hawaii trip

The cold was getting to me, so I ran away to Hawaii again.  haha The girls and I stayed just a week, but it was exactly what I needed.  The most monumental thing that happened on this trip is I flew SOLO with THREE KIDS! Yes, I had nightmares before I did it, but honestly, it wasn't too bad.  I planned ahead and brought lots of fun activities and treats and the girls were busy and occupied the whole time before they fell asleep.  It was helpful that Wayne was able to walk me onto the plane AND I was seated near Sister Vimahi (Titi's mom), who held baby Tali every now and then to free my hands.  I'm happy it's over but I feel empowered knowing that I can do it all by myself. 

We had a wonderful time in Hawaii.  The weather was a little rainy on some days, but we still had enough sun to make it to the beach a few times.  We also happened to be there the week of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Watching the news that night was very scary - it was completely devastating.  Since there was a tsunami warning and evacuation orders in Hawaii, the girls, mom and I went and slept in my dad's office at BYU just to be safe.  However, there was very little activity in Laie and everyone and everything was safe.  Going through the experience, though, just reaffirmed to me how precious life and family are.  I'm so grateful we were protected.

Here are some pics from our trip.

We went to the Honolulu Aquarium AND the Honolulu Zoo.   Both were big hits with the girls.  (I gotta say - Hogle Zoo in SLC's got NOTHING on the zoo in Hawaii - the surroundings are so beautiful and I swear the animals even look happier! haha)

After being indoors for months, the girls had a blast playing outdoors with water.  Maddox and Shan came over to play one day too.

Mom and baby Tali - I love being in warm weather so I can expose all those rolls! hahaha

Both girls LOVED the beach, though Malia is much more comfortable in the water.  My two new favorite beaches to go to with kids are Temple and Turtle Bay - ahh! They were perfect!

While I was there, Sarah Lautaha threw a baby shower for our friend, Hazel.  It's ALWAYS a blast kickin it with my girls!

It was a jammed packed week for us in paradise and it was wonderful.  I returned to Utah rejuvenated and happy.  Thank you Mom and Dad for being so wonderful and thank you Wayne for picking us up!  It was a great trip home.

*Something I want to remember - When we were packing and getting ready to head to the airport, Malia comes to me and asks, "Mommy, I don't want to go home.  Can I just stay here forever?" lol