So, without a doubt, the best part of Hawaii was getting to catch up with Joe and Emily and their kids. We used to have so much fun together back in Provo, when Ruby was tiny and the others still a distant dream. It's hard to believe that was ten years ago!
Aloha Joe and Emily!
(Photo Credit: Adelaide)
We are so grateful they let us stay in their home. It really made the trip. Emily and Joe shared with us the best local eats as well as beaches and hikes we never would have found on our own. Of course, our kids were enamored with their cousins, and can't wait to see them when they are out in San Diego later this summer.
On Friday morning, Ruby developed a terrible stomachache that she just couldn't possibly go to school with. Joey wouldn't dream of going to school without her. As soon as their dad gave in and told them they could stay home, the stomach magically cured. In fact, it started to feel much better when we offered to take them all out for Hawaiian bread and cocoa rice. Cousin party was on! Everywhere we went, Ruby and Joe hitched a ride in the back of our rental minivan, chatting away with the kids.
See those turquoise waters? Sorry San Diego,
Hawaii just has you beat.
Ruby made Adelaide a vine crown.
Climbing in the Banyan trees!
Playing at alligator rock. They kept digging and digging
until they had an incredible "bath tub."
Our little mermaid, swimming in the shallow water.
In between beach trips and banyan tree climbing, we had the privilege of hanging out in the Plicka's massive backyard. Their home is faculty housing, and with the increase in population, the school is tearing down old homes to put in townhouses later this sumer. So, we felt lucky to share their little paradise before they moved out. Adelaide could have spent all day in the hammock. Steven and Eleanor loved the trampoline. When Eleanor wasn't bouncing on the trampoline, she was collection Plumeria flowers from the two Plumeria trees in the yard.
Steven obliging Eleanor by wearing
one her treasured flowers.
And, this epic swing!
Joe "popping the top" on a coconut he and
Matt knocked off the tree.
Matt knocked off the tree.
Go back to work? Do I have to!
Perfectly content with Daddy.
On the weekend, Roak and Tehri were able to take a break from their work in Honolulu and come join the fun. We went to see sea turtles napping in the sand, enjoy shave ice and tour BYU-H campus.
Goofy cousins on a log, watching
a sea turtle nap in the sand.
Shave ice bros!
Eleanor thought the best part was picking her flavors.
A walking tour of campus for some,
a riding tour for others...
On Sunday we enjoyed a hike behind BYU-H, admiring the iron wood trees and fields of tropical fruits.
Steven got insanely excited whenever he saw
a banana tree. (He's been so disappointed
since arriving home and finding San Diego
palm trees are banana-less).
Shoulder bros!
Sunday evening, we went to the BYU-H cafeteria. Originally, we were thinking of some fancier options, but the kids voted for the choice with the a waffle maker and ice cream machine. And, since there were more kids than adults - cafeteria night was a go!
Cafeteria party!
They thought this dinner was the BEST ever.
It was so hard to say goodbye on Monday. We had one more breakfast of Tita's cocoa rice before heading out to Honolulu and waving aloha to Oahu. We are excited that we'll be able to see our Plicka cousins again this summer. But, Matt's already combing online sites looking for the next flight deal to take us back to paradise.
(Photo Credit: Adelaide)
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