Thursday, February 16, 2012

Lambert Reunion 2011

Shortly after moving into our apartment in Colorado Springs, we headed to Utah for a few weeks for some Lambert Family time. Sadly, we didn't bring our camera, so those of you who were there will have to use your memories, and those of you who weren't will have to use your imaginations.

We:
~ Rented a cabin at Sundance for 3 nights.
~ Swam in the hot tub.
~ Went on beautiful, scenic walks.
~ Rode the ski lift up the mountain, then hiked to Stewart falls and back.
~ Went to Deer Creek Reservoir where we swam and rode wave runners.
~ Went to Midway where we walked around the Homestead and explored the springs nearby.
~ Spent lots of time watching the kids play with their cousins, while the grown-up visited.

It was quite the get together with 17 adults and about 20 kids (I lose track after a while). Even after the official reunion was over, it seemed that every day we were all still getting together for various activities. It was the family reunion that just kept on going.

P.S. If any of you Lambert's have pictures, I would REALLY appreciate a copy :)

Thursday, January 19, 2012

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!

Monday, January 16, 2012

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.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Have I Ever Mentioned...

...what an incredible view that we have from our house? While looking for a house, we weren't necessarily looking for one with a fantastic view, but it sure has been a nice perk. This past month I have been trying to capture as much as I can of Hawaii with my camera from my back lanai. This first one is a panoramic, with no zoom.
I captured this beautiful sunrise one morning. I just love how the sun streams through the clouds in front of Diamond Head.
This is our view of Diamond Head, Honolulu and Waikiki. On Friday nights during the summer we can watch the fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
In this next picture, you can see a little of Pearl Harbor, even though most of it is obscured by the trees.
Here is a better picture of Pearl Harbor taken from our upstairs lanai.
Another gorgeous sunrise.
Even on a yucky day, we are still amazed at the view!
We feel so blessed to have lived in such a beautiful place. As we get ready to move on to Colorado, we will always have a special place in our hearts for Hawaii.

Friday, May 20, 2011

A House is Built with Boards and Beams...

A Home is Built with Love and Dreams.
In the midst of celebrating all of our March birthdays, Chris and I were able to get away for a week to start our house hunting in Colorado Springs. (A big thanks for Grandma Carol for watching the kids for us!) After looking for what seemed like a long time, we found our dream home, and decided to build it. We are beyond excited! It is everything we never knew we always wanted :)
Here I am standing on the lot we chose. In a few short months this is where our house will be standing. 
for any of you that may be interested in the specifics, here is a link to the house we are building :)

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Aloha Kriegers

Meet our dear friends, Bryan and Ellie Krieger. We met this family when we moved to Texas, and we were in the same ward. We instantly hit it off and have remained friends through the years. Bryan had a business trip here on Oahu for 2 weeks, so Ellie came to play too :) Working around Bryan's schedule wasn't too hard. His first day off we took them boating out in K-bay.
Bryan and Corynn trying their hand at kayaking.
Look at this handsome bloke. Even in need of a haircut, he is still a looker :)
Don't forget that sunscreen!
They stayed at the Marriott Ko'Olina Resort, down the hill from our house. They were kind enough to invite us over to play. The kids loved the resort pools, while I loved lounging, and catching up with a dear friend.

On their last day, us girls hiked up to the Makapu'u Lighthouse. The wind was ferocious and the skies a little cloudy, but at least it wasn't hot.
We had our binoculars out, looking for some whales. We saw a few spouts and tail flaps, but nothing too exciting. I guess since it was the end of whale season, we were lucky to even see that much action.
Time flies when having fun with friends. Their trip went by way too fast.