Hawaiian Paradise:Day 3

Hi girls!

Today was a busy day!  We went to church this morning at Heidi and Nate's ward.  And guess what happened!?  My dress's zipper broke at church!  Oh no!  So I had to borrow  a dress from Heidi's house.  It was yellow and very pretty.  I think you would have liked it.  After church, we headed over to Pearl Harbor.
Many years ago, before Grandma and Grandpa Hicken were born, some airplanes attacked navy battleships in a place called Pearl Harbor.  They killed many, many sailors and marines (people who fight to protect our freedoms...kind of like the Nephites fighting to preserve their liberties).  Many of the ships were completely destroyed, including one called the USS Arizona.  It sunk, killing 1600 or more people.  Later, a memorial was built to honor those who lost their lives in preserving our freedoms, and that's what we saw today.  We even got to ride out on a boat to see the memorial.  That was cool.

At the museum at Pearl Harbor waiting for our tour session

Picture of the Year--obviously, it was a windy day.

So hard for this family to be serious

The names of those killed on the USS Arizona

There was a swamp in the middle of this field.  No one can resist trying to push Nicho in.

The USS Missouri.  It was badly damaged in the attack, but they fixed it and continued to use it.

This funky bird looks a lot like a cardinal.  Time to Google it...

After Pearl Harbor, we went on a long drive all the way around the island.  We saw beautiful trees and flowers, gorgeous beaches, and lots of people swimming and surfing.  We went to a place called Pali Lookout where it was so windy, it blew Amanda's dress all over the place.  It was very funny. 

 The drive was beautiful, and it was extra fun because of the cars we were in.  Oddly enough, we were able to meet up with Daddy's aunt and uncle, Diane and Farrell, on the road.  It was great to see them!

This is how pineapple grows.  Who knew?  (Besides the Hawaiians, that is)

We were almost to Heidi's house when the traffic slowed down so much that we were hardly moving.  We finally found out what was making everyone drive so slowly: there were two large sea turtles on the beach and everyone was slowing down to see them.  So silly! 

We got to Heidi and Nate's house and had a fantastic dinner with their family.  It was so fun to play with Kezia, Ivy, Elysse and baby Soul.  They can't wait to see you at the reunion in June!  We went over to the ocean and sat/stood on the beach for a long time.  It was wonderful.

Nate, the gourmet chef, made a fantastic dinner.  It was so delicious!  And we were so hungry, too.

The best part of the trip?  Spending 8 days with Braden with no other responsibilities.  Aahhh.

Heidi and Nate live across the street from the beach.

Nicho found a coconut and was inspired by the Samoan at the PCC and just ripped that thing open with his bare hands.  Then they found a rock and cracked open the coconut, then passed around pieces to eat.

Braden is such a great uncle.  He is always playing with our nieces and nephews.  I love that about him, and so do they!

Nicho was also inspired by the Samoan tree climber.  Nothing would be the same without Nicho!  We love him!

Now we're back at our house and we're so tired.  It is wonderful to be here, but we sure miss you!  Grandma tells us that you are having a great time and that you are so well behaved.  She also told us about your bed in the drawer, Taryn.  What a fun idea! 
Thank you for being so wonderful!  We're proud of you and love you!
mom and dad