Hawaii Day 8- Surfing and shaved ice

On Monday we spent the morning at the beach so the kids could work on their mad surfing skills.

I loved all the flora on Hawaii. So neat. 

After the beach drove to the opposite side of the Island because we were told we HAD to visit Matsumoto's shaved ice because it's THE BEST on Oahu. Verdict- As far as shaved ice goes, it probably is the best. It's shaved ice, but it's good shaved ice. :) My family all chose normal, boring flavors but I chose a couple that were unique. One was like a pomegranite and the other is a sort of lemon/lime flavor. I don't remember what they were both called. You can get ice cream in the bottom. We all got smalls with ice cream, but they were so big only Mike made it to the bottom.

Steven made a new friend, like always.

Steven found a lizzard to play with. We had to break the bad news that he couldn't bring it home. :)

Hawaii Day 7- Church, temple and Halona beach

On Sunday we wanted to go to church and then visit the temple, so we chose a ward right next to the temple. We only went for Sacrament, but it was fast Sunday and all the testimonies were great. Every started with a big Aloha or Talofa and they were very kind and inviting. 

After church we walked over to the Hawaiian temple visitors center. They were showing "Meet the Mormons", so we stayed and watched it. It is such a beautiful temple and grounds. There was construction, so we couldn't walk all the way around, but it was still great to be there. 

Since we were up north again we decided to see some of the sites. We visited the Halona Blowhole and beach. The kids took a picture over the blowhole lookout and Sarah decided her tooth might finally be ready to come out. I barely touched it and it came out. I doubt there are many people that can say they lost a tooth there. :)

There wasn't much to see from the lookout so we walked down the beach. We made sure to pack the kids swimsuits just in case, and I'm glad we did. Steven learned to cliff jump and the kids explored a cave. 

We ventured over to see the blowhole in case it decided to start performing. Nada! The ocean was putting on a great show though. Although Steven was pretty far from the edge he still made me nervous. He loved seeing the waves splashing up. 

Hawaii Day 6- Hanauma Bay

On Saturday the 31st we went to Hanauma Bay. It's a well known nature preserve that has great snorkeling. This is a place that everyone who visits Oahu should see. We went snorkeling twice exploring the left side and the middle of the bay. The kids had fun naming all the fish they saw. Steven wanted to go out a third time but Adam and Sarah wanted to relax on the beach. The explored the right side of the beach which was apparently where all the coolest stuff was. They saw starfish, eels and many fish we didn't see on our other times out. 

I may not have seen the starfish or eels but I left with a really "good" sunburn. :) Apparently two coats of sunblock isn't enough when I'm floating face down in the water.

Hawaii day 5- Pearl Harbor and surfing

Visiting Pearl Harbor was an experience we didn't want to miss. We took a ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial. I was worried the kids wouldn't appreciate, but Sarah and Steven did. It was a very sobering experience. We found out late that military members and their families can take a special tour to see some restricted sites, like Ford Island, but they are booked out a couple months in advance. 

After Pearl Harbor we went back to the hotel, borrowed a surf board and the kids tried surfing. They both did well. Sarah was more timid, but she got up on her knees. Steven was able to stand up after a few tried. Mike would stand behind them and give them a little push when a good wave came along.

Adam didn't want to try out the surf board until the very end, (and then he insisted I push him, thus forcing me to get in the water) ;) so he and I had fun looking at all the rock crabs. 

 Since it was getting late we decided to stay and watch the sun set. It was a beautiful site. I don't think cameras ever do the sky justice. (especially not phone cameras)

Hawaii Day 4- Fun at the beach

On our 4th day we didn't have anything big planned, so we just enjoyed ourselves at the beach. We borrow boogie boards from the hotel and the kids tried to catch some waves. Adam didn't like the big waves so he and I stayed in the mellow swimming beach. 

Sarah as The Little Mermaid, complete with a visit from Scuttle

Sarah as Merida. She even has the look of defiance down.

Adam not only wanted to be a mermaid, but he insisted on having "apple" boobs. (You can see the small green sand toy on the right) He's such a goofy kid.