Our Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage, and Strength

Our Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage, and Strength

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Gramma Camp

While Bryce has his conference in Germany, the kids and I have been in Spokane. We have had a great time playing with family, relaxing, and playing in the pool and in the sand at the lake. Gramma also held the 1st, and probably to be continued, Gramma Camp. The theme this year was Jungle Safari and the kids have had a blast with their safari hats, matching shirts, hunts, crafts, and activities.





Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Good-bye Guinea Pigs

With plans to put our house on the market, we needed to find a new home for our guinea pigs. The kids changed their names a few times the last couple of days and were sad to give them away, but Taylor and Dee were good sports and understanding about sending Tron and Fergy to a better home.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Rockport

Every year my grandparents go to Rockport, and this year my mom came too. We met them down there shortly after returning from Hawaii. The kids had a blast playing with my cousins, and it was a lot of fun watching the kids interact with Grammy.




Monday, June 27, 2011

Hawaii Misc.

Doesn't this look painful? The sunburn hurt more than body soreness after the race. We learned this lesson: Apply sunscreen more than once during the race.


Jacob wanted to zipline, and Bryce and I hadn't tried it before. We were driven into the countryside of Hawaii, and then ended in the jungle for the zipline.


We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the waterfall and ocean views.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Day 10: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Day 10 was our last day on the island. The kids had their choice of activities, and what do you think they chose? The Hot Pooh.


We were on the east side of the island and needed to get back to Kona, so we spent a few hours driving. We drove around the south point of the island so we could see the island in its entirety, and we loved it.


We promised the kids one more beach trip, so we stopped at a black sand beach to break up the drive.




We were walking back to the car, thinking that the trip had been everything we wanted...except one thing...we hadn't seen sea turtles. And then, sure enough, across the beach a ways we saw them resting on the beach.

Day 9: Hot Springs and Lava Tree State Park

One of the kids' favorite spots was a hot springs. Ocean water heated by lava steam vents.

We went three times in a 24-hour period. The first time was cold, second time was just right, and third time was even colder. The kids loved the place, and thanks to Dakota it received the nickname "Hot Poo."
Dakota was so adorable at Lava Tree State Park. She wanted to stand in front of every tree, smile, and have me take a picture. Here is one of about 20 that were taken.

Friday, June 10, 2011

More Volcano National Park

Grandma carried Dee on many hikes.

A closed road because of the 2003 lava flow.


Day 8: Tide Pools and Volcano National Park

Our new accommodations are a 2-minute walk from the tide pools.

Our first visit was rainy, so we'll have to try again, but Camryn was as happy as could be.


After the tide pools we ventured to Volcano National Park. Below is a crater and steam from the volcano.
Taylor was very excited to use a flashlight in the dark lava tube, our next destination.


The lighted lava tube...the dark one we didn't get pictures of.
The entrance to the lava tube.

Day 7: The Other Side of the Island

To break up the 3 hour drive to the other side of the island, we visited the Waipio Valley Lookout which is another black sand beach. Most of the group voted not to hike down, as it was rainy and misty. But despite the rain, we visited Akaka Falls and loved it. Jungle, rain forest, waterfalls...it is beautiful.
These trees looked like they might come to life, at least Taylor, Bryce, and I thought so.
Akaka Falls

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Day 6: Zipline and Black Sand Beach


We had to hike down to the beach, and then hike back up...the kids did great!

Zipline pics. to come...I need my cable.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Day 5

Church, temple, nature walk.







Taylor loved finding and collecting lava rocks. He gave one to everyone to carry home, and he brought home extras for Emily and Grandpa who aren't even in Hawaii.
Taylor and Dee found flowers for me and Camryn.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Day 4: My Ironman

Better and more pics. to follow, but here's a glimpse of today's Ironman 70.3. Hours of bike rides, runs, and swims...and he finished and loved it. 1.2 mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. Way to go Bryce!!!!
Nate and Bryce before the race.


Waiting for Bryce on the golf course. Our kids were great troopers, walking and waiting in the hot sun, especially Dee.


The bike was too fast for a snapshot, but we found him twice on the run and at the finish line. I couldn't believe how energetic he was at mile 7, and his finish was strong. Congratulations Bryce!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Day 3

Today a picture is going to have to be a thousand words because I have lots of pics and little time for words.




Taylor wanted to take a pic...and he did a great job!



Grandma joined us today, and the kids loved being buried in the sand at the beach.



Lots of pre-race stuff: mandatory athlete meeting, bike check-in, registration, etc.