Aloha

As most of you know Nathan and I went to Hawaii! Although we missed our little ones like crazy, we had a wonderful time there. WE stayed with my Aunt Jen. It was so fun to visit with her and her two awesome children. Enjoy the pictures.

 We had a warm Hawaiian welcome with leis and all! Thanks Young family.

 We really enjoyed exploring Pearl Harbor with my Aunt. It was so interesting to read all about this historic event and see the displays.

 Nate enjoyed the military equipment.

 Hawaii has some crazy trees. We loved seeing the new things all around us.

 At a crossroads.

 USS Arizona Memorial.

 The USS Arizona.

 We LOVE the United States of America.

 A little kiss action. I admit it was a little uncomfortable assuming this position with a HUGE belly.

 Thanks Jen for a great day!

 We also climbed Diamond Head one morning. We had no trouble waking up first thing in the morning. And the view made it all worth it. These pictures were taken before the hike while we waited in line for the park to open for the day.

 Beautiful sunrise.

 We were not the only ones to get up bright and early for the hike. Loads of other tourist were there too.

 At around 8 months pregnant I climbed Diamond head! Not that it was a difficult hike but there were actually lots of stairs. And it was hot out so I feel quite good about it.

 We spent the rest of the day exploring Honolulu.

 The trees looked so sad.

 I found a little shelter from the sun!

 Hawaii State Capitol building! I asked Nate if he wanted his picture in front of the House or the Senate door. His reply "Senate of course. They have more power." I should have known.

 We saw some neat monuments and statues built to important people in Hawaiian history.

 Even a replica of the Liberty Bell!

 The Bishops Museum was so informational. We had a great time learning there and really enjoyed the planetarium.

 Even the pay phones there are beautiful!

 Inside the museum.

 Of course we had to take a look at the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame on the grounds of the Bishop Museum. I told Nate that there was no way that we would be spending 5 hours there like we did at Cooperstown. It was small, one hallway, so we breezed right through. Thank goodness.

 We island hopped over to the Big Island of Hawaii! First stop was Akaka Falls. It was raining. But still so beautiful.

 The falls are over 400Ft long.

 Being from a family of Nut Farmers we had to take a stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. It was interesting to see how they are grown, processed and made into yummy little treats.

 On the Big Island we went to the Kona Temple.

 Then we went to Volcanoes National Park. Lots of hikes and really cool sites!

 Check out the size of the ferns!

 Thurston Lava Tube.

 Obviously there are no more cars beyond this point. The lava flowed right onto the road.

 See. The Road is CLOSED!

 Black Sand beach!

 Coconut trees.

 Nate then took a hike to Hawaii's Green Sand Beach. There are only two in the world. And he got to see one! The hike was too long and rough for a tired pregnant lady like me.

 This place. See the sign. Is the location of a sacred Hawaiian Temple. It was neat to learn about it.

 Back on Oahu! Beautiful views and greenery everywhere. Not like the black lava rock of the Big Island. Beautiful in a different way.

 LOVED spending time with this amazing lady! So glad she is my Aunt. She is so fun.

 We also went to the Laie Temple on Oahu. Also very beautiful!

 Then we spent the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was a fun filled day for sure.

 Complete with a canoe ride!

 And men that climbed palm trees!

 Hanauma Bay! I have to admit that it took me a few minutes to get used to snorkeling. LOL It was pretty funny. I don't know why I had so much trouble just breathing through my mouth. It made for a good laugh.

 Nate and my cousin Cameron took a hike to Makapuu Lighthouse.

 Blue Blue Water

 Bellows beach! It pays to have these little Military dependents around! The beach was gorgeous and so many less people than the public beaches.

So now you have it! This was our trip to Hawaii. Loads of fun and great food. We loved it all. But are so glad to be home in Texas safe and sound. Our children are safe thanks to Melanie Peruch (Nate's sister). Keep checking up on our blog for more fun Summer adventures with the Peruch Family!