beaches

The beach has always been one of my favorite things about Hawaii. It's such a place of fun, peace, beauty and joy.  The beach experience, however has somewhat changed for me.  In my college days, I went several times a week - some times to swim, some times to sleep, some times to exercise and some times to eat.  During those years I was always outdoors anyway so I was always tan (I didn't realize how prominent that tan was until one of my friends from BYUH, Vika Filimoeatu told me that the first time she saw me in Utah she didn't RECOGNIZE me because I was so pale. lol)  Since we've been in Hawaii we have gone to the beach often - however, I no longer go to get a tan.  Some people around Laie have asked why I'm still white after being here for a couple weeks already.  The beach experience as a single college student is a lot different than that of a mother of three babies.  Instead of napping, reading and chilling in the sun for hours on end, I now spend most my time in the shade with Tali or digging in the sand with Malia and Kina and we only stay for a few hours before naptime.  While it's very different than the old way I used to enjoy the beach, I LOVE it!  I love seeing my girls becoming comfortable with such a special place. 

The first time we went to the beach this trip, Malia was totally into it.  She'd run back and forth on the sand with Wayne, then run in the water, then begin searching for crabs, then back into the water etc.  During all of that excitement, Kina sat in the shade with me with a towel wrapped around her.  I kept asking if she wanted to do different things on the beach and all she'd answer is "No dank you" over and over again. It was so funny!  Since then, Kina has grown more courageous.  However, both girls prefer the sand above anything else.  Neither love the water very much, BUT I know the more we visit Hawaii the more familiar they will become.  I know one day they'll love it just like their mommy! haha

Malaekahana

Ah! Love the beach!

*Special thanks to my MOM - she's accompanied us on NUMEROUS beach days.  She's such a trooper!  Thanks mom!  We (literally) wouldn't have been able to do it without you!!