Hawaii and Islanders...

...what a glorious week we had with Jessi, Brad and the Hemenway boys. It was fun to be greeted by 4 tan, shaved headed boys who were so happy to see us! Our first day, we went to the Polynesian Culture Center by BYU Hawaii. Brad knew the layout and the best shows to see, so he pretty much kept us moving from one area to the other; saving us seats and just taking care of things--- it was soooo great! Thank you Brad! The shows were amazing, the islanders were kind and funny, the music was lively and so island-ish! It was a dream come true for me. We topped off the day with an all out luau with more food than you could possibly eat and more choices than imaginable. We bought a few things to remember the day and I think everyone crashed when we got home. The next day found us at the beach close to Honolulu. Sorry the name eludes me, but we went snorkeling for the first time...yay! We loved it and can't wait to do it again! The fish were so colorful and felt like they were close enough to touch. The goggles that you wear took a little for me to get used to since it makes your perception off and can make you a little dizzy. But once I got used to that I was hooked! The flippers on your feet keep you bouyant so you just flip around and see amazing things. Bob, Brad, Gabe and Luke went on a long journey all the way out and around the coral reef where they saw giant turtles and more cool fish. I think it was a little bit of a struggle to get back in as the current was a little stronger on the side where they came back to shore; I was glad to see them when they came walking up the beach... grandma's are worriers... at least this one is! Bob and I were pretty burned from this day even though we lathered up with sunscreen, but we just couldn't not be in the sun. It felt so good to be warm, in a swimsuit and shorts! The next day we took a journey to Pearl Harbor. It was a great historical thing for us and for the boys. We took a tour of a submarine, went to the sight of the sinking of the USS Arizona, Gabe and Luke drove the ferry back to the mainland-- just a great history day! We spent another day just hanging out; playing bball, soccer and on the jungle stuff at the park. Eli is our collector and he and I spent many times walking the beaches and gathering shells and stuff-- I am so glad to have someone who likes to gather stuff! Yay Eli!
We took a little side trip to the swap meet in Honolulu. I really wanted to buy a skirt like those worn by the dancers at the PCC but I didn't really find one that I liked and they were pretty expensive so... just like when Jess and Liza were in Hula lessons I decided to make my own! I think I want to take some Hula lessons when we get back down south, anyone want to join me?! After Jess and I took Bob to the airport on Wed night, we went to a great little restaurant and I had a chance to just be with Jess and chat. I don't remember the last time we were able to do that, just the two of us. Thank you Brad for suggesting that we do that, it was a great chance for me to be with my sweet Jess. Before we knew it, our week came to a close in beautiful Hawaii. It was a trip we will never forget. Thanks Hemenways for a fun time!