Aloha!

I'm in Sunset Heaven. Taken from our private beach sitting on a rock with Christian 7-3-11.

Here is where we live. We are in the home in the middle with the white picket railing.

Jake enjoying the sun rays on the rocks.

Kate and Mike loving the warm sand.

Our 1st day at our new church. This is the Mililani Stake Center which is right across the street from Mililani High School...Steve's new school. He will be able to walk across the street to school from his early morning Seminary (6:30 am).

Karen, one of our ward sisters holding Emily. She was so friendly and welcomed us to the ward. She took all of the children to Primary to find their classes. In this picture, she wanted to hold Emily so we could get some food, at this Ward luncheon. The people here are so amazing.

With our new Mililani Ward at an after church Linger Longer. Awesome international foods!

Christian in nursery with a new friend.

I can't get enough of the sunsets here. This one was taken at Waimea Bay 7-2-11. Breathtaking!!!

Haleiwa Trip 7-2-11. Here we are eating the famous shaved ice with ice cream delight. Oishi!

The private beach about 200 feet from our back porch.

Holly in our nearby beach hunting for crabs & sea treasures.

What an awesome day. We went to church this morning in our new ward, the Mililani 4th Ward and experienced an amazing Hawaiian worship with the most incredible people I've ever met. It was fast Sunday today and I was sitting by Katelyn who asked me, "Does everybody say Aloha brothers and sisters before their testimony?" I said yes thinking she was just inquiring about her new church experience. A few moments later she stood up by herself, walked to the end of the aisle passing her family, and went up to the pulpit. She grabbed the microphone and said, "Aloha brothers and sisters" and the congregation replied "Aloha." She bore her testimony with confidence. Holly also bore a tearful and strong testimony with a little Christian who before Holly could say anything grabbed the microphone and said "Aloha." Then he said, "Bye." Everyone had a great chuckle.

Yesterday was so fun as we experienced some new adventures for everyone. I got brave enough to go on a short three mile jog shirtless. It was the most free and fulfilling run I've ever had as I breathed in the tropical air with the warm sun on my back. I had no allergies and no asthma. I ran to Haleiwa Beach where I met up with the family for a fun time in Haleiwa looking at shells and shops. We bought four big ice cream/slushies that were so dang good. The beach wasn't the greatest for us so we hopped in our new van and went to Waimea Bay. Steve, Lis, and Jake all cliff dived and talked me into it. It took me a while standing on the edge and took a fellow navy soldier to talk me into it but I did it and it was thrilling. Madelyn also did it as well as Kate who accidentally didn't jump feet first and did a perfect belly flop. The locals said she looked like a flying squirrel! Poor Katelyn! Ouch.

We feel so blessed. This week we got a home to rent in our ideal location with great schools for the kids, a short drive for my university studies, and in a place where we feel safe with the kids. We can see the ocean and mountains from the bedrooms. It also has palm trees lining the driveway which is something I wished for but never thought we'd find. Amazing.

Love to all and good bye for now.