The Boys Come to Hawai'i Part Deux

So picking back up where we left off after lunch, we headed over to Kailua. I was actually having serious doubts since it was windy and a bit chilly, and sure enough, I spent the time at the beach huddled in a towel watching the kids.

The girls, however, didn't waste any time in getting ready for the water.

Meanwhile, the boys played on their boogie boards in the waves- it took a bit of convincing for Sean and Carson to get Derek and Weston to join them in the water, but eventually they were all out there and insisting the water was warmer than the air. I thought about joining, but Roman was pretty busy. And then he gave me a "special" job to clean up. So yeah, that took up some time since I left the diapering stuff in the car which was parked clear down the beach.

Next day was stake conference and I was singing in the stake choir, so I went while the boys chilled at home with the kids and watched some football. By the time I got back, they were hungry and wanting to get out of the house, so I made some yummy Chicken fra diavolo with Lemon Spaghetti (thanks to Melody and Eugena for the killer recipes) which everyone loved.

Then Sean and Carson and I headed to Waikiki for some surf fun. Longboarding, as Sean puts it, is like yoga for people who like meat. I totally agree. Super fun and chill. It was nice to get out and enjoy some time childless and carefree and revel in God's creations. The ocean was gorgeous, the view was fantastic and the whole afternoon was fantastic. Afterwards we grabbed some pineapple burgers at Kua'aina Burger, dripping with Teriyaki goodness.... mmmm.

Next day I got Avril out of school and we headed to Hanauma Bay for Weston's first snorkeling experience. Hanauma is nice because you're almost guaranteed to see cool fish there any time you go.

On the other hand, you're also guaranteed to join a LOT of tourists flipping around getting sunburns in huge groups in the water-- scaring the fish into more shallow (read less accessible) coral areas. I don't blame them. I got scared, too. The other thing was maybe it was too early in the day, but the water was COLD. And for some reason, I had a hard time catching my breath in my mask. So it wasn't such an enjoyable trip for me, even though it was definitely fun going out with Avril- (she'd get really excited and frantically point things out to me)

"Ma! 'nurkle!"

We didn't get any further than this.

but Weston was pretty excited and happy about it, so mission accomplished.

Carson likes snorkeling.

After snorkeling, we headed up around to Sandy's and the surf was the calmest I've ever seen it there. Nothing I'd let my kids play in, of course, (they did play in it when it washed a little higher up the beach, but honestly it made me so nervous) so it wasn't quite as enjoyable for me, but the guys had a blast playing in the waves and I got some more great footage here... but left the camera in the car :(. Sorry guys! Hopefully I can get some of those videos to post.

After Sandy's we went on up to Kaneohe for some Genki's sushi. It was wonderful, of course, and Carson and Weston's first time. They loved it and are now sushi fans.

Tuesday morning... last one here. Weston leaves Tuesday night, Carson and Sean first thing Wednesday morning.

So first order of business: breakfast at Eggs 'n Things. Amazing. Carson got an ahi steak that was so tender and juicy and flavorful.... Derek got sour cream and dark cherry crepes that were heavenly.... Sean got a sausage omelet that looked positively scrumptious with a side of chocolate chip pancakes covered in coconut syrup... Weston got the mandarin orange French toast- he didn't care for the oranges, but the French toast was mouth-watering...

I got the spinach and bacon omelet with a side of chocolate chip pancakes covered in coconut syrup as well--- you can't go wrong with that--- and shared them with Xandri and Roman...

After breakfast, it was time for more surfing. We went straight out to the beach and wound up paddling all the way back to where we were the first day for some waves. We all got up several times and had a great time doing it. The waves weren't as consistent as on Sunday, and the water while we paddled out a little more choppy, so Weston was a little disappointed in it. But I think the rest of us had a great time.

Derek was awesome and offered to watch the kids while I took a board out and they enjoyed some time in the water, too.

She's practicing surfing already.

By the time we got back though, Avril had already been out of school waiting for me for twenty minutes-- and by the time we picked her up, the poor kid had waited an hour. She knew we'd be a while, though, so it wasn't too bad for her. I hope.

We headed home to regroup and everyone was so wiped out that we all just kinda crashed. After a while, the boys headed to the NEX to pick up some souvenirs and got some fantastic host gifts- a new bamboo lined mirror for the guest room (which I've been wanting- thanks Derek for tipping them off and thank you thank you THANK YOU Carson and Weston for getting it!) Sean claims to have gotten me a stylus for my iPad, but I have yet to see it. I haven't yet decided whether to give him credit for it ;).

Thanks guys, for a great visit! We're so glad you came out. We had such a great time and definitely hope to see more of your smiling faces!