Hawaii Day 1 - Pearl Harbor

I've always wanted to go to Hawaii and watching my brothers take trips there really made me want to go! We found that through our credit card points we could fly there for free and we would just have to buy our return flights. I was sold...and  after lots of planning, off we went to Hawaii!!! 

It was an early morning and we didn't even care because we were stoked to get out of the cold!

We landed half a day later in the stunning Hawaii! I couldn't believe how beautiful just the airport was! The scenery was so gorgeous!

We found our car and went straight over to see Pearl Harbor since it was by the airport. I loved seeing all the flowers and birds all over. 

Pearl Harbor is sobering and sacred. You can feel the hurt that has been there and the healing that has happened. Its a literal ashes to beauty story. 

We took a ferry over to see the USS Arizona resting site. Can you imagine that a ship like this rests just below the waters surface?! And is still there today with thousands of bodies still in side whose final resting point was the ocean. 

We were asked to be quiet inside this monument and let the sites do the story telling. 

This was the top of the ship that just pokes out of the water.. oil is still leaking from this ship and you can see the oil bubbling up and polluting the water still to this day. Some soldiers who died later on in life but served on this ship had their ashes placed in vases down in this hole to join their brother and sisters in arms for their final resting place. 

From this platform you can look down and see the ship directly below you. Eerie. 

This giant wall had all the names of those who died on that fateful Dec 4th. 

A large sub is there behind us. 

After that, we set off to Waikiki Beach to check it out. Again, stunningly beautiful. We checked into our hotel and freshened up and walked over to the water. 

We first ran to the water and let the ocean wash over our feet on this boardwalk. Ahhhh! Refreshing. 

Its a cute beach, but lots of people are there. Its a very busy area. We decided to stay though an eat at Dukes right on the beach there behind us. 

As we waited for our table, we sat on the sand. This is the BEST way to wait for a table at a busy restaurant! Until!!!! This very drunk man came and laid down right in front of us, loudly talking on the phone lots of jibberish and swearing. We got up and moved after I snapped this pic!

Table at Dukes. So romantic and such a fun ambiance!

We stuffed ourselves and we were sure we didn't have room for dessert. Our server told us we couldn't come to Hawaii and NOT try the Hula pie. Ok....twist my arm. You guys, it was the Most amazing thing and we ate ALL of it! So much for not having any room!!! It was worth the misery it brought! Haha!

We finished the night walking along the beach and around the town of Waikiki in the rain. This tree was quite amazing to me and it was fun to get a little taste of the night life in Waikiki. But there were too many people so we returned to our room and enjoyed the rest of the evening being full and together. 

 

Last cheer banquet

The 23-24 cheer season was a tough one! Phew! It was full of drama, bad grades, bad choices and had consequences. But at this banquet it was nice to look back and see all that they had accomplished and survived! Alot of my favorite gals are leaving this year and it won't be the same without them. But I know they all have bright futures!

Great job seniors!

We had our typical Olive Garden and awards and gifts. It was a nice evening and this year we even had heat in the building! 

I was spoiled with new new fancy drinking cups and some gift cards! Yeehaw! Thanks girls!

I didn't know it but this would be my last THS cheer thing, as Jennie decided to resign in the summer. But I'm ok with it. I did my time, loved it and i'm ready to do something different!
 

Another trip around the sun

39! Wow, my last year of my 30's! Hard to believe I'm here already! Chad and I went and tried out the New Bout Time restarant in town. It was ok, big portions and really the salad wasn't all that great. 

But look at this thing! Chad really liked his burger that had grilled cheese sandwiches for a bun!

The girls spoiled me with foot rubs. 

And I got my usual cupcakes that Chad and Ry made. Yum. 

I took the night off of work and just relaxed! And it was a good, relaxing day. 
 

Track and Field

I was thrilled to death when Carter mentioned he wanted to run track! When it starts to warm up in the spring I still get the itch to go running outside. Too bad this old bod doesn't like it! We attended his first meet and I was just so proud! He is running the 1600 & 800 races and he did amazing! For a freshman, he was right in the middle of the pack and finished so strong! He is a really strong runner and I'm very excited to see where running will take him. 

And whats more, the unity and history this team has is inspiring! Carter has just been enveloped with this crowd and they are a group of really great kids. He's made friends and gained confidence and is such an awesomer kid than I ever was. His head is on straight and he has heart!

Run Carter Run! Go wherever the trails take you. I love you and I'm so proud of you! You can do hard things and you are so awesome!

 

Easter Festivities

We still had plenty of other Easter celebrations with family. We first went to Idaho and flew a kite the way grandpa likes to. 

Then grandma did a good ol egg hunt for the grands. It sure was fun watching the little kiddos discover the eggs and realize there were treats in them!

And it wouldn't be grandams without a large feast!

Then we headed to Arco. What was supposed to be a small family gathering ended up nearly being a Hymas Reunion! When Chet and Mindy realized we would be in town, they made plans to come see their daughter Emma at school and do a pit stop in Arco! We were thrilled to death when we learned that. Then Chris and Sarah said they would be coming out not knowing we would be there as well! Nick and Nichole were invited out and it was great catching up with them. Chase and Hollin also came!

In true grandma Evelyn style, she had whipped up a fun egg hunt race for the grands complete with clues and everything. The last egg was empty to remind them of the resurrection. 

It was fun watching the kids running all over the yard and Jilly hopped right in and ran around the yard too. 

Its not often this big family gets together, but when they do, you can feel the love! I'm grateful I married into some of the best family I could imagine!

Gma also had made up a jeopardy about questions about Christ. I learned a few things and everyone enjoyed it! 

Easter morning came and we did Easter baskets with the kids. 

The men got an Easter nap. :)

What a great week its been!

 

Holy Week

In a conference talk, a leader of the church asked us to consider how we are celebrating Easter. He pointed out that we wouldn't celebrate Christmas if we didn't have Easter. Easter is what saved us. Easter is the most important thing in the plan of salvation. Easter is what gives us hope after sin or sorrow. Easter means we will someday, live again. We should REALLY celebrate Easter. 

In an effort to concentrate on the real meaning of Easter, I kept my fun brightly colored Easter decor in the box and set off on an excited decor adventure to decorate my mantle to celebrate Holy Week. The last week of Christ's life. 

I started with a love sign because it was all done because of Love. I had the scriptures open to the holy week story in Matthew 21. Then came the palm leaves to remind us that people were excited Christ was in the city. A picture of feet being washed reminds us of the kind works and service he did through the week. A small plate held some silver coins to symbolize how Jesus was betrayed. 

Next to that was a sacrament cup. A wine glass type one that they all probably drank from at the last supper. I had some wood, rope and a large nail to represent his death and crucifixion. And it was all finished with a picture of the resurrected Christ along side a mini tomb and He is Risen sign. I was pleasantly surprised how happy i was with it and how it really brought the true meaning of Easter into our home. Every day we did an activity to remind us of Christ. It was an amazing week as our hearts were turned to him daily.  

I have always wanted to do a last supper but wasn't really sure what I would do. Last year we had one with Clyde and Eveyln and that gave me some ideas. In a book a came across with some fun activities, there was a flat bread recipe to make for a last supper. It seemed simple and Carter asked if he could make it. So I let him! He mixed and rolled and fried everyone their own little flat bread and we made some dipping oil to go with it. 

They were really yummy and I was really impressed with his desire to do it for the family and that he wants to do it every year!

Then, he washed eveyone's hands for them before dinner. (tear!) It was so sweet. 

Our meal consisted of the bread, oil, cider, fruits and veggies and nuts. I think some ham too. It was simple and filling and perfect. It only would have been better if Chad was able to be there. Next year!

And Stef's birthday happened to be right during Holy Week and she just wanted to go to the temple. So we made it happen at the Jordan River Temple and it was the cherry on top to an amazing week!

I'm incredibly grateful for my Savior and that he died for me. I look forward to a day of resurrection with my family and the eternities. Because of Him, Easter will never be like it used to in this house.