that I would be able to do it because of my love for fried and sugary foods and the fact that I have no will power but I put my mind to it and just dove in. I can't believe how much better I feel both physically and mentally. I know that this is a dumb thing to say but If I Can Do It Anyone Can Do It.

Our New Years Rockin' Eve

We went to TJ and Amys for a fun New Years Eve Party. We all had such a fun time. The kids ran around and had a great time playing together, there was a lot of Rockin Out to Rockband, and of course lots of yummy food. Kort was in Salt Lake with the Hollingsworths at First Night. He was quite excited because he and Lance were on the news for just a second ice skating. WOW Can't believe it's already 2009!! Thanks guys for such a fun night! Cindy and her cute grandbabies

Being Goofy

Brooklyn didn't quite make it till Midnight

The Band

These 3 are all two years old. My daughter is a GIANT

Kambree loves K'lee

The Girls

Our Happy Hosts

Kambree preparing some snacks for the festivities

Bring On The Islands!!!

Yay, the Holidays are officially over and that can only mean one thing for us....Hawaii is just around the corner!! Yes in just 12 short days we will be heading off for a little escape from reality. We have never been to Hawaii before so if any of you have any suggestions for us please let us know. For now though it's back to the real world of laundry, dishes, the dreaded treadmill, and all of that good stuff. Happy New Year!!