When our children turn 14 years old, they have the opportunity to take a special trip with Dad.
(I made photo books for Tanner and Aaron about their time together on the east coast two years ago, but no blog post was made - yet.)
(I made photo books for Tanner and Aaron about their time together on the east coast two years ago, but no blog post was made - yet.)
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| At the airport - bright and early |
Due to various circumstances and a kind heart, Brinley allowed Tanner to join her and Aaron during their week in beautiful HAWAII!
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| Brinley - catching a few zzz's at the airport |
While the timing of this trip may not have been ideal (Aug.18-26) with school starting just hours after they returned home, we operated within the parameters available using SkyMiles.
So - a big shout-out for "free" flights!
After landing in Honolulu, Aaron rented a car and they drove around the island to Laie.
They spent the week with Jared and Stephanie's family (Aaron's brother).
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| Tanner, Alison, Sariah, Jared |
Thanks to both of you for being such gracious hosts and re-arranging your home/schedule to come play with us!
Brinley and Tanner enjoyed hanging out with cousins they don't see often enough.
Alison is Brinley's closest cousin in age on either side of the family (10-months apart).
Looking for sand crabs at the beach...
Jumping the waves
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| The backs of: Grant, Alison, Tanner, Sariah, Brinley, Isaac in front |
An impromptu stop at the beach to look for sand crabs led to this...
Who needs a swimsuit?
Although school was already in session for Alison, Sariah, Grant and Isaac, they skipped a day to play at Waimea Beach with their cousins.
And if you didn't follow the story on FB, Aaron found this GoPro camera while snorkeling. With a little detective work and help from FB friends, the rightful owner was located.
This is a classic - must see.
FYI - throwing an expensive camera out into the ocean is never a good idea.
During their brief exchange, Aaron discovered this guy is serving our country in the military. Also touching was a comment made by the girlfriend (and owner of the camera) -- that her faith in humanity had been restored by Aaron's honesty. Stories with happy endings put a smile on my face.
With the cousins back in school, Aaron took Tanner and Brinley to Pearl Harbor in Honolulu.
They scored tickets for the ferry ride out to the U.S.S. Arizona - a special memorial for those who died during the attack on December 7, 1941.
A historical documentary provided an excellent glimpse into what occurred so many years ago. The kids received a great education on the circumstances that brought the United States into World War II.
Checking out the largest swap meet around...
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| Grant, Alison, Brinley |
Since the cousins were home from school by mid-afternoon everyday, they shared plenty of time together at the local beaches.
Tanner and Grant - boogie boarding
Jared, Aaron, Isaac
Kahuku Grill - a yummy place to eat!
Having a family discount to the Polynesian Cultural Center was a mighty nice perk.
Aaron, Tanner and Brinley explored the PCC together.
Initially, Aaron was called out of the audience to demonstrate a few dance moves (in the green and yellow skirt).
Later, Tanner and others joined him.
While there was still plenty to see, they took an afternoon break from PCC and returned later for the evening show. All the heat and humidity were something else for these cold climate folks.
And for the record, it just so happened to be the HOTTEST day of the year!
Back for PCC evening show with fire-eating dancers and all you would expect to find at such a place!
Incredible.
Along with a personal tour of the BYU-Hawaii campus from a faculty member (Jared), they enjoyed lunch together and were able to perform baptisms for the dead at the nearby Laie Temple (no pics).
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| Brinley, Isaac, Alison, Stephanie, Tanner |
When the weekend rolled around, everybody enjoyed hiking to Waimea Falls.
A strawberry guava anyone?
These grow in the wild and the kids ate lots of them along the way.
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| Alison, Tanner, Brinley |
Taking turns on the rope swing...
...and jumping from cliffs.
Brinley, Grant, Alison, Tanner
The snorkeling was fantastic and the kids really enjoyed seeing such colorful fish.
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| Alison and Brinley |
Cousin talk-time
The "three amigos" in front of a banyan tree.
Final day in Hawaii
Pali Lookout - one of the highest points on Oahu.
Beautiful memories in a beautiful place now shared by Aaron, Tanner and Brinley.
Dreams do come true...
Dreams do come true...
3 comments:
I loved spending this time with Tanner and Brinley! We had a blast and special thanks to Jared and Stephanie. They were great hosts! Wonderful post sweetie.
What a great opportunity. It really looked fun! We're so happy you could share this trip together.
What an awesome trip! I loved living in Laie for a year in college. How great that you have family there to visit!
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