Saturday, February 23, 2013

More Hawaii


The sunsets were amazing in Hawaii, every evening we'd sit and watch it. Peaceful and so beautiful.


We went snorkeling several times at many different locations, it was incredible. We brought the Go Pro and took pictures and videos under the water. I'll post of that later. We brought our own snorkel gear so we could take it with us wherever we went.

 
We went on a hike to see petroglyphs which was pretty cool. There were also rock shelters that the Native Hawaiians built to protect themselves from the wind.



We're lounging on the beach watching the sunset at the Marriott Resort in Kona.


We stayed on Kona for 6 days then flew to Kauai for a couple days. We're at Marriott Kauai Beach Club resort beach for the last part of our fabulous vacation.



Sad time, we had to pack up ad head home. Preston was great on the flights and was extra hungry, so we fed him Scott's hat.


One of my last view's out my window of the beautiful tropical islands.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Hawaiian Vacation

 
 
Well, were here in beautiful Kona. Scott has a PA conference and Preston and I tagged along for the ride, and what a ride it's been so far!!
We've been to Kona before, 10 years ago. I loved it them and I love it now. It's huge. It's beautiful. It's warm. It's been a great vacation!
First night we stayed in downtown Kailua-Kona. The next morning walked around, shopped and went sight-seeing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 We visited the real cool Tiki retreat. There were a ton of cool tikis right on the beach. The ocean here is warm, clean and so many shades of blue.
 Preston has traveled so well. He's such a happy, good baby. He slept most of the flight over here and has been a dream baby with a hectic schedule that I planned. In and out of the car seat, stroller or backpack....Here is our first time on the ocean.


 
An awesome rock we spotted!
 



 We shopped at this cute flea market area and I bought this! I love it!!



Right around the corner form our hotel is the beautiful Kona Hawaii Temple. We went at night and again in the morning to see it again. The stone blocks are white with slight pink tones in them. So beautiful!

And of course the sunsets. They are amazing!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Heavy Heart

These past couple days I've had an extra heavy heart and been real emotional. I attended my cousin, Alison's, baptism yesterday afternoon. During the beautiful baptism and confirmation I sat there watching all my cousins and their friends and realized William won't be attending any more of my family's various activities. No more baptisms, birthday parties, trips to Disneyland, mission farewells, weddings...It made me sad. William wasn't in attendance to all of our family affairs, but he came when he could. It makes me sad that I won't see him again here on earth. I miss him.

I miss our letters we'd write back and forth while he was in jail or prison. I miss the quick conversations we'd have while he was in my mom's kitchen and I was here in SLC. I miss when we were together and we'd gang up on my mom and tease her relentlessly. I miss my brother.

At church this afternoon I shared my testimony with my ward that I know the church is true . I know William is in heaven and I will see him again. I know families are forever. I know Heavenly Father wants all His children to return and live with Him  and He'll do everything he can to make that possible.

I know his spirit will be in all those places watching us. I know I'll see him again. I know he loves us. I miss my brother.

I am so thankful for so many wonderful, caring, supportive friends who continually remind me how sorry they are for my loss and are there if I need anything. I am really lucky to have such a strong support system and feel completely blessed, even when tragedy occurs. So, thank you!!!