Take a deep breath

So, this week has been a little harder than most. We started potty training and quit already. Addie wasn't as ready as I thought she was. The girls have been at each others throats, and home school has me running on empty. If anyone has any positive thoughts, comments or encouragement.... they would really be appreciated!

This weekend is Labor Day and we're thinking we'll finally go to the Pali Lookout, since we've been wanting to for several weeks now. Its a short hike with a really good view of the island at the end. Hopefully we won't be disappointed. Other than that, we'll probably just hit the beach like every other weekend.

(I added a bigger picture at the bottom of my blog of us at the PCC with Shelley, Chad and Makenzie)

Last Sunday, Lilly got the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting. In our ward we have a youth speaker and a primary speaker. It was her turn. She was totally fine until right before and then I could tell she was getting really nervous. She asked me to come up with her, which I did, but just sat on the bench behind her. When she started her talk she said, "Brothers and sisters, good morning and aloooooooooooHA!" It was really cute (and kinda funny), the whole ward was smiling. Then she realized that it was talk time and her voice quivered and I thought she might cry, but she didn't. She made it through the whole 2 minutes. The best part was looking down in the congregation and seeing Justin's face. He was so proud of her. We all were.

The only other excited thing that's happened is that I bought a TON of meat from a meat vendor that was going door to door. Shelley said that was really weird that I bought meat from some weird guy I didn't know. It was, but we're trying to do new things, and it was a good deal. I told her though, that if I mysteriously disappear later, it was the meat man!!! We bought beef, chicken and a variety of seafood. I was nervous about the seafood a little because we don't usually make that but the first night we had stuffed flounder which turned out pretty good. Even Rachel liked it.

Today is a rainy day and I'm loving it. Its nice to have change sometimes. I'm really going to miss the fall air and the crunch of the leaves....... take a deep breath for me!

Come and Visit.......... anytime!

We have been having a ton of fun! Shelley came out to visit last week with her family and we went to visit all the tourist sights we've been holding out on. We went to the Dole Plantation, the PCC, Pearl Harbor, and a bunch of beaches. It was a great week, we already miss them more than we should!
We didn't get to go out to the memorial at Pearl Harbor because all the boat rides out there were closing down for the day but we walked around the museum and the grounds as much as we could. Rachel can't wait to go back and go in the submarine. She is so fascinated with boats and planes right now.
The PCC was also fun. We went to the whole day event with the show and the luau and everything. Some of the things the kids got to do included throwing spears, learning to hula, fishing, and watching a movie about coral reefs. We weren't able to get to all the villages including Samoa which I hear is the best one, so we'll be glad to go back next time.
Shelley and Chad went on a shark dive and got me excited to try it sometime while we're here. Justin is finally warming up to the idea and says he'll do it with me, too. They got to see about 20 sharks, and took some great pictures!
They also took Haley and Rachel to hike Diamond Head and snorkel at Hanauma Bay, while I watched the little ones. The girls had a blast and can't wait to take Justin and I to Diamond Head. That was their favorite part.
While they were here, I got treated to some homemade creme brulee. YUM!!! I bought the ramekins and a torch so we can make more later!!! Thanks Chad- I'm still thinking about how good it was!
The worst part of them being here was when they had to leave. The island gave them a farewell gift of an amazing, huge, and bright rainbow. It was one of the best I've seen here (and there are quite a few). It lasted for a long time and didn't disappear until we had said our goodbyes. It really did seem that it was meant for them. Addie has been saying, "miss you Kenzie." We'll miss you guys!

We had a first time experience of having the missionaries over for dinner this week and since they are both from Utah, we teased them that we were making them tuna casserole for dinner. We didn't really, we had hamburgers, but I DID make them some jello to help them feel right at home. They were so excited when I pulled that out of the fridge!
They were able to tell us a little more about the people and way of life here. It was fun to have them over and nice to have them leave a spiritual message at the end.

Justin is getting another foreman out here next week and is excited that he won't be doing as much of the labor anymore. He has been really busy at work and church- with his new calling, and learning tons. He really looks forward to the weekends when he can relax at the beach- preferably Waiamea Bay, his favorite.

We have been thinking so much about everyone we miss and all the upcoming events we're going to miss..... like babies being born...... we hope it goes well for you and wish we could be there to see (and hold), the new arrivals- a baby boy cousin and friend's baby girl. We miss you guys!