Storms

We loved Minnesota. It rains a lot in Hawaii, but it never storms. We got our fill of them in the Midwest. They were a touch scary, but oh so beautiful. The lightning shows were better than the fireworks at the Ellsworth Cheesecurd festival!

City Beautiful

(This ox almost punctured a hole in Ben and Rachael)

The trip down to Nauvoo was fast and furious. We drove through horrendous weather - one city even had flash flood warnings - but we made it in one piece. It was wonderful to see some familiar Hawaiian faces!

The city of Nauvoo was beautiful as always.

Did you know it was at one point renamed the City of Joseph? The saints did this after Joseph Smith's martyrdom; in his memory they rebuilt the city to its neatest condition, as a token of their love for Joseph.

The early Saints suffered so much to have the gospel in their lives. Their example is one that I will cherish forever and it reminds me to be willing to make the small sacrifices I must in order to keep the gospel in my heart.

The temple was magnificant as always

Smiles all around

This is what today looked like:

My dad has been planning a 50th wedding anniversary for my grandparents for the past year. This was the main reason for Adam and my visit out to Minnesota this summer. It was simply splendid. My great aunts and uncles were here, and we laughed till we cried.

My dear sweet grandparents have had their definite ups and downs - but one thing is sure - they both made the decision to stick it out and work things over. They both made each other important enough to not give up on. I'm grateful for their example and pray Adam and I can follow in their footsteps!

Tomorrow? Headed to Nauvoo to meet up with friends from BYUH

a sweet taste of home...

Minnesota sure knows how to do greeeeeen. So beautiful. Even Adam - the island boy - is impressed with its colors, hills, and "there's so much space!" We are loving our visit.

Dauphinee Family Photos!

While we were in California, I took Adam's sister's family pictures. Their little boy Gabe was a true model and gave me every face he could think of BUT a smile. Their daughter Lydia was a hoot and wanted nothing to do with hugging Gabe or holding his hand; however, we did get some great shots and had lots of fun!

To view the rest of them, click here.

Noelani got us into Disneyland for free in exchange for her family photos! It was a great trade...we had a blast. Pics coming soon. 

We are currently in Minnesota...loving spending time with family. Miss you! 

Memorial Day.

I bet Grams put flowers on his grave today - she does every year.

I know she gets oh so lonely lately, without him.

I can't blame her one bit. 

Some times I have dreams about him, 

and I know he's watching over me...

The fact that we weren't that close while he was here doesn't mean a thing.

He's still my guardian angel - 

I know it. 

He's told me.

Adam and I went horseback riding today

It's been years since I've gone,

but everything fell back into place the second my leg swung over that huge mass of breathing, sweating, moving, muscle and landed straight into that stirrup. 

Such a beautiful country I live in,

such a beautiful animal I spent the morning with.

I think Grandpa would have been proud. 

He is who taught me to love horses.

I miss him.

Here's to you, Grandpa Wyatt...

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Last night was our final show of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It was my first time ever being in a play, and 

I loved being a part of a greater contribution to bring wholesome, fun, family entertainment to Laie! I was Millie the munchkin and delivered my 3 lines flawlessly (hehe). I also 

really loved rehearsing with my wonderfully talented husband, THE SCARECROW!

Keola was a beautiful and perfect fit for Glinda the Good Witch, and Phil joined me in the obscurities of Munchkin Land :)

All of Adam's family was able to come and watch our last night and it was so much fun to have them there. I loved getting to know new people and spending time with the whole cast. I am on the front row, far right. Adam is in the middle by the tin man.

(I stole this pic from someone else's facebook...thanks)

I cannot tell you how many compliments I got on my husband's acting skills. Everybody was AMAZED at his performance. I wish you all could have seen him! He was "flawless," "dead-on," and "hilarious." Everyone's kids' loved him and said "he was so funny!" Our friend Eliza even said if he ever got sick of the computer business, he always had a job acting! 

I love him so much. 

He is my everything, my wonderful brain-less man of straw (just kidding of course)