My trip to Maui

10,000 ft up on Haleakala Volcano

I had one of the best trips to Maui this past week. I went to visit my "sister from another mister" Laurie Kimura. The trip was amazing, Laurie and her boys were the perfect hosts. First, my awesome parents let me use those frequent flyer miles and I got to fly FIRST CLASS round-trip! I really enjoyed that warm towel to wash my face and hands. The hot swordfish dinner on a real plate with silverware was perfect. I even ate the carrots. Can you tell it doesn't take much to impress me? So during my 6 hour flight I made a list of everything I wanted do: visit Hana, jump in a waterfall, eat a pineapple, wear a lei, see a whale, swim with a fish, see the sunset from the top of the volcano, visit a public market, get a picture of a rainbow and several other things. The most important thing was just to hang out with Laurie.

I am so lucky to have her as a friend. I joked with her once that in the pre-exsistence Heavenly Father said a little prayer when we left Him because we were a handful then and knew we would be handful again when we became friends on earth. I wonder sometimes if when He is watching over us He giggles at some of the things we do, as any parent would.

We went to a lavender farm that had the most awesome view of the island. The only problem was the lavender is not in season. But we enjoyed the peace and quiet, a lavender scone with jelly (kind of hot), lavender brownie and lavender herbal tea (not my favorite, it tasted like dirty water). Road to Hana

On one side of the island, its this beautiful green with waterfalls, tall bamboo trees, tropical plants and flowers. And on the other side....

Dry, ugly and only accessable by a dirt rode. Note to self, not wise to go on a dirt rode in a Honda Accord. What an adventure!

This is Baldwin Beach, right down the street from Laurie's house! Seriously, the girl has it made!!

Saw a rainbow everyday, that has to be good luck right?

This is Twin Falls, less than 10 minutes from Laurie's house. We had so much fun, one of my favorite moments. The water was cold but felt good after our legs were numb.One of the highlights on my trip was getting to see Elder Steven Perry, the tall Elder. I was one of his primary leaders when I lived in Michigan. The last time I saw him he was 13 years old and a lot shorter. His parents are Jim and Tracey Perry who are wonderful parents and did such a great job raising a beautiful family. It was fun to see him and his companion at church and talk about Detroit. So proud of Elder Perry! We both agreed that we don't miss the freezing weather. Isn't the gospel amazing that whereever you go in the world, the church is there for you and can instantly feel like you are apart of that ward? I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

I know this post is long but I wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures. Next week I will be adding the pictures of Laurie and I snorkling! Thanks again Laurie for a fantastic week!

Lucy Porter

This cute little girl is Lucy Porter, one of Jason's best friends. Jason and Lucy are 4 years old. About a year and half ago they started preschool together. Lucy's family have become really good friends to us, like they've been a part of the family our whole lives. Her mom watched Jason for me during my first semester of college, so they were together 5 days a week and on Sunday during Primary. They play great together. I would even say that they have a mini "marriage". They have a great time together, fight every once in awhile, then they are back to being the best of friends. Pure forgiveness, no matter what the situation. They have one game that they love to play, it's called "Lucy Chest". When Jason came home one day and said that he loved playing Lucy chest I asked him to repeat what he was saying because it caught me off guard. I asked him how he plays Lucy chest and he explained that they get a board game out and put the guys on both side of the board, knock out the guys and Lucy always wins. That's why it's called "Lucy Chest". I am so glad he understands at such a young age to always let the ladies win!!

A New Year

I had a conversation with my sister-in-law last night that kind of freaked me out. In the Fall of 2010, I will have one son as a senior in high school and one son as a brand new kindergartner. I have got to step it up and just make lots of new memories with my boys, maybe even make new traditions. Whatever it is, I realised this morning that my time as a parent just flashed before my eyes and I need to document as much as I can. Is it a coincidence that its the new year? I don't know but as I sit here in an empty house, I got sentimental. My greatest accomplishment in life is my children!! Here's to a new year and lots of new memories!!!!