Thanksgiving in Hawaii

 For Thanksgiving we decided to head to warmer weather.  We surprised (OK they figured it out) the kids and went to Hawaii.  We were happy that Grammy and Grandad could join us. 

We first visited the Polynesian Culture Center.  It was a beautiful day.  We learned a lot about the different islands and saw some pretty amazing shows.  We ate a traditional luau dinner and saw the HA breath of life show which is fantastic. 

We went snorkeling at Haunama Bay.  I was a little worried about how the kids would handle snorkeling.  I was worried it would be too crowded and I wasn't sure if they would like it. 

my worried were quickly eased when the girls hopped in the water with no trouble at all.  They loved snorkeling and we had a great day.  We had a hard time getting them out of the water.  They found and swam with a sea turtle which was like a dream come true for them. 

Cameron is perfectly happy to stay on the beach and play in the sand.  He loves to build structures and see if they can stand up against the waves. 

Dave took the girls out past the reef.  This made me super nervous.  The girls were in heaven.  They saw some amazing fish and can't wait to go snorkeling again. 

of course we found a golf course for Cameron.  It was a municipal course but any course in Hawaii is exquisite. 

It was fun to see all of the Christmas decorations in island themes. 

Then next day we went beach hopping.  We went out to Laie point.  This is a beautiful spot. 


We headed to Ted's bakery for some food and pastries.  Yum!

How cute are these two?

There were signs everywhere telling you to stay out of the water.  The waves were massive.  So of course the girls got in the water. 

Clara just can't help herself. 

Cameron is in his happy place. 

We made a few visits to Matsumotos for shaved ice. 

We visited BYU Hawaii's campus.  Everything was shut down for the Thanksgiving holiday.

We visited Pearl Harbor.  I am grateful for the opportunity to teach my kids about significant dates in our history.  Cameron read every plaque and asked so many questions. 

This aircraft carrier had just come in to port that morning. 

My cute little people 

The main reason for the trip was to go to the BYU football game.  They won which made the trip a success.

On Sunday after church we went to the temple. 


These temple grounds have got to be the most beautiful on earth.

from the temple you have an amazing view of the ocean.

It was windy at the temple.  We still managed to spend some good quality time there and enjoy the peacefulness of the temple grounds. 

It was so great to have Grammy and Grandad with us.  They will be leaving on a mission soon and soon we loved having some time with them. 



 The girls just can't help themselves. 

 We hiked through the jungle. 

 It was so amazing and green.  The trees were very interesting and the leaves were enormous.

At one point the trees grew over the trail

 At the end of the trail we found this beautiful waterfall.  The hike was more impressive than the waterfall but we loved this hike. 
I love traveling with my little family.  I love spending time with them and I love experiencing things with them.  I am grateful for each of my children and the fun personalities that they have.  It is so fun to plan things that I know they will love. I am grateful that Dave works hard to provide for us so that we can travel and play.  It's always a bonus when he actually gets to come with us.