Roadtrip!

Chris' little Corolla arrived in port just in time for us to check out of our Disney hotel, and begin our road trip. I was so excited to get out on the open road. In Hawaii the longest drive we could ever take was a drive around the island, and that only took an hour and a half. The only downside is that all 5 of us (plus all of our luggage and stroller) had to squish in Chris' little car for the 10 hour drive to Utah. Thank goodness for good electronics to keep all the kiddos entertained. 

Once we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Utah, one of the first things we did was go car shopping. The next 10 hour leg to Colorado was going to be in luxury :) We were dead set on a Toyota Sequoia, but after renting an SUV in Hawaii for 2 months before the move, we realized we weren't ready to give up a mini van. Chris and I realized we still needed the sliding door, and captain's chairs. We decided on the Toyota Sienna. We LOVE it. Even if it is uncool to drive a Mormon Mom-mobile :) Masen was the first to "drive" our new van.

While in Utah we met up with the Bennett Boys (minus Jim) and my 2 sister-in-laws. I just love my brothers, and their wives. I always wanted a sister growing up, and my brothers married the perfect girls to be my sisters :)

Our last day in Utah happened to be Father's Day, so we took the best Father ever up to Sundance for lunch. It was co-old. Only 50 degrees. But it was beautiful! Sundance is probably my favorite place in all of Utah. 

Next stop....Colorado!

Disneyland 2011

While waiting for our car to be shipped to California, we decided to stay at Disneyland for a week. Since we didn't have a car we decided to stay on property at the Grand Californian. It was fabulous! I love the Magic Hour early entry, and I love the private entrance to California Adventure Park.

This was Masen's first time to any theme park, and he loved it. It is so much fun to watch his amazement. 

Just a quick side note. You would think that southern California would be hot in June, but no. It was COLD. Especially to those of us used to Hawaii's weather.

The Incredibles was Dallin's favorite movie when he was little.

I realized how old I'm getting when It's a Small World ended up being one of my favorite rides :)

Prince Masen sitting on his throne, aka, Dad's shoulders.

Masen is obsessed with bubbles, so when he saw this bubble gun, we knew we had to get it for him. It kept him entertained for many hours while the big kids went on rides he couldn't.

Corynn and Dallin chose light up wizard hats as their souvenirs. 

Masen was a little afraid of Rafiki (?)

Dallin and Corynn love the character meals. Here is Koda from Brother Bear, one of my personal favorites.

We had so much fun family time. We are already planning our next Disney adventure.

Farewell Hawaii

It has been a wonderful three years in Hawaii. We've made many memories and friends, and we will really miss this paradise.

Here is our Aloha O'e at church. For those of you not familiar with the tradition, at the end of the church service they call onto the stand the person/people who are leaving. They sing the song Aloha O'e while everyone brings leis to them. The first time I witnessed this, I was totally unprepared and ended up crying like a baby for someone I didn't even know. Yes, the song is that powerful. So, when it was our turn I couldn't stop the waterworks. There are such GOOD people here. We will miss our Palehua Ward Ohana.

As the movers packed up our house, we stayed at a resort down the hill from our house. Good-bye Ko'Olina. We will miss you!

 The next 10 days were spend in Waikiki while Chris signed out of work, and we shipped our car. In general I don't enjoy the hustle and bustle busy energy of Waikiki, but we make the most of our last few days here. We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village where we enjoyed the beach, pools and shopping. I was lucky everything was within walking distance for the days Chris needed the rental car.

Aloha O'e, Hawaii.