Aloha!

On my birthday last year I won a trip to Hawaii. I was excited in June when I actually got to use it and on June 14th, two days after Jessica's Wedding. I was on my way to the Hawaii Island of Oahu. I got to go with family and friends. Lacie, and
my sister Erin and her husband Todd
and Todd's sister Emily and her husband Matt all came along to enjoy the fun.

While we were in Hawaii we got to Hike both Diamond Head (an old Volcano) and Waimea Water Fall.

We stopped at food stands on the side of the road and tried fresh coconut milk.

We went to the Dole Plantation and became one with the landscaping as we took this picture.

We got to go snorkling at Hanama bay, and even though it took me awhile to get the hang of breathing through a tube while being under water. I am happy to say I finally got the hang of it and was able to see some beautiful fish underwater. I even got to meet a huge sea turtle which could manuver much better under water then I could.

We went to the PCC and learned about the Polenisian Islands and some of their culture. We were amazed with their strength, gracefulness, and musicality as they entertained us all day long.

We got to see the temple that is just down the street from the PCC and the BYU Hawaii campus.

Here is a picture of the Arizona Memorial from our Helicopter ride. It was fun to see it from the air after we had visited Pearl Harborthe day before.

We got to walk around and see the different ships that are at Pearl Harbor as we waited for our ticket time to visit the Arizona Memorial. This was one of the hottests days that we were in Hawaii, so we spent much time in the air conditioned gift shop.

But more then anything that we did my favorite time spent was at the beach. I loved swimming in the salt water, laying on the warm sand, and walking on the beach and feeling the sand on my feet. Why did I love Hawaii???

The food was so good. I tried Thai food for the first time, we had the yummiest polish dogs at the Puka Dog, we visited Leanords Bakery and had Malasadas(YUM YUM, mango was our favorite), we also had great luau food at the PCC, and sometimes we just made sandwiches in our Condominium.

The flowers were amazing, the colors were viberant and they smelt wonderful.

It was beautiful

And a whole lot of fun :)