The month started off with my return and Bob's yearly trek to Guam, which he will write about later.
This has been a very slow month, especially compared to last month, when we went to San Diego and Hawaii! I haven't seen Bob since we left Hawaii on May 2nd. He should be home at the end of the week...on May 23rd.
I have been busy working at JetBlue, and not much else.
We also had a Relief Society Party, which I helped with. It was a Mexican Fiesta theme, and it was really fun...especially with the bishopric entertaining us with their ponchos, sombreros, and their fake mustaches. They were silly and cute!
The only other thing that I've done is to help Ian with a school project. He has to come over to my house and type and print his report and maps out. It's been fun helping him.
On Memorial Day, May 25th, we went down to Leamington, UT to see Bob's mother's family's gravesites. We drove with Bob's Dad, Mom and sister, Joan (my ex-BYU roomie). We had a good visit on the way down there. Bob's youngest sister, Julie, her husband Jeff, and all six of their kids came down separately. When we got to Leamington, we first visited the farm in this little town where his Mom grew up. Then, we met a guy, Monte Bradfield, at the old church buiding there. It is now a museum, where they have the town history and records of the people that used to live there. We had fun looking at the old pictures and news items. Bob's mother had the most fun, I think, seeing pictures of her Mom and Dad, and remembering all the people that she grew up with...her neighbors and friends. Julie's kids had never been to Leamington, and they really enjoyed the old church, and seeing relics from before they were even born.
After we spent about an hour there, we drove over to the small town of Oak City, where Bob's cousin Kae and her husband, William Dutson lives. We all had lunch there and spent lots of time catching up on each other's families. Her sister, Virginia, came with some of her family, as well as some of her children. Kae stayed busy all day feeding all her relatives! She's a great person. She (and Virginia) are daughters of Bob's Aunt Melva, who passed away several years ago. We all really loved her.
Joan's husband Kirk, and their youngest son, Scott, had been hunting for trilobites earlier in the day. When we got to Kae's house, Joan got a call that their car wouldn't start. Joan and William starting driving over to where they broke down...but before they got there, she got another call that Kirk had gotten the car started, and would be there soon. After visiting for a while with all of us, Kirk, Scott and Joan, all headed back to St. George, UT, where they live.
After we left Kae's house, we decided to go with Julie's family back over to Leamington and see the family farm, which Bob's mother still owns. We found a great, shady place to stop at the bottom of a hill by a small stream that runs through their property. We had so much fun! Julie's kids (and Jeff) really enjoyed the old tree swings that had been there for years; they spent lots of time swinging back and forth over the stream, and climbing in the trees. Bob and I, Julie and most of her kids went for a walk from one side of the farm to the other. We had such a great day with them. Julie had packed a lunch with sandwiches and fruit for everyone. Grandma and Grampa had fun relaxing in the shade, watching the kids enjoy themselves. I think it made them feel good. I think that especially Grandma enjoyed seeing all of the kids playing where she grew up and in the same places she played when she was a small child. After we had our picnic, we went up to the cemetery and placed flowers on the graves of Grandma's parents and other relatives. The cemetery is a small one out in the middle of nowhere..up on the side of a hill. It reminds me of one that you might see in an old western movie. In fact, there's a John Wayne movie, "True Grit" that has a cemetery that looks quite similar to this one. There is another John Wayne movie, "The sons of Katie Elder" where his mother died, and all four sons of 'Katie' come home to go to their mother's funeral. This is interesting because a lot of Grandma's relatives buried in the cemetery have the last name "Elder." There is a grave with a wooden marker with a faded name, and Bob is sure that is where "Katie Elder" is buried.
We got home that evening about nine o'clock. I hope we can start a new family tradition, where maybe next year more of the kids and grandkids can all get together and go visit the old farm.
On Saturday, May 3oth, Bob went to get our big boat out of storage. It is now sitting in our driveway ready for our family to have some great fishing trips this summer!
On Saturday evening, Bob and I went to the adult meeting for our Stake Conference, for the Hunter Central Stake. The theme of the meeting was "God Is A God of Miracles." We had the Salt Lake Mission President, Brother Atkinson, speak about miracles and about the importance of missionary work. His invitation to us is that we should let people around us know how we feel about the gospel.
Our stake president, President Cornell Porter says that not only should we "Choose The Right," (CTR), but also, "Consider The Results" of our actions, and how we can make a difference. They both spoke about being missionaries and that "people are brought near to us, ready to hear the gospel. We should know that God is here to lead and guide us; he always knows what we are doing and what we are going through. He is always speaking to us, and we need to listen to what the spirit is teaching us.
Then on Sunday morning, we went to Stake Conference at 10:00 a.m. We had two newly returned missionaries speak; the counselors and the stake president also spoke.
Our assignment before this conference was to read the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) in the New Testament. They all told of Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection. We should learn that he loves us and we should follow his example. We also had the president and matron of the Jordan Valley Temple speak to us (President and Sister Chamberlain). Sister Chamberlain spoke about how important it is to "joy in the gospel truths." She also spoke on what blessings come from attending the temple regularly. President Chamberlain also spoke about the temple, and that when we attend, we will receive revelation, qualify for blessings, and be able to solve problems that vex our lives. He said that with each new temple built, we lessen Satan's power over us and increase Chist's power in the world.
Also, today in Reno, Nevada our daughter Monica is moving to a new house that she just bought. We are so proud of her. (We wish that she had moved back here, but they have been there since Ariel was three, and two years before Tatum was born.) They live in a really nice area in Reno; it's very clean and has nice neighborhoods and schools. All of Ariel's (and Tate's) friends are there. Their new home is really close to Ariel's new middle school, and still close to Tatum's elementary school and Monica's work. Hopefully soon, we'll be able to go see them, and we'll take pictures of their new home and neighborhood.
Congratulations, Monica, Ariel and Tatum!!!!
You may not live right by us, but we know that you're going to love your new home and be happy there...and you're only 8-10 hour drive or a 45 minute flight away from us. We are also going to join the "Skype" network, so we can see you and talk to you over the computer.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
OUR HAWAII TRIP - 2009
Bob and I were very lucky this year. Our friends, Mike and Alice have a time-share in Hawaii, and invited us to stay with them. Bob had his yearly trip to Guam coming up, so this worked out to be a nice stop-over for him on his way there. Our separate flights got us in to Honolulu within an hour of each other. Then, we both took Hawaiian Air to the island of Kaua'i. We landed there in Lana'i early in the evening on Monday, April 27th. The Snedeger's (Mike and Alice) picked us up and we drove to their condo. It was a little late that night to do much, but we did enjoy the beach outside. When we looked out over the ocean, off in the distance, we saw two whales, possibly a mom and her baby!! The whales looked like they were having so much fun-rolling over and over with their tail fins high in the air. All four of us saw them. Mike and Alice said they had never seen one right outside there. (Bob and I think they were the ones we didn't see on our "whale watching adventure" in San Diego!)
The next morning, (Tuesday) Alice cooked a huge breakfast, and then we were off for a great day of snorkeling and sight seeing. They always bring their own snorkeling gear, and were nice enough to bring some for us.
I was a little afraid of going into the water at first, mostly because I can't swim! But...after a brief lesson and a pep talk, I was ready to go. After 'freaking out' just a little, and falling down a few times trying to walk with the snorkeling fins (not a good idea), I was off and loving it! At first, Bob stayed really close to me so I knew I would be safe.
Snorkeling is so much fun!!!!!!!! It is like being in a huge aquarium, with all the beautiful tropical fish swimming along with you.
Every morning we went snorkeling, sat on the beach, and of course, I took lots and lots of pictures. We were so relaxed...with the majestic mountains, the peaceful beaches, and the calming sounds of the surf all around us. It truly is paradise!
After snorkeling every day, we went sight seeing...with each stop just as beautiful as the last. Mike and Alice have been going there for years, and knew all the ideal spots to take us to. We saw dozens of waterfalls, mountain landscapes and the most beautiful beaches ever. The island is small, and we drove all around it. It is called the garden island of Hawaii, and now we know why. Each day while we were sight seeing, we stopped for lunch, and continued on our adventures. We never got bored and we never ran out of beautiful places to see. Later each evening, after getting some dinner, we went back to the condo, took a bath and just crashed, going to bed early for another fun day ahead.
On Wednesday we woke up, stopped by the bakery at the local grocery store to get some breakfast, then enjoyed it on the beach before going out snorkeling again. The weather was perfect again. Bob got a great tan...I just got a little sunburn and more freckles each day.
This time, I was much more relaxed in the water this time, and learned to manuever those fins a little better. It's quite a trick at first to get the hang of how to wear the mask, and learn how to breathe in and out of your mouth. When we got to the water I dove right in this time, instead of taking 10 minutes to get my nerve up. Then, I was off exploring the reef looking for and finding the most colorful fish I could find. Mike saw a few sea turtles. We all got excited about what we saw, and told each other our 'fish stories' when we got out of the water.
After snorkeling and sight-seeing that day, we went back and got cleaned up for the evening. We went to a Luau for dinner. It's called the Smith Family Luau. An LDS family owns the property, and several generations of their family live and work there, and all took part in the evening's events. After getting our picture taken, we rode a bus around their little piece of paradise. They have all of the native trees, plants, flowers and animals. My favorite was the peacock, who put on quite a show for the guests.
After our bus ride and walking around, we went into the pavillion where we all sat down to eat a wonderful meal. [They had their traditional roasting of the pig where they pull him out of the ground, but we were walking around, so we missed that part.] We listened to them singing and playing music while we ate. Some of the young girls were on the stage with them doing the native hula dance. We then walked over to another pavillion where we were entertained with all of the native dances of the islands. It was a great production with beautifully colored costumes. At the beginning of the show, they had the goddess of fire, Pele' coming out of a great volcano. At the end of the show, they had a fire dance by one of the performers, with a colorful personality to go along with his talent of twirling the fire batons.
After the show, once again we went back home and fell right asleep...ready for one more day of adventure!
On Thursday, April 30th, after stopping by the bakery and getting our breakfast, we went straight to another beach for...what else?? more snorkeling! This time I was fearless. Bob tried to stay beside me, but when I found a colorful fish, I just took off after it, and left him behind. Once we both came up at the same time to clear out our masks, and Bob said, "You just went over a really deep spot!" I said, "I know, but don't tell me that, or I'll freak out next time!" I had finally conquered my fears, and we had a really fun time.
After we stayed at the beach for quite a while, we went sight-seeing again. Then, in the afternoon, Mike and Alice asked if we wanted to go snorkeling again. We weren't sure if we wanted to go back in the water, but he stopped anyway. Thank goodness he did, because it just topped off our trip...ending up at the same beach where we had started. That evening, we walked around a local shopping center, then had dinner and went back to pack our suitcases.
On Friday morning, Bob and I both had an early flight back to Honolulu. Then, I took a flight heading home, and Bob started on his journey to Guam.
We had never had so much fun in only three days! It was so great being with the Snedegers, and we appreciate their hospitality. We enjoyed every minute of our time in Kaua'i, and can't wait for our next trip. What a life!!! It was very hard to leave paradise. Both Bob and I thought we'd never get the chance to go there, but we're so happy and grateful that we were able to have such a memorable trip.
The next morning, (Tuesday) Alice cooked a huge breakfast, and then we were off for a great day of snorkeling and sight seeing. They always bring their own snorkeling gear, and were nice enough to bring some for us.
I was a little afraid of going into the water at first, mostly because I can't swim! But...after a brief lesson and a pep talk, I was ready to go. After 'freaking out' just a little, and falling down a few times trying to walk with the snorkeling fins (not a good idea), I was off and loving it! At first, Bob stayed really close to me so I knew I would be safe.
Snorkeling is so much fun!!!!!!!! It is like being in a huge aquarium, with all the beautiful tropical fish swimming along with you.
Every morning we went snorkeling, sat on the beach, and of course, I took lots and lots of pictures. We were so relaxed...with the majestic mountains, the peaceful beaches, and the calming sounds of the surf all around us. It truly is paradise!
After snorkeling every day, we went sight seeing...with each stop just as beautiful as the last. Mike and Alice have been going there for years, and knew all the ideal spots to take us to. We saw dozens of waterfalls, mountain landscapes and the most beautiful beaches ever. The island is small, and we drove all around it. It is called the garden island of Hawaii, and now we know why. Each day while we were sight seeing, we stopped for lunch, and continued on our adventures. We never got bored and we never ran out of beautiful places to see. Later each evening, after getting some dinner, we went back to the condo, took a bath and just crashed, going to bed early for another fun day ahead.
On Wednesday we woke up, stopped by the bakery at the local grocery store to get some breakfast, then enjoyed it on the beach before going out snorkeling again. The weather was perfect again. Bob got a great tan...I just got a little sunburn and more freckles each day.
This time, I was much more relaxed in the water this time, and learned to manuever those fins a little better. It's quite a trick at first to get the hang of how to wear the mask, and learn how to breathe in and out of your mouth. When we got to the water I dove right in this time, instead of taking 10 minutes to get my nerve up. Then, I was off exploring the reef looking for and finding the most colorful fish I could find. Mike saw a few sea turtles. We all got excited about what we saw, and told each other our 'fish stories' when we got out of the water.
After snorkeling and sight-seeing that day, we went back and got cleaned up for the evening. We went to a Luau for dinner. It's called the Smith Family Luau. An LDS family owns the property, and several generations of their family live and work there, and all took part in the evening's events. After getting our picture taken, we rode a bus around their little piece of paradise. They have all of the native trees, plants, flowers and animals. My favorite was the peacock, who put on quite a show for the guests.
After our bus ride and walking around, we went into the pavillion where we all sat down to eat a wonderful meal. [They had their traditional roasting of the pig where they pull him out of the ground, but we were walking around, so we missed that part.] We listened to them singing and playing music while we ate. Some of the young girls were on the stage with them doing the native hula dance. We then walked over to another pavillion where we were entertained with all of the native dances of the islands. It was a great production with beautifully colored costumes. At the beginning of the show, they had the goddess of fire, Pele' coming out of a great volcano. At the end of the show, they had a fire dance by one of the performers, with a colorful personality to go along with his talent of twirling the fire batons.
After the show, once again we went back home and fell right asleep...ready for one more day of adventure!
On Thursday, April 30th, after stopping by the bakery and getting our breakfast, we went straight to another beach for...what else?? more snorkeling! This time I was fearless. Bob tried to stay beside me, but when I found a colorful fish, I just took off after it, and left him behind. Once we both came up at the same time to clear out our masks, and Bob said, "You just went over a really deep spot!" I said, "I know, but don't tell me that, or I'll freak out next time!" I had finally conquered my fears, and we had a really fun time.
After we stayed at the beach for quite a while, we went sight-seeing again. Then, in the afternoon, Mike and Alice asked if we wanted to go snorkeling again. We weren't sure if we wanted to go back in the water, but he stopped anyway. Thank goodness he did, because it just topped off our trip...ending up at the same beach where we had started. That evening, we walked around a local shopping center, then had dinner and went back to pack our suitcases.
On Friday morning, Bob and I both had an early flight back to Honolulu. Then, I took a flight heading home, and Bob started on his journey to Guam.
We had never had so much fun in only three days! It was so great being with the Snedegers, and we appreciate their hospitality. We enjoyed every minute of our time in Kaua'i, and can't wait for our next trip. What a life!!! It was very hard to leave paradise. Both Bob and I thought we'd never get the chance to go there, but we're so happy and grateful that we were able to have such a memorable trip.
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