What's happening in April

Now that Gavin has his color blind glasses we are going on all the hikes to soak in all the green we can see. We hiked to Pride Rock one afternoon. It's been a really long time since I hiked this one. But wow it's sure a beautiful one. We also hiked in town and did Wiliwilinui. I think this one is now my favorite hike on Oahu. It has just the right amount of steep and flat parts and has a perfect view of the North Shore and town! Gavin and I just went the two of us one afternoon. We practically had to run the trail because we weren't sure we would make it back down before the sunset. Well, turns out we had plenty of time. 

We also conquered the highest peak on Oahu Mount Ka'ala! We got up at the crack of dawn to try to beat the heat while hiking. We had Trent drop us off because this hike is known for car theft and smashed windows if you leave your car there.  This hike is over 10 miles long. We were hauling up the mountain. It's basically 2 miles of flat and then 3 miles straight up. The view from the top is horrible because the trees are so big. It's also on a military base you have to just hang out along the fence line at the top. Nonetheless, we conquered yet another hike! Gavin and Mya basically ran down the mountain. I have no idea how they can run with all the roots and sticks. I was impressed. 

We also both had mission friends come and visit the island. My trainer Annabelle Clawson came out. We hiking and crab hunting. It was nice to hang out together and catch up. It's been a while since we have seen each other but we picked off right where we left off. She is my favorite! Gavin had Perry come out and visit with his sisters! We hiked to Maunawili Falls and saw Pali lookout. He is sure a cheerful fella. This first time I've come to this waterfall and it wasn't pouring rain. Also one of my favorite member friends came to Oahu. Shauna Arrington! We could talk all day long. She is still rocking the blue hair.

What else? 

Well, Sarah and Anna got a new camera so we have been out taking tons of photos. Hawaii is just so beautiful to photograph. We also love getting dressed up for pictures. 

Gavin Mya and I signed up for the Polynesian dance class at BYUH online. The class ended up being one of my favorites that semester. Although I didn't think that the whole time... To be honest I am a very slow learner. And I felt like we were learning a dance a week. Also, instead of performing with the class we had to submit a video each week of our progress and final dance. It's much easier to fake it till you make it when you have a bunch of other people to hide behind or follow in a classroom. Nonetheless, Gavin was so awesome and helped me learn all the dances. Him and Mya are naturals. For our final, we had to perform all the songs in front of a crowd and make up our own dance that included dance moves from the previous dances we learned. We invited a bunch of friends to watch us perform at the beach. 
 
One of our favorite parts about the class was watching other students in the class dance. Along with the teacher giving us a grade our fellow classmates watched our videos and gave us feedback. Our favorite student was a man who clearly didn't spend one second practicing. We lost all strength when we saw his videos. He was usually sitting on the ground with the video demonstration in the background and following along way off cue. During his final, he had to have an audience. He chose his brother which was great. But his brother stood behind him. We could see him in the corner of the screen and he had his arms folded with a very straight face. Watching his brother trying to perform from the back. Oh man, the best part of the class! My favorite was learning about Tahiti and shaking my hips. We celebrated with cheesecake at the end of the semester. Also, still love the preschoolers! I taught them about Mexico and we colored panchos together!