Hawaii: Week One

The Airplane Ride

So we were lucky enough to get to go to Oahu to visit my parents, with my brother and sister and niece, and Stu's parents. It was such an amazing trip, and after being there for 2 weeks it was very hard to come home. We stayed in a condo right on the beach with Steve, Sarah and Sophie, and Heather and Drew were right next door. It was so fun to get to spend time with them and MacRae loved playing with Sophie.

The first morning we were there we got up early to watch the sun come up. What could be any better than sitting with these two handsome boys.

This was our backyard for a week. Stu was bringing his golf clubs so of course MacRae had to bring his. He golfed everyday and even hit some balls into the ocean.

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I had been there once before but I was pretty young, so I was really excited to go again with Stu and MacRae.

Dad, Steve & Sophie

Sarah

Grandma & Grandpa Flockhart

We watched the fire dancers, saw them crack coconuts, and basket weave. We went to several shows in all the little villages that represent different islands. It was so interesting to see the different cultures and way that they lived and danced.

MacRae wanted his picture with him, so I had to come along.

We practised trying to spin the poi balls. MacRae would try and spin them and then just throw the. He kept telling us that they were rockets. It was

It was hilarious to watch my Dad try and spin them. The Tripp side is not the most coordinated. Luckily MacRae gets his from his Daddy!

MacRaes favorite part was the canoe ride through the villages. He had to splash us all as we were riding it. We went to the biggest lua I have ever been to, and had so much yummy food. The day ended with a big lua performance with all the dancers from the different islands, and a fire dancers it was amazing.

We also went to Pearl Harbor and saw the USS Arizona. They take you into a theatre and you watch a movie all about the bombing and the war after. It was really sad to think about all of the people who lost there lives defending our country.

We then took a ferry out to see the ship. It sunk during the bombings hundreds of men inside, so in memory of them they left it in the water and built a memorial over it. On either side of the memorial you can see the entire ship below under water. Every one there talked quietly and were so respectful that you could totally feel the spirit.

We ate at Bubba Gumps, one of favorite restaurants, and had the bucket of trash. Always a tradition when we are in Hawaii.

Here is the beautiful Laie Temple. It was closed for renovations while we were there, but it was still so beautiful. It is also within walking distance of my parents apartment.

This is the Visitors Center where my parents are serving their mission. I was so proud to see my parents in their missionary badges and teaching people about the gospel.

These are 2 of the most amazing set of parents. We love both of them so very much and were so grateful to them for becoming friends with one another. Crae will never not have both sets at anything. During the week we also went to the beach a few times and the Swap Meet at the Aloha Stadium, Stu and the boys got to golf some beautiful courses too.

This was also the view from our backyard. MacRae ended up wet every day no matter where we went, swimsuit or not. So usually he ended up in the backyard hosing himself off!!!