A visit with the William's Family

After, many years of not seeing Jackie Burdick Williams and her family, the girl's and I headed up to Bakersfield for a visit and a birthday party. It was so fun to be together again, and affirmed to me how special it is to have a 'life-long friend.' Her girl's are just beautiful and so friendly... it was a great visit.

Nani really liked Kona, but was a bit intimidated by his size! When he lay on the floor, se seemed much more approachable.

Cute Samara enjoying a rare opportunity to jump on the'jump o lene' (as my kids call it) without any of the big kids making her fly all over!

Nani and Katie. Believe it or not that tiny thing is 9 years old! She was a very good friend to all the girls, and a great host. A funny moment was when these 2 girls slept together and Jackie caught them head to toe with Kaitlyn hugging Nani's leg!

Nani, Lilly, Samara, and Izzy.

Outside of church with the girls.

Kea was very excited to learn about Chad and his work. She somehow got the idea that policeman were bad, and would always ask me, 'is that a good policeman or a bad one?' Chad opened her eyes to how good and FUN a Highway Patrol officer can be!

Pictured: Samara, Katie, Cleo, Nani, Kea, Isabel (and her new AGD Isabella), and Lillian.

A great group shot, even Kona got in on the fun! We had a great time with the Williams and look forward to seeing them again soon!

A day at the beach... and a Ferry tale romance.

At the beach with Papa and Grammy, February 2, 2009...

Life's a Beach. :)

This is Nani's 'Baywatch' shot... what a UBGB... Ultimate Beach Grand Baby!

Papa and Sammy, (as my mom calls her)

A cute little Beach Totem... Kea, Nani, and their Grammy.

Where... (and how) it all began. My parents met and fell in love here in Balboa... Kea and Nani called it 'Papa and Grammy's' beach. They even brought some home in a bottle. Nani is very proud of this shot... she was the photographer!

On Papa's Ferry at Balboa Island.

My parents were so nice as to babysit over their anniversary. This year all the local granchildren hosted a Luau in honor of their grandparents, and had the pleasure of learning their sweet love story.

From left to right; Kaela, Madison, Sidney, Leneah, Brenna, Kea, Reagan, Cameron, and Nani. This is most of the California cousins... Micheal and Dallin Olsingch are not pictured.

Dancing at the luau... Looking good Dad! :)\

Each of the grandchildren took turns providing dinner entertainment, here is Kea dancing.

Decorating cookie fun!

Aloha! What an amazing getaway trip Tino and I had to the Island of Oahu in Hawaii. It was a cold, snowy, winter in Utah... and we just decided it was time to escape for a bit. We talked about going in March or April, but once the talk was going, we could hardly wait a week! We were lucky enough to do this trip on a budget, thanks to all of our great family members! We dropped our girl's off in California with their Papa, Grammy, and 2 Aunties... and we were off! Sadly, I do not have too many pictures of all the activities that we did, but I have some great memories! We had so much fun, and got the royal treatment, enjoying freedom... as it was just the 2 of us, first class flights, free living and car, an amazing Luau with entertainment, and sooooo much more.

This was our first honymooners sunset in Hawaii, at one of our old stomping grounds when we lived in town, Alamoana Beach Park.

We headed to the West Shore on Sunday to take in a front row seat sunset. We were even lucky enough to get to see whales this day!

This is us sporting our Dave and Buster's t-shirts. When Tino and I lived in town we loved to go play games at D&B's. We had saved up our points all along wanting to get something fun. Well, 6 years later we got it! This was a big stepping stone for me because at first I was thinking... 'Hmmm, what would the girl's like?' Then something clicked, I could think of Tino and I and we got the shirts! :) I love my children so much, but it was wonderful to think of only 'us' for awhile.

Our fun-loving hawaiian family; Stamis (Tino's little brother), his wife Eta, and one of their children, Hunter. They were such great hosts, and we really enjoyed the fun of beach, BBQ, and even surfing with them.

An old favorite, Leonard's Malasadas...YUMMY! It is like a super fluffy donut covered in sugar.

Chief Sielu Avea, an old friend, hold's a great Luau at Ko'olina called Fiafia. We had such a great time! The food was so delicious and the entertainment was amazing; funny and educational. They even got us up there dancing with them... and if you know Tino, you know that is a great feat!

One of my dearest friends, Sharla Avea. We hadn't seen each other for years, so this was a great reunion. Can you believe the sunset! It was so beautiful!

These adorable children are Samuta and Siela Avea, Sielu and Sharla's children. It was amazing to see them as the last time they were so little. They are both part of their Dad's Luau... Samuta (10) plays the drums like a pro, and even has his own solo! Siela starts the show and is such an amazing dancer at only 7 years old! She was such a sweetie too... fetching us our dessert and towels to wrap around our shoulder's as it got chilly. :)

Just a couple of nuts!

Tino and I camped at Malaekahana beach on the North Shore. It was real windy, but such a blast! (ha ha..pun intended!) In the morning we went for a jog, and even a swim as the sun rose.

Our last big feast with Stamis and Eta... it was good food, and because the place was closing, we ate it it soooo fast. The waiter was very impressed. :) Notice our color? We spent the last day at the beach... surfing and body boarding! It was great.

We left our mark on Hawaii, and it left it's mark on us... a once in a lifetime trip!

I would like to thank Stamis and Eta Hopoate, Papa and Grammy, Auntie Care, and Auntie Ang for making it all possible... Mahalo nui loa!