Ohana Means Family

Day 6: Sunday! We went to the ward in Kailua (there are actually three of them) and I really liked it. I got kissed on the cheek 4 different times, so that was different. They sang Aloha 'oe to a family leaving after the Sacrament. I absolutely love that song, so I was happy to hear it done. AND we got Lei's in Relief Society for being visitors. I think these are all traditions that we should adopt on the mainland.
We just hung out most of the day on Sunday. But there was a few (hundred) pictures taken. Some were more successful than others. That's what the picture of us at the top of the blog came from.

I know she's mine, but is she cute or what?!?

The cousins were so cute and had so much fun together. I was worried about Samantha's withdrawal upon coming home.

And now the pictures. Lots of pictures. Here's my cute kiddos

This is really the shot we should use for Christmas cards, it's much more authentic :)

But here is the best of the 600+ taken (no joke-we have burst on our camera so the Aunts just kept taking 3 shots for second)

Jeanette and Emma

Sarah, Paul and Nolan

Maria and Jon with Rachel, Joshua, Matthew, Kate

Mom and Dad

And the most important (lol) Us!

This is a progression story: Eliza has completely had it with pictures

So she's going to do something about it

Bye Eliza!

And the aftermath of the pictures-this is us choosing which we like the best

Day 7: Haunama Bay! This tied or maybe slightly surpassed kayaking. I got to go snorkeling in Haunama Bay and it was the most gorgeous, surreal experience. I was literally close enough to touch the most gorgeous fish. It's really like you look into another world with the coral/rocks and all the different kinds of fish. Tom saw a turtle, not me, but I just had the best time. No pictures, because I don't have an underwater camera :)

Family Home Evening.

With the treat of course!

This is a good picture to end pictures with because I haven't mentioned our favorite Hawaiian pastime-eating!

Days 8 and 9: We got to go to the beach and in the pool one last time but it was time to pack up and go. Our flight left on Tuesday at 9:30 PM. That was rough, I've never done a red-eye. The kids actually slept as well as can be expected-me, not so much. But after 7 1/2 hours excluding layover time we were home! We had quite truly the time of our lives. There are no words except maybe: awesome, wonderful, fun, gorgeous, amazing.