Hawaii Adventures

We've been back from our trip to Hawaii for 2 weeks now so I figured I'd better write about it.  We had an amazing trip and are so glad we were able to go, especially before baby Nyles gets here in 3 months.  Here is a snapshot of what we did while over there (going to be long).

We left really early Friday May 4th.  Joann was kind enough to drop us off at the airport at about 3:30am, but unfortunately the airport was closed until 4:30 am.  So we had to just sit there, which we would have to do anyway, but we hadn't even gone through security.  Luckily we got in the security line just before it opened, got right through, then found our gate and were ready to go for our flight at 5:30am.  We only had our carry on bags, the same ones we used going to Europe, so they'd be lightweight and easy to get to and from places. 

We landed in San Fransisco, had a short layover, then got on the plane to go directly to Honolulu.  There was a problem with one of the cargo doors after we got on so we taxied for an hour or two before we left.  The plane was completely FULL, 2 people on each side then 5 in the middle.  Thankfully Steve and I were on the side w/ 2 people.  After we got going the flight was another 5 hours.  My legs really didn't really like the flight.  My left leg especially swelled up.  On top off that they didn't feed us anything, not even peanuts.  They only brought a drink by once, maybe twice.  We were a little dehydrated so say the least and hungry when we got off.  I was glad to be off the plane and back on ground. 

Aloha!  Finally made it to Hawaii!!!

We to go Honolulu at about 1:30pm (their time), then we picked up our rental car.  Thankfully the maps I had and my navigation skills got to safely to our hotel, the Aqua Aloha Surf.  We were planning to meet my companion Britney and her husband Joe then, but their flight ended up taking them to Maui instead.  They went on buddy passes the day before we left and had to wait at the airport forever until they left and then couldn't get over to Honolulu, so they decided to go to Maui instead.  Thankfully they arrived later that night.  Britney had her brother Brad pick them up since he lives on Oahu.

Aloha Kiwen

 Since we were starving we ventured out and found a Subway just a block away from our hotel.  Of course the prices were more expensive than normal, like $9 for a sandwich instead of $5.  We also picked a big bottle of water, which was priced decently at 99 cents.  We then made our way down to Waikii beach to check it out, which was only another 2 blocks.  We decided to go swimming a little, so we decided to go back and change.  We didn't have any sunscreen w/ us so found a store and got some sunscreen and Macadamia nuts (for later).  We then went back to the hotel, changed, then back to the beach.  The water was a little cold for me, so I just sat on the beach and read while Steve played in the water.  We were pretty exhausted by this time, so we went back, took a shower and went to bed.  The bed was a little lopsided on Steve's side so unfortunately he didn't get as much sleep while in Oahu.

Waikii Beach

Interesting tree on beach

Yummy Macadamia Nuts

And you thought milk was expensive where we live?

Saturday morning we had our free buffet breakfast at the hotel which was included in our package deal (pancakes, fruit, toast, etc) then met Joe and Britney just outside our hotel.  Britney's brother Brad also was there who joined us.  We then went to Diamond Head and hiked it.  Luckily Steve brought his handicap pass with him so we were able to get into the park, instead of having to hike another 2 miles since it was full.  It was a hefty hike, but we all made it safe and sound.  

 Waikii from the top of Diamond Head

Brad, Joe, Britney, Me and Steve

After the hike at the parking lot

After hiking Diamond Head we drove to the North side of the island.  We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant called "Papa Ole's."  Steve had the loco moko which is rice, with a beef patty, eggs, then covered in beef gravy.  Steve LOVED it!!!! I had some rice and teriyaki chicken.  It was really good also.  We then headed over to see the temple, walked around a little bit, then made our way over to the Polynesian Culture Center for the rest of the day.   Again the handicap pass came in handy so we could get good parking in a busy place. 

At the temple, 23 weeks prego

Laie Hawaii Temple

There we got to see dances from many different islands around the world (Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti) and learn more about their cultures.  That took us the remainder of the afternoon.  We then attended a Luau and brief show/entertainment before the main show in the evening called "Ha, The Breath of Life."  The whole experience was great.  Steve thought there was a little too much singing/music during the show though ;)

 

Hawaiian Dance on the river at PCC

Demonstration of making fire

Climbing the tree to get coconut 

Steve being Steve

On Sunday we met Joe and Britney and drove up to a view which overlooked Diamond Head before heading to church, Tantalus Lookout.  Since Joe served his mission in Hawaii we decided to go to a ward where some of the investigators he taught were at.  Sacrament meeting was great, full of wonderful testimonies.  We then went and picked up Brad and then headed to the beach.  Steve wanted to stop at Papa Ole's again for lunch so we did.  

We then made our way to Waimea Bay Beach to go swimming.  There was a good amount of people there, but plenty of room for everyone.  It was a little cold for me getting it, but once I was in it was great!  We met another couple next to us, she was 30 weeks along w/ their second.  Her husband was on a business trip so she insisted on coming also.  They were LDS, he was from Sugarhouse, UT and she was from California, where they are currently living.  He just finished school to be an orthodontist.  It was fun talking to them.  We then had to head back in order for Joe and Britney to make their flight.  They were headed to the Big Island to visit Britney's aunt/uncle.  We dropped them off at Brad's so he could take them, then headed back to our hotel.  We went and got a pizza, read for a bit, then went to bed.  The sun set at about 7pm every evening so we didn't want to stay out much longer after that.  A lot of the drinking started about then, and since we were pretty tired/exhausted by that time anyway, we didn't fight it much.  

 

Tantalus Lookout of Diamond Head/Waikii

Waimea Bay Beach

Rainbow after the rain

Dole Pineapple Plantation

On Monday we headed over to the Pearl Harbor Memorial.  We got there at nine then got our tickets for the USS Arizona Tour which started at noon (the earliest they had).  We then took the opportunity to go through the different museums and learn more about what happened before, during and after the attach on Pearl Harbor.  It was very interesting to me, especially since I'm not much of a History person.  It was neat to learn more about the war and how we were involved.  After we walked the museums we went and had our tour per say.  They had a 20 minute film on what happened there, then they put us on a boat to take us over to the USS Arizona Memorial. 

 Don't you love the "boat" they gave us to drive?  It was a Lincoln Navigator.  At least we got to use our handicap parking again and got a front row spot ;)

Doesn't fit very well

Aloha

The museums

Behind us is the USS Arizona Memorial

Steve got the camera....

Steve having some fun

And some more...

The USS Arizona Memorial 

 After exploring Pearl Harbor, we made our way back to our hotel and then decided to take it easy the rest of the day.  We went shopping around the area, went to Waikii again, then had dinner at Chili's.  Once it got dark we went back to the hotel and packed up to leave in the morning.

Close to Waikii Beach (I'm a little sunburned but what can you do?)

Our flight to Kauai left 9am so we dropped off our rental car by 7am then headed to the airport.  The plane we took over to Kauai was really small so we had to check in our bags, which was lame because they charged us but oh well. Thankfully the flight was REALLY short, like 30 minutes.  We barely got up and then it was time to come back down.  Once we landed we got our rental car, which was a lot better than the one we had in Oahu.  It was Nissan Altima.  We then found the local Wal-mart where we got some snacks.  We couldn't check into our hotel until about 4pm so we decided to drive to some sights first.  We went to a nearby beach and looked at the black crabs.  They made me squirm but Steve thoroughly enjoyed them. 

Beautiful Kauai

 

Rooster/chicken at Wal-Mart.  The chickens were EVERYWHERE!!!!  They cracked me up every time just strutting their stuff and cakeadoodledoing.  

At Kalapaki Beach

 

The crabs

 We then took a plane tour over the island.  The plane ride was incredible!  They were so friendly and considerate of my "condition."  It ended up just being Steve and I on this tour so they let Steve sit in the copilots place and I sat behind him.  The pilot also kept checking on me to make sure I wasn't getting sick.  The island is SOOO beautiful, so lush and so green.  The only spot that it's not as green but still green is where their "little grand canyon" is.  Here are some pics from the plane. 

Getting ready to go on the plane.  They gave me the Kukui Nut Lei as a gift, along w/ the flower Steve is holding in his hand.  After the tour they also gave us a DVD of the tour and a copy of this picture.

 Kauai, some private beaches

 Waimea Canyon and falls

Napali Coast

More coast line

Steve in the copilot seat

Wailua Falls from the top

Our resort from the plane

After the tour we then called our resort and they said our room was ready so we could check in early.  We stayed at the Kauai Beach Resort.  It was incredible!  We booked the cheapest room but when we checked in they actually upgraded us to an ocean-view room w/ a King bed on the top floor!  Talk about awesome!  It was a beautiful resort and the staff was very friendly.  We'd highly recommend this place and will definitely back there again. 

Our resort, the Kauai Beach Resort

Our very comfortable King Bed.  Steve LOVED it, especially compared to the last bed.

The view from our room looking at the ocean

 The view from our balcony overlooking the pools

After checking in we went swimming in the pools, then met w/ a couple from our branch for dinner who was actually staying just up the street from us.  They had been on Kauai the whole time we were in Oahu and would leave the day before us.  We went to dinner at Duke's Restaurant that was recommended by another couple from our branch who apparently have been to Kauai many times.  The food was good but VERY expensive, in our opinion, but the dessert, Hula Pie, was so very yummy!  After dinner they came over to our resort where we went to the hot tub (I just put my feet in of course) and hung out for a while.  It was raining like crazy but it was still fun. 

 

Me Steve and Tyler and Ashley Snarr at Duke's 

Yummy Hula Pie.  It's made of a chocolate cookie pie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and chopped mac nuts.  Yummmm!!!!

The next day we had their buffet breakfast (again included in our package).  It was incredible and definitely outdid the last place.  They had everything to choose from:  fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes, waffles, pancakes, french toast, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, yogurt, bagels, muffins, croissants, cereal, juices, etc.  Having the breakfast provided was great because not only did we get a good meal before heading out for the day, but it also saved us in cost since food was so expensive there. 

We then decided to drive to the Waimea Canyon so we could get a different perspective of it, instead of just from the top.  It was neat to see but the windy roads didn't go too well w/ my stomach. 

Making our way up the canyon

The Canyon

Steve cruising in the Altima 

Steve just couldn't resist, he had to feed the chickens/roosters.  Ya there were chickens even up at 3400 ft.

We then drove to Salt Pond Beach and Poipu Beach.  It was pretty and supposedly a really good spot to snorkel but I wasn't feeling well so we didn't stay too long.  We did get to see a sea turtle come up out of the ocean though so that was really neat. 

Salt Pond Beach

Sea Turtle taking a break

On the way back we stopped at a place called Bread and Deli Connection for a sandwich.  They were really good and not too overpriced for once.  We then went back to the resort and swam in the pool some, then drove out to Wailua Falls which was pretty close by.  I guess Wailua Falls is most recognized in the opening credits of the long-running television show "Fantasy Island."   Again it looked different from this angle instead of over-top; so pretty.   On the way back I was craving ice cream so we got a $1 cone at McDonalds :)

Wailua Falls

On Thursday after breakfast we went and hiked up most of "Sleeping Giant."  It was a little muddy towards the top so we turned back at this point since we didn't want to risk either of us falling and hurting ourselves.  We then drove to Opaekaa Falls and Waimea River.  We then continued on up to the Kilauea Lighthouse.  The rest of the north was just more beaches so we turned around and stopped at a place to eat. 

Pretty hibiscus flower

 Opaekaa Falls

Waimea River

View from our hike

 Kilauea Lighthouse

We then went to Lyndgate Beach and played in the ocean.  This time the water was actually surprisingly warm so I had no problem getting in.  Steve had to hold my hand the whole time because the waves were pretty big, but it was fun trying to jump them.  Steve played in the sand for a bit then we left.  We then went and swam at the pool for a little while then just took it easy the rest of the night.   

Waiting for our food enjoying the view

Steve playing in the sand

Lyndgate Beach

Steve wrote the name of our baby boy w/ sticks on the sand letting him know we were always thinking of him ;)

Friday was our last day in Kauai so we tried to enjoy ourselves the best we could.  We slept in a little, got breakfast, then checked out.  We then went over to Fisherman's Pond, a park, Spouting Horn blowhole, then went back to Poipu Beach to get something to eat.  We stopped at Poipu Tropical Burgers for lunch then went over to the beach.  Since we were going to be flying out in a couple hours we didn't want to get wet so we just sat on the park bench and enjoyed ourselves, I read while Steve just took it easy.  We then walked down to the coast where Steve found some hermit crabs and other fish hiding in the rocks and small pools. 

Fisherman's Pond

Spouting Horn Blowhole 

Fish?

Hermit crab trying to get  away

Pretty flowers

As we got back to "town" we got another ice cream cone from McDonald's then stopped at Wal-Mart to get some snacks to take w/ us.  We did not want to be hungry on the plane again nor w/out water so we wanted to be prepared this time.  We then returned our rental car and checked in at the airport.  Luckily our flight was on time and we made it to LA on time as well.  Our plane left at 8:30pm from Kauai and got to LA at like 5am Pacific Time.  The bad part was I was stuck w/ Steve on my left side and another older man on my right side, both of whom where taking up some of my space and squishing me.  Ya, needless to say, my feet got swollen again.   We then had a layover in LA until 7:30pm until our plane left to SLC.  We got into SLC at 10 am Saturday morning where Rob picked us up.  We did not get much sleep during our trip back over so we were pretty tired and out of it when we landed. 

Goodbye Kauai, we hope to see you again soon! ;)

After we got home we took a nap, got some dinner, then Steve took me up Big Cottonwood to fly fish (as posted earlier).  It was a GREAT trip and we're so thankful we were able to go.  Even though it is an expensive place it was still worth it in the end!  Aloha and Maholo Hawaii!!! ;)

May Updates

Wow, it's been a while since I posted so I'd better get caught up (sorry this is going to be a little long, but w/ lots of pictures).  Though I am now done with school, it seems there are plenty of things keeping me busy.  I got done just in time to get ready for our trip to Hawaii (which I'll post separately).  Steve finished his Spring semester the day before we left as well so it worked out perfectly.  I also finished my campaign at work.  I'm so glad it's over, it was a LONG 10 week campaign.  The Lord blessed me in my efforts though and I actually ended up #1 overall in the whole company for my department. :) 

Steve was also kind enough to paint our 2nd bedroom in between his finals.  We hadn't painted it when we first moved in since we used it more as a storage area while we organized everything else. Here are some pics of the before and after.  More to come once we get the nursery set up officially. 

Green accent wall

Steve working hard

Zach even joined

 

Mostly done

 

The weekend before we left for Hawaii we decided to head up to the cabin w/ Dave, Joann, Stacie, London and Rob.  It was nice to have a change of scenery and the boys were happy to get some fishing in.  

Stacie and London at reservoir (throwing rocks in)

Dave, Steve and Rob fixing the toilet, the tank broke 

New bigger toilet, which the boys appreciate 

Strawberry Reservoir

Steve working his magic on the fish

Dave got a little cold out there

Come on fishy ;)

The Saturday we got back, at 10am mst, we were a little tired as you can imagine.  We took a little nap, but decided we'd better get up so we could get to bed on normal time.  Steve had a great idea for us to go up Big Cottonwood and go fly fishing in order to stay awake.  I promised him I'd go before we left to Hawaii, so I figured why not.  Steve even got me some waders to wear.  They fit well but were a little snug in the belly as you can imagine.  Steve was just "dying" to go fishing since it has been a whole week since he'd gone last.  He caught 2 right away, one Brown and one Brook Trout.

Working it

The Brown Trout

Working another spot

Now the Brook Trout, so pretty (can you see how happy he is?)

 We were only there about 1/2 hr because it was getting late, but also because I was a little nervous since there was a Moose close by. 

We then stopped by and visited Dave and Joann and tell them all about our trip.  We also gave them some yummy macadamia nuts and a cute Hawaiian turtle magnet.  We also got Dave his favorite Hawaiian t-shirts, a little early for Father's Day/Birthday ;) 

Since the next day was Mother's Day we also let Joann open her card and showed her this picture from our trip, which will be our little boys name, Nyles Willam McGrath.  They were very anxious to find out.  Steve wrote this w/ sticks in the sand on the beach, I'm sure he'll appreciate it later knowing we were thinking of him on our trip ;)

  

After we got back we were able to enjoy Mother's Day at home, for once since we always seem to be on our trips then.  Steve even had flowers ordered for me and on the kitchen table (thanks for delivering them Dave).  I really appreciated his efforts and being able to actually celebrate Mother's Day, a little more real this year for me ;)  We also went over to LuDean's for dinner w/ Steve's family; it was good to see everyone as well.

Pretty flowers for Mother's Day

The following Monday it was back to work and school for us.  Steve is now in Summer school through August and of course I'm trying to save up my last vacation days until the baby comes at the end of August.  Thankfully we have a couple Holidays in between there so that'll be nice.  Steve is taking a full load this Summer and Fall in order to get done by December.  He's working on his internship this Summer as well.  We're also getting his application for graduation in this week so he'll be ready to go.  I found a cap and gown that I can borrow from the University so I just had to order my Master's hood, which was nice.  The graduation ceremony is just over a month away!  

Picture from last week at 24 weeks

 

On Tuesday the 15th we had RS Meeting where we put together receiving blankets for Primary Children's hospital.  We had sisters donate 1 yard of flannel and put 2 together to make a blanket.  We then sewed right sides together, turned them right side out, and then put a decorative stitch around the edges.  We completed over 21 blankets; I'm sure they'll appreciate them. ;)

We went up to the cabin over Friday night to Saturday this past weekend as well.  Thankfully the weather was a little more enjoyable (sunny and warm that is), so the fishing was even better!  I slept in a little while they went out at first, then joined them at lunch.  They couldn't get to their lines quick enough the fish were biting so often.  It slowed down some in the afternoon but they still caught a LOT.  They kept 12 of the many they caught.

Good work boys!

Joann and Steve

Dave trying to multi-task....the fish were coming so quickly he couldn't finish his lunch

Success!

The view of the cabin from the boat

It got a little cold for Joann going against the wind

Another one!

Bringing the boat in w/ a little Hawaii still in him

Dave, Rob and Steve cleaning the fish

This morning I had branch council at 7:30am and guess who was there?...........Borut Lakner from my mission.    He is from Celje, Slovenia.  He was baptized before I was assigned there but we taught his mom Darkina often.  She is a great lady and has 2 wonderful sons.  We taught the older son Mitja a couple time also when he was home.  When Steve and I went back to visit in August of 2009 we visited the 3 of them.  Mitja was actually baptized the year before we came and just received the Priesthood right before we got there.  He blessed the sacrament for the first time the Sunday we were there.......so awesome!  Here is a pictures of them.

Me, Darinka, Borut and Mitja in Slovenia

Borut has been out just over a year now and has finally been assigned to our Stake.  Sounds like they're just over our Stake and the YSA Ward so I'm hoping we'll get to see him pretty often.  President Thorup sent and email last night saying we got new elders and I just new it'd be him.  As I walked into branch council there he was!  I started talking to him in Slovene and learned that his mom Darinka was actually baptized 2 months ago!  Talk about a miracle!  She is incredible!  I sent her a message on Facebook letting her know that Borut is serving in my area now and that we'll be having him over for dinner next week.  I'll take a picture then and send it to her.  It was SOOO great to see him!  I'm sure he's been doing an amazing job and will do great here.  We need to make sure he stays busy that's for sure ;)

Here is a picture from our missionary reunion/get together we had just before he entered the MTC last April.  

Well, I'll get our trip to Hawaii updated as soon as I can.  Things are going well.  We're trying to get things ready for Nyles.  He's been SOOO active these past few weeks, Steve has even got to feel him a couple times.  Lots to do before he comes but we're getting more and more anxious to meet him.  Have a great week, love ya lots!  :)

Easter Time

The weekend after we found out we were having a BOY, we headed up to my parent place for Easter. Steve picked me up after work on Thursday and we headed out. We stopped to get a quick bit to eat and use the restroom then got on the road again. About an hour later I needed to use the restroom again so we stopped quickly. As we got back on the road we noticed a car in front of us which just happened to be Pauline, Chris and Charlotte. We then continued to follow them the whole way to my parents.

Friday Steve helped my dad around here and there then they ran up to Mountain Home to grab a new belt for our car and Steve picked up a light cleaner. My dad was able to change the belt pretty quickly then they cleaned the lights. Look at the difference! I think it makes them shine!

Car after lights being shinned/buffed

We also went and visited my Grandma Hegerhorst for a while. It was good to catch up w/ her. Mom made pizza for dinner then Rose showed up shortly after dinner w/ the girls.

Saturday everyone went to Easter Egg hunts in Bruneau and Grandview while I stayed home to finish up visiting teaching reports and work on my project. At 1pm everyone came over and we had lunch in my dad's new shop since it was rather windy outside. The shop is HUGE thankfully so there was plenty of room for everyone. I think we counted about 50 people there. We then had an egg hunt for the kids w/ plenty of candy. Then Daron brought his horses for the kids to ride so he supervised everyone taking turns. My grandma even took a turn. She said she hasn't rode a horse for 10 yrs and it was on her "bucket list."

Grandma Hegerhorst and Abby (Barb's girl)
...thanks for the pic Pauline

While everyone was taking turns on the horses Margie and I played Croquette a couple times w/ Mikey and Ryan. It was fun. Most of the women sat on the lawn and visited and the men were in the shop talking or playing w/ little cars. After everyone left we had yet another egg hunt. This time w/ the traditional brown paper sacks, my favorite so we all get equal amounts, then can trade what we don't want.

Dad helping Ava finding a sack, Pauline and Daron looking too

Kristi watching Steve and Ryan trading

Daron w/ his little shadow Sophia

Steve and I w/ our Easter sacks

After dinner that night we sang Happy Birthday to my dad who just turned 60!!! We love you dad! Thanks for all you do and for who you are! Dallin also turned 1 and Dakota is 7.

Dad is soooo excited to be 60!!!
...thanks for the pic Rose

The family all together, just missing Anna and her crew
....thanks for pic Pauline

Sunday we went to church w/ my parents. Rose decided to leave that morning since Sophia didn't really sleep the night before.....you might say she had a little too much candy to eat and was wired :) After church we had dinner w/ Daron, Dexter and their families then had to head out. Pauline left shortly before us but stopped in Jerome to visit her old roommate so we beat her home. It was fun to be back on the farm and have almost everyone there.

Picture taken from the car....back to Utah

Steve of course has been busy w/ school working on getting all his projects and homework done. He is finishing up his classes this week then will be taking finals next week and the next, right up until we leave on our trip to Hawaii. Though he's been busy w/ school, no worries he's also been able to get in a couple fishing trips. He's feeling better and is mostly over his pneumonia and since it's been getting warmer, he's somehow squeezed in the time. Many times it was raining or snowing though but that didn't bother him ;)

Steve kissing his cute little fishy

Another cute fish he caught

This past week I've been busy getting my final project done. Friday I wasn't feeling well (I felt like I was getting a cold), so I decided to stay home and get some sleep. After I woke up I decided to just take the rest of the day off and finish my project. I finally got it done and turned it in that night. Saturday we went to a sealing in Bountiful for one of Steve's cousins, then after we got back I decided to take my 3 1/2 hr final. Steve was kind enough to leave the house and went fishing ;) So since I submitted the button to my final I can now say that I'm officially D-O-N-E w/ my Master's Degree!!!! Man that feels great! I can hardly believe I won't have homework to do every night. I feel like I can now get the baby room ready and of course we can't wait to relax in Hawaii! We're leaving two weeks from Friday!

Me at 20 weeks. Sorry it was early in the morning when we took this and I'm barely awake. I feel like I'm definitely showing now and am now 1/2 way through the pregnancy w/ our cute little boy.

Yeah for the beautiful flowers being planted. I love SPRING!

Early Easter Present

This morning the Easter Bunny came early....and shared a little secret with us.

18 weeks

We went and had our ultrasound this morning and found out what we were having. He made it pretty clear that he was a BOY right from the get go. He was so cute. As we started we could see him yawning, but then he started to wake up and move all about. His heart sounded perfect and we could see his arms and legs really well too. He looked perfect! He is definitely bigger than the last time we saw him at 10 weeks. We then met w/ the PA and everything on my side looked great as well. We're so excited for him to join our family in August!

Baby Boy McGrath;)