A Weekend in Hawaii

The weekend with Kierra and Riley took us to  see more of God's beautiful creations.

We went for a walk along the coastline at Ko' Olina and to the botanical Gradens of Ho'Omaluhia.

What breathtakingly gorgeous mountains!!!

We attended church at the Ewa Beach 1st ward, where there was that wonderful feeling of the spirit, and the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. I love that wherever we go in the world, the church is the same, and the spirit is there to teach us and to testify of truth.

It was really neat to be a part of the congregation that stood and sang Aloha Oie to a family that was moving out of the ward. The spirit of love was very sweet and strong.

Sunday was also Grandpa Trickett's 73rd birthday! The family got together to celebrate him and to have their annual Spring Fling. Kesslyn and I were missing out, but we were not complaining because we are here in Hawaii! We were grateful to see them so happy and through the gift of technology, we were still able to celebrate with them.

Again, I am so grateful for the gift of the gospel and for eternal families!

 

Ko Olina and Waimea Falls

The last couple of days here in Hawaii have been fun.

We took the kids to Ko Olina, or "Place of Joy" - That's right, the beach!

 

The rain stopped and gave us a sunny day, so we took it!

We played in the sand and the water.

We walked around this little lagoon and saw lots of black crabs and fish...

The water was warm, and Kesslyn swam and swam like a mermaid. Easton and Raya are still learning to get used to the water, but were very brave!

Raya was so cute cuddling up to her momma and laying out on the beach!

(Meanwhile, Gavin is with some of his buddies in St. George for the 4 day weekend!)

Kierra and I also went to the North Shore to see the Waimea Falls.

The view on the drive was spectacular! Look at the trees and the ocean straight ahead in view!

The botanical gardens were so green and lush...

..with even more beautiful flowers in vibrant and unique shapes and colors.

It almost felt like we were in Pandora!

The kids had fun exploring the tiki huts.

We were simply at peace and in awe being surrounded by so much beauty!

When we finally made it to the falls, they were so brown with mud from all of the rain that they had received. I wore my swimming suit too, thinking we would take the kids in there for a swim. But with all the mud, swimming was off limits today.

It was still so beautiful to see! I can only imagine it when it's crystal blue!

The kids got a little restless and "hangry" so we headed back to go catch some lunch. it was still just so much fun to be there and to take it all in.

I love being here with Kierra. I love watching her in her quiet confidence in her role as a wife and mother. Kierra, you are a good one and I love you sweetie!

After the falls we ate lunch at Ted's bakery...

The kids had doughnuts for appetizers. 

Yes, you heard me right.

Doughnuts BEFORE lunch! That is the good Lolli that I am, thank you very much!

The ride home was long in the traffic and everyone was ready to sit and relax. It was a good day.

Raya cracked me up! This is her on time out for hitting her brother. ;)

She is hilarious!

An early dinner and bed for the kiddos, and a movie date night for Kierra and Riley meant a little one on one for me and Kesslyn. I love my family and I'm so grateful for the gift and blessing of the gospel that unites us eternally. I can't imagine eternity without them!

(But Clint, I miss you sweetie!)

 

Kid City, Nap Time, and the Docks

Yesterday was a fun day with the kids. We went to a little indoor play place called Kid City!

It started out as quite a rainy day, so this was just what the little ones needed to be able to get out and have some fun.

They had fun pretended to make and sell ice-cream out of the ice cream truck, and pretending to be a fireman...

They had fun sliding down the inflatable slide and playing on the jungle gym...

...jumping into the ball pit and throwing the balls at the moving characters on the screen... 

After we got home and had lunch it was nap time.

This is one of my favorite times of the day.

Sweet baby Raya loves to "cuddle" before we lay her down in her crib.

She is so sweet and silly. Her little smile and giggle as she melts into your shoulder. (I just had to take a picture to always remember the sweet moment.)

After nap time, we drove over to an inlet with some docks and a walking trail.

We saw more of the most beautiful and vibrant colors of flowers!

We passed a sweet lady there who insisted on taking our "family picture." :)

It was sweet of her, and it really is nice to be in just a few of the pictures, just so that I can prove I was actually there. ;)

The kids had fun walking and climbing and exploring (except for when Kesslyn saw a bunch of ants climbing on the tree...;)

These days are filled with simple joys and pleasures, and what I love the most is just being together.

Aunt Kesslyn has been such a good little buddy for Easton, and I'm SO glad that she was able to come here with me! It's great to be together in Hawaii!

 

Grateful To Be Here

Well, we made it to Hawaii!

Kierra's family is beautiful!

Everyone has grown so much since the last time we saw them, and thanks to the wonders of technology, I feel like everyone seems to still remember us, and we are already having an amazing time.

So far, we have played at the playground, gone on walks, and we even went swimming in the rain! ;)

We've spent a lot of time just hanging out together inside because it has been so rainy. But it really doesn't matter what we are doing, we really just feel blessed to be able to be together.

Everything here is so vibrant, colorful, and beautiful too!

Everywhere you look you can see something creative that Heavenly Father and His Son have given us to enjoy here on our journey. It is lovely!!!

These beautiful flowering trees are right outside of Kierra's front door.

I've really been enjoying my morning runs here! The sidewalks are littered with colorful and beautiful flowers!!!

I love how everything was kissed by the rain, and looks so soft and fresh and new.

Hawaii really is a beautiful place to visit, and Kierra thinks it really is like living in paradise!

So grateful to be here!