Thursday, June 11, 2015

March 2015

This month was all about Hawaii!!!!

We were lucky enough to spend the week with Tim and Jeanne.

I love that we have these memories with them.


On the first day, we arrived at the house on the North shore (in the cute town of Haleiwa). 

We couldn't ask for a better house to rent. It was right on the beach! The view was beautiful, it was in a secluded area, and the boys loved playing in the yard.


It was so nice to be able to walk outside and play in the water.
Max spent most of his time in the sand.





The next day was spent at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We loved learning about the different islands, and watching all the shows.

The luau was awesome, and Porter couldn't stop talking about the fire dancers.


On Sunday we went to church and walked around the temple.


The visitor's center was beautiful, and we were able to watch a movie and enjoy the surroundings there.


Hanauma Bay was a highlight of the trip. I love the snorkeling there!



Porter even gave it a try!


After our morning adventure, we took the kids to the Sea Life park.

Porter loved the Sea Turtles!
Max was asleep for most of it, but he enjoyed to Sea Lion show.



The next morning, we trotted off to hike Waimea Falls.

The walk over was sooooo green and tropical.

We even saw some peacocks!





Once we got to the falls, we went right in.

The water was FREEZING!


 Porter didn't mind. He didn't want to leave because he was worried somebody would mess up the rock tower he built in the water. 



We paid a visit to Pearl Harbor. This was a special day, and a great reminder of the sacrifice that our military provides for us.


 Here we are on the USS Arizona Memorial. They showed us a touching video before we walked on.

Once we got there, it was very quiet and you could feel a reverence for the lives that were lost. It's hard to see in this picture, but there is still oil surfacing to the top of the water.


This is the USS Bowfin Submarine.


Scott would have gone crazy if he had to spend a long time inside...
That's one of the doors to get from room to room.



This is on the USS Missouri.


I found the Kraft name!


Max took a special trip with daddy to the top of the ship. He's such a cutie.


Our next hike was the Diamond head crater. The view from the top was AMAZING!



It took quite a bit of steps to get there though.


Waikiki was fun, but I'm glad we didn't stay there. It was much more "city life" and not what you picture Hawaii to be.

I did get to spend time with this beauty, which was fun.



And you can't go to Waikiki without eating at Dukes!


This is the view from the top of the Punchbowl...


Our favorite spot for swimming was Ko'olina lagoons.


The water was calm and crystal clear...


 The snorkeling was amazing...and the kids played for hours!



We don't have a picture of it, but I have to note that Scott and I were able to paddle board down the Anahulu river. It was so fun! We probably saw 80 Sea Turtles and some came right up to our boards. It was a fun little date and an activity I'll never forget.

Right before we left for home, we toured the Dole plantation. The boys loved the train ride, and the giant pineapple!



We had such a fun trip, I just love spending time together as a family. The entire week Porter would randomly sat, "I love Vacation!".
He also said he wanted to move into the beach house and his cousins could live next-door.
What a dreamer.

Til we meet again Hawaii!