More June Events: Hawaii!

In June, Marcie and I had the opportunity to go to Hawaii with her YW leader, Monica, who is from there, and one of her best friends, Jenna and her mother, Kirstin. Monica often takes small groups every summer to Hawaii and hosts them at her mothers house and then acts as tour guide for a week showing them the beautiful island of Oahu where she grew up. We were excited for such an opportunity and bit the bullet and went. We were so glad we did. Monica is a fun and enthusiastic host and knew all the best places to go. We thoroughly enjoyed the 10 days we were there and saw and learned much. One of the things that impressed me the most is how happy all the island people are. They are constantly laughing and joking and enjoying life as if they never have a care. That is how Monica is too....and we knew that about her before we left, but now we understand a little bit more about why she is the way she is. (My personal opinion about why they are that way is because they never have winter, ha ha.) I mean really, if you lived in paradise all year round where there is beauty on every side and never had winter! No wonder they are all smiles!
Here are a few highlights:

Surfing was on the top of the girls list and so we wasted no time in getting them to the beach to try their luck. They actually were not bad!

Marcie and I at Monica's. How's that for a back yard.

All of us in downtown Waikiki.

At a Japanese Temple.

Marcie Posing.

At Pearl Harbor...

Marcie and Jenna buried in the sand. We loved the beach and tried to visit a different one every other day or so. Yup, I could get used to it.

The lei stands at the airport. Aahhh the aroma.

On Sunday, we drove over to the North shore and visited the BUY campus and the beautiful Hawaii Temple.

At the Polynesian Cultural Center waiting for the boat show.

Marcie and Jenna at the luau.

Para sailing was another activity that was high on their list. They loved it....

even getting dunked!

The leaf that would have made Adam and Eve proud! It was a wonderful trip...one we will never forget. So glad we went. Thank you Monica!