Family Fun. . . & some Sun too!

This has been the best week ever! Whitney, Andy, Nathan, Hailey, Parker, and Austin all arrived last Sunday afternoon and we spent the whole week playing and hanging out with them. We even had a minor miracle in that our prayers for some nice weather were answered and they were able to enjoy some warm, sunny days. They rented a house right across the street from Hukilau Beach and were only about five minutes away which made it very handy for all of us. 

These kids are true "water-babies" and wanted to be at the beach and in the water all the time. The afternoon we went to Waimea was beautiful and the kids - and Andy- were in the water two hours solid! Here are a couple of beach pictures.

 

Three turtles at Turtle Bay

Nate entertaining us with ukelele tunes

We went over to Haleiwa and had some shave ice from Matsumotos. Whitney had some again later in the week at a different spot, but they added a little extra protein to hers - a cockroach which she slurped right up! And we all know how Whitney feels about those nasty things. UGH! We also went to the beach park right in town and saw some big green sea turtles.

We all spent one day at the PCC visiting the various villages, having dinner at the Aloha luau, and managing to stay awake for the fire dancers in the night show. Here are the kids enjoying some delicious kahlua pig.

Austin not too sure about this thing

Parker hanging out with his new friend in New Zealand

We spent all day Wednesday down at Pearl Harbor, touring the submarine, going out to the Arizona Memorial, touring the 'Mighty Mo" where the Japanese surrendered, ending WWII, and the aviation museum. We all learned a lot. The kids were so good - and patient. Dennis was in heaven. Then we headed for a new beach. . .
On Friday we all went on a dolphin/snorkeling adventure. The day was cloudy and overcast and rained on our way back in to shore, but it was still a fun trip. We saw hundreds of Hawaiian Spinner dolphins, quite a few whales, a turtle or two, and lots of fish. Everyone did great on the open ocean snorkle (well, two men weren't feeling that great). Snorkeling in rolling waves is a little "upsetting" but even Austin was in the water with a mask and little flippers.
The week ended too soon, but before they left we all went to the Hukilau Cafe for breakfast. It was featured on the Food Network's show "Diners and Dives" and is something of a local hangout. Giant pancakes and 'loco moco' and SPAM.

They left and it rained off and on all day. Last night was a torrential downpour and today is grey and rainy. They took the sunshine with them. We are so glad they came and appreciate the effort it took to come visit. Just another reminder of how much we miss everyone and how grateful we are for your goodness and love.

The other thing that happened today is that we were transferred back to the YSA Sunset Beach branch. Starting next week we will be driving back over to Sunset for church with the YSA over there. We missed those kids and so it is all good!