January 30, 2022

 What another beautiful week in Hawaii! The weather has been just amazing and Gavin and I have been spending so much time outside. On Monday we started off by doing the Pink Pillbox on West Side. The actual name of the hike is Pu'u O Hulu Pillbox. The reason it's nick-named as the pink one is because one is painted pink for breast cancer. 

The sunset on Westside is seriously so beautiful. You get the best view of the mountains and blue ocean from up top. We had Sarah and Anna come with us and we just laugh and laugh when we are together. I am sure going to miss these girls when I leave. While we were at the top there was another group of friends all huddled around this girl wearing skates. I guess she was going to skate up top on the pillbox? Anyways, her skates connected to her shoes. She puts her shoes on top of the skates and they clip on. That way she can wear whatever shoes she wants. Anyways, I thought it looked fun. The only problem is that she left a tool at home that will unclamp her shoes from the skates. She was asking if anyone had a long sharp object. I had no idea how she was going to get those off or hike down to the bottom with skates on her feet. 

As you can see from these pictures it was just a beautiful night up there.

On Tuesday we did the pillbox in Hauula. This hike is super chill and easy. There wasn't much of a view at the end because the trees were so big. It was just Gavin and I that went this hike. We just talked about our wedding and all our hopes and dreams the whole time. Super chill. I really love being in nature I feel like my mind is so much clear and I'm always happier when I come off a good hike. 

On Wednesday we did Waimea Falls. This hike is totally a tourist trap. Sam told the ticket lady we were Hawaiian so we didn't need to pay. I love that Sam works to keep the traditions and Hawaiin values going. It's not that it costs 20$ it's the fact that it is your Hawaiian right to be in the mountains. I just really appreciate Sam living the culture and making it exciting for others to do as well. 

On Thursday we went shopping to find Gavin some new shoes for his job! Of course, Macy's saved the day! He got some nice shoes to start his new job which is in 1 week. So crazy. I can't believe that he is going to leave the island and that I won't really see him until we are married. Besides the one weekend, I go visit him. Super exciting though that he is starting a new job and that he could be doing this for a long time! 

After we went to Chili's and to be honest I am never impressed with their food at all. It is icky and usually doesn't have much flavor. Also, why are restaurants always so cold? It makes me have to pee the whole time. On our way back we stopped at Safeway to look at their flowers. I think I am going to make some of my bridesmaid's bouquets for them from the flowers from Safeway. But of course, as soon as we walked in we had to pee so bad because of how cold it was. #classicgrocerystores

On Friday Gavin and I had a date night. We hadn't really ever gotten all dressed up for a date night before so we decided to today. We went to PF Changs because that is our favorite noodle place and they don't have that in Kauai. After we got the world's biggest pieces of chocolate cake. Man, it was yummy! 

On Saturday we went crazy and did two hikes! Diamond Head and Makapu'u Light House. We did one right after the other. We are trying to fit everything in that Gavin hasn't done before he leaves next Saturday. Which I am depressed about. But also super excited for him. We ended by looking at our wedding announcements that came in the mail and having a BBQ dinner at Sams with everyone. Best of times for sure. What an awesome week! 

Right now both Gavin and I are praying that we will find a place to live. Gavin moves out in 6 days... so we need a home. Hoping for lots of miracles here so we can ship our cars and everything else so we can start our lives together in Kauai. 

Dates with Gavin 2022

 Well, this week was exciting! On Monday I waited anxiously for Gavin to land back on Oahu. We haven't seen each other since Utah on New Years Day so it's been a while. We had so much fun that day. We went into Waikiki to Markame Udon noodle. Usually, the line is out the door so I haven't ever wanted to go but today there was no line. I was super impressed with everything about this place. 

We also were able to catch up on our favorite show this week This is Us. Gavin and I love watching shows together and we have been looking forward to the last season. 

We went on a really pretty hike in Kaneohe with Sam Jansen and their sweet baby. We hiked Pu'u Melemele. It was beautiful! Gavin and I rode his motorcycle there. It was a beautiful day the only thing with riding a motorcycle is that my bottom kills from riding on the back after 20 minutes. We pretty much had the whole hike to ourselves and the view was so beautiful. We could see from Kualoa all the way to Mokes in  Kailua. Gah, I can't believe that I actually live here sometimes. The beauty here still amazes me. The blue water and green mountains help me feel so much peace and God's love. I truly thank God every day for the opportunities that he has given me.  

On Thursday I got my stitches removed from my mouth. Honestly, it feels so good to have those things out. My dentist was telling me about teeth whitening tips. He said that a lot of people buy the blue light retainers that light up. He says people think that the light makes their teeth whiter when in reality the light is supposed to heat up up a gel in the retainer that will stain your teeth. But studies have shown that the light heating up damages your teeth. So now people just put the tray that lights up in their mouth. Anyways, we were laughing about this, and when we got back to Gavin's place that night one of his roommates was using the blue light tray in his mouth. When he took it out everyone wanted to see his teeth. But sadly they aren't going to make his teeth any whiter. 

After Gavin treated me to shopping and dinner. Wow did we have a good time? We went to the Kapolei outlets and only went to two stores but I spent hours in one trying basically everything on. I ended up getting this beautiful red dress. I LOVE it! Everything about it! The way it fits, color, and style. I feel so beautiful in it. I also got this really pretty high-waisted skirt with a white crop top. After our purchases, I changed for dinner. We ate at Cheesecake Factory! Right, when I walked in someone commented on my beautiful dress. Bars! 

Gavin threw a big party at his house on Saturday night. The point of the party was to laugh and roast one another. Everyone came with a PowerPoint presentation we ate pizza and enjoyed making fun of another. 

Also, Sarah and Anna took our engagement photos this week! Gah, I love them so much! Gavin and I have been working super hard planning a wedding. We are super excited to have it, Tradewinds Rach, in Hauula. We went and toured the place and I just fell in love with it! We are getting super excited to get married and start our lives together. Here are some of my favorite photos! 

January Highs 2022

This week I was able to get back into my routine after the holidays. It sure felt nice to have busy days and to be back around the kids. 

When I first walked into the school the Star class saw me and ran up to give me a big hug. They were so excited to see me. One of my favorite students Mana was smiling super big. I asked him how he was doing and he said "Aunty I know that you have a boyfriend" and he ran off. It was so cute. And YES I do have a boyfriend but he is now my fiance! And I miss him a lot. 

This week I started working on my paint by numbers that I ordered back in September for General conference. But it took 4 months to ship because it came from China. It's very detailed and very small. I've been catching up on This is Us episodes and just enjoying all the free time I have with no class or homework. Seriously feels so good. 

On Friday I was at the beach with Stacy when we decided we wanted to visit Jansen and Kaiwiola. When we got to her house she was standing in the corner holding the baby sweating and screaming out of control. She saw a huge spider on the ceiling and started freaking out. She hates spiders. I was pretty freaked out to kill the spider because it was HUGE and so fast. But I couldn't let Jansen and baby down so Stacy and I worked as a team and killed it. Jansen was so relieved. 

Once the spider was gone and we got our act together we decided to go to Roys Beach House for dinner. I had never been to Roys only because it's super expensive. But Stacy gets half off and free appetizers and desserts. 

Roys has such a fun vibe. It's outside/inside but you can hear the waves crashing and we watched the sunset over our beautiful Island. We had such a fun girl's night. Stacy's boy was golfing, Jansen's husband was running errands and my Gavin was in Colorado. So it was super fun to be together and catch up. 

On Saturday the weather was beautiful. So sunny and warm. I went to Hukilau beach and read my book and swam. After I rounded up a bunch of my friends for a hike up Pride Rock. This hike is seriously so beautiful. The group that came was Sarah, Anna, Jaden, Izzy, Heather, Sam, Jansen, Kaiwiola, Braden, Maddie and I! It was a pack! We took our time going up the mountain and just chatted about anything and everything. I really do have the greatest friends here on Oahu. I just can't believe that I will be leaving this place soon. I just think of all the wonderful memories I have had everywhere on the island and the amazing people I have met. I was just feeling super grateful for the blessings I have received and the time that I have been able to spend here. 

The night ended with watching the Harry Potter 10 year reunion at the twin's place. I feel like the Harry Potter movies were a big part of my childhood. The end of a wonderful week! 

How I saw God in my life this week was defiantly through nature. I saw a beautiful sunset and really felt so close to him while I was hiking. I think one of the tender mercies this week was on Friday. All-day I really wanted popcorn. I just felt like chomping on some popcorn. But didn't get around to making it because I was so busy. Anyways, I stopped by the boy's house in Laie to drop off some hot dogs and Kat was there and offered me a big bag of popcorn. It made my night and was just the taste I was looking for. God really is mindful of all my needs. 

Gum Graft and Grandma Donna!

On Monday it was my Grandma Donna's 75 Birthday! To celebrate my dad booked lunch for us at the Globes in Midway. We sure had fun listening to music and enjoyed the warmth inside. My grandma got a slice of pink cake that looked so yummy. I asked the waiter if I could buy a piece and she said that It was only for birthday people. I guess that's one way to make Birthday people feel really special on their special day. 

In early December I woke up one morning to a throbbing pain in my mouth. I have had my dentist tell me multiple times that part of my bottom gum is super thin. Because of this, I would need a gum graft. Well, when I was up and felt the pain I knew that that day was coming soon. I couldn't schedule an appointment in Hawaii until the end of January and that was just for the consultation. So my parents ended up finding me an appointment in Utah beginning of January. I didn't mind because that meant I could spend a few more days of my holiday break with my family before jumping back into life in Hawaii. 

So I got my gum graft and when I woke up from the surgery I saw my mouth full of blood. They put a retainer over my teeth but it was just filling with blood. I was getting quite nauseous swelling all the blood and seeing it all over my teeth. 

My recovery has been a little bit more difficult than I thought it was going to be. I have to keep my plastic retainer on or my tongue scrapes the raw blood clot on top of my mouth. If I take it out it the hole starts bleeding again. If I take it out to eat then food could get stuck up there. So I just keep my guard in and drink smoothies. My bottom gums have stitches in them that are going to be there for 15 days! I'll have to find someone in Hawaii to take them out. 

I think the same day as the surgery the Alternation lady called who was working on my wedding dress. She said that my dress is almost done and ready to be tried on. So we went back down the canyon to put it on. The dress is PERFECT for me. It's just what I pictured. It has flowy sleeves and a slight v-neck. It's less flowy than I thought but I like that it looks a little bit more fitted. The dress doesn't drag and just looks really nice on me. I am so excited that I said YES to a dress. 

The rest of the week I spent at home napping and watching movies. We all got the omicron over the weekend and I don't think I have quite recovered. I finished a puzzle with Callie, put together a list of wedding invites and addresses. Made some wedding plans, and watched 4 of the Mission impossible. Wow, Tom Cruise can run and run. 

Also, this week my favorite TV show came back on. The Amazing Race!! I am so excited for a new season. We all waited around all day for it to start. It's always good to see Phil and his show. 

I was eager to get back to Hawaii mostly because I've had a month-long break. I took off on December 10th for Graduation and haven't been on schedule or at work since then. So I am ready to get back in the groove. 

My dad dropped me off at the Airport and I waited to check my bags and went to my gate only to find out my flight had been canceled. The airlines were able to get me a hotel room and because of the reschedule I got to go see Hamilton with my and sister along with several of my Aunties and cousins. 

I haven't seen Hamilton and knew nothing about the show but I ended up loving the production and had a fun night in SLC with my family. 

The next day I made the long trek back to Hawaii. It felt a little bit different landing this time, I think it's because this is only going to be my home for a couple more months. It feels weird knowing I've done what I came here to do. I can't believe that I graduated and that I am off to a new start in Kauai with the love of my life soon. It is definitely becoming more real that I am leaving this place that has been home to more for the past 2 and half years. I was just feeling all the feels when I landed. Here is the start of a new year with new adventures ahead! 

Where dreams come true

IRELAND! 

Back in September Gavin and I went crazy and bought tickets to Europe for Graduation! We just love any excuse we can get to travel. 

We left HNL the same night at my parents. We both had a red eye flight to different parts of the world.

 

Getting to Ireland with being sore from a marathon was the most uncomfortable thing. But we survived! We met up with Kadee who arrived the night before in Ireland. Once we landed we drove straight to the Cliffs of Moher. We loved that our rental car was the tiniest thing in the world. I can't believe we all squished in it. We called her Wee-bit. 

Ireland is very country. We drove for probably 4 hours to get to the other side of the country. This place  is lush with so many green fields and sheep. There weren't any highways that we were on when we were driving around. Instead we were zipping around the tiniest towns. When we got to the cliffs of Moher I asked the man how the weather was up there and he said quite warm and nice. I don't know what he was thinking because it was seriously 40 degrees. I was freezing. But the cliffs were amazing and because we went right before they closed we were the only ones there! 

We drove a few more hours to a huge house we were staying in for the night. We were so tired from flying and driving all day we literally crashed and slept for 12 hours.. We woke up the next morning 4 minutes before the maid was going to come and clean the Airbnb.

The next day we drove to Londonderry to explore the wall! On our way we stopped at the Dark Hedge and Giants Causeway. Both were very beautiful places. This country is basically just a road trip with sigh seeing along the way. We stopped at Primart one night to get warmer clothes. And by that I mean I needed warmer clothes. While we were there we saw the some Micky snuggies which actually looked really warm. We decided to buy them to be matching for Disneyland Paris. 

Ireland was a lot of driving and pulls of to see beautiful cliffs, castles, and landscape. I am so glad that Kadee came with because she is one of my good friends and I don't get to see her very much. 

The last night we saw the new Spiderman movie in theaters. It was the movies opening night in theaters and every theater was sold out. We ended up getting a show time for 11 pm. I was so tired that I only saw about 4 minutes of it. But everyone else loved it! 

After we drove to our Airbnb and it was the tiniest place ever. It looked nothing like the pictures online. It was so tiny that Mya, Kadee and I shared a queen bed and Gavin slept on the twin mattress. The house was freezing and I mean freezing.. But we woke up 4 hours later in a pile of sweat. With all of us girls in the bed we got so toasty. We had to get up really early to catch our flight to Belgium. Kadee left to London so she could see the temple and was going to meet back up with us in Paris. While Gavin, Mya and I flew to Belgium. This was probably the most stressful moment of my life... The airport was packed and I mean packed. Mya had to end up paying 50$ for her bag because it was too big.. We rushed to the security to find it a mile long. We were already pushing our gate time. When my bag got flagged. The lady was taking for ever and was inspecting every little thing. I told her she could just throw away everything in the bag because I needed to go. She said that wasn't allowed. I was not to rush her but wait. I swear I thought we were going to miss our flight. I told Mya to run and get on the plane and not wait for us because I didn't want anyone missing the flight because of me. Once the lady threw away every bottle of product I had we had to run. Our plane had 5 minutes left of boarding. Gavin and I were running through the airport. Imagine that scene from home alone where the McAllister family is running through the busy airport at Christmas time. That was us. In fact I think I might have heard Run Run Rudolph in the back ground. Anyways because we travel for so cheap our  gate was a mile after security. We had on all our coats and sweatshirts because we didn't want our bags to look to big. We were sprinting and my bag was open still and Gavin was running barefoot. None the less we literally made it with 4 seconds to spare. #blessed 

Once we landed in Belgium we were pulled aside by an officer. He told us that if we couldn't show proof of a negative covid test taken with in the last 48 hours we were to be detained at the airport for 10 days. WHAT... We were freaking out and asked him when this rule started and he said this morning. Panic set it at this point. None of us had a valid covid test. Ours was all from a week earlier and was a rapid one.. We saw some other people in the room made out of concrete. My guess was that they were detained. Their was one cot and florescent lights. No ways was I going to spend my holiday here. We ended up pulling out our old covid tests and crossing our fingers the guy wouldn't notice the date. The guy was looking at them one at a time zooming in on the date and time. He would look at us, the look at the date, look back at us. He approved of Myas then Gavins and was staring at mine for a long time. He even left the room with my phone. My heart was beating so fast I thought I was going to die. When all the sudden he said you are ALL good to go. We grabbed our bags and ran out of there so fast. 

Belgium was our destination for one day. We basically came for the Christmas markets and food. We wanted to eat fries and Waffles and enjoy the markets. And we we did just that. Our luck kept getting better because our hostel was a brand new one and it was their opening week! Because of this the front desk agent told us we could stay for free and get free breakfast! wow! We shared the room  with 2 other random guys. They were nice and super eager to get to know us. I ended up stealing his cashmere scarf the next morning... Thinking it was mine.. I felt so bad.   

Belgium definitely is one of those cute Europe cities. It has the cobble stone streets, orange stone walls and yummy food. We were walking around and Gavin found one of the pit stops from a season of the Amazing race! We also saw the Atomium in Belgium. It was freezing when I was here. FREEZING. We all had on chaco puffs for the trip my toes were the only things that were warm. We ended the night with more fries and waffles! Gavin was so nice and bought a homeless man some warm fries. Belgium, we loved you! 

PARIS

Our next city was Paris! Gavin has been dreaming of Paris since he was a child. He grew up doing French emersion so when we decided to go to Europe he knew he needed to put Paris as top priority. We decided to get covid tests anyways in Belgium just to be save. Our flight to Paris was early that next morning. We were at the airport so early we had time to watch this Lizard show that being broadcasted on the wall about 12 times.. The joy of waiting in airports. 

When we landed in Paris it was freezing. Our luck just got better because we our shuttles that was going to take us into the cities credit card machine was broken. Because of this we saved the 20$. Yippe! We landed in the shopping district. From here we walked to our Hostel to drop off our bags so we could start to explore the city. Our first stop was breakfast. We ate yummy pastries, cuishe, and hot coco! Our first stop was the Louvre! We walked around the grounds and took pictures from the outside. When we came around the corner that is when we saw the Eiffel tower! Half of it was covered in the clouds so we could only see the bottom but it was still so exciting! After we walked Across Lockheart bridge where Gavin and I locked our hearts to the bridge and threw the key into the water. 

Paris is really just a stunning city. The buildings, food, and people are just some of the best parts of it. I couldn't believe that I was here again. I never thought I would have the chance to come back and yet here I was with the love of my life. So much to be grateful for. Last time I was here we some how just stumbled our way to the Eiffel tower. But today I knew I wanted to take Mya and Gavin the same way I went the first time. I like doing it this way because you go down the street by the cannel and when you turn the corner you see the Eiffel tower. I caught Gavin and Myas reaction on video and it was so sweet. Both of them were crying. The Eiffel tower really is so amazing and beautiful. We spent the next serval hours just walking around her staring at it. Literally hours. We just couldn't stop. I see why everyone wants to see the Eiffel tower because she is really such a gem. After hours of taking pictures and walking around the grounds we stopped for some Pasta and waited for Kadee to join us.

That night at our hostel we had the strangest roommates. I am pretty sure one of the ladies was homeless and the other gal was 80 years old and was quite the snorer. Good thing I have my ear plugs ;) 

The next morning we went to see the Palace of Versailles. We got lost on the metro and didn't think we would make. French people can be quite rude I think they gave us the wrong directions on purpose. None the less we made it! We couldn't go inside because of Covid but honestly the grounds were amazing. 2,000 acers of just beauty. I could defiantly tell this building was a display of the kings wealth and power. My favorite part of the palace were the statues. Seriously the amount of detail, size, and quantity was mind blowing. We spent some time walking around the gardens. Once we got to cold we walked to the Paris France temple while we waited for lunch reservations at a near by crepe shop. 

The Paris temple was totally different than what I was expecting. I pictured it sitting more on a hill or taller but it blended in so well with the neighbor hood. The ground were open so we were able to walk around and take some pictures. I always like seeing temples around the world 

The crepe shop was absolutely amazing! France knows how to do crepes they are yummy, savory, sweet and really cheap! We warmed up in the cozy shop before heading aback to the Eiffel tower! This time we wanted to go top of it. We walked up half way before taking the Elevator all the way to the top. Gavin and Mya were facetiming Loana. She joined as we climbed to the top. 

It was so beautiful and fun up there we made it to the top just in time to see the sun set from the top. We watched the city come to life and city lights take over the day light. We had so much at the top of the tower. We were up there on the hour when the lights twinkle which makes the Eiffel tower more magical than ever. We were able to see that from the top and the ground. We decided to watch it glisten from across the street by the capitol building. We had so much fun just watching it glisten. Seriously so magical!! Gavin and I shared a little kiss under the lights. Paris we love you! 

The next day we woke up bright and early to head to DISNEY PARIS! The Bakers are HUGE Disney fans. And I mean huge. We got the most amazing pastries at a shop before heading over to the park. We waited inline outside with a huge group of people waiting to get it. Unfortunately we had to wear our masks. Which wasn't horrible because it was freezing and it did help keep my face warm. 

Anyways, we were some of the first ones in the park! We were running all over that park in our Mickey Snuggies. It was hilarious. The park it's self was a lot smaller than the one in Anaheim. They had a really cute main street USA still with all the yummy food. A lot of the rides were the exact same as well. Indian Jones was an outside roller coast on tracks like you were in the mines. That ride was so fun but my face basically froze off. We decide to get a park hopper because we weren't sure when we would be back. The other park is called Walk Disney Studios. It had Tower of Terror, Slink dog, Ratatouille, and a fun cars show! We were able to basically do everything twice because of the size of the park! Gavin and Mya went till midnight running around. While Kadee and I  stopped to get some food and shop. We loved the Castle and fun vibe of Paris Disney! Everything was in French which made it fun. They had a color/firework show above the castle that was so AMAZING! All the Disney songs were playing in French who ever was singing had the most incredible voice. They literally made me cry. We had so much at the park! Disney really is such a magical place. We also saw someone wearing the same Mickey hoodie we were! In face everyone loved the Mickey Snuggie. We kept getting asked where we got them from. Who knew they would be such a hit? 

We went home exhausted and went straight to bed. I swear when I go on Vacation I never sleep. There is just so much to do and see. We got up early the next morning for baguettes and breakfast items before heading back to the city. Once there we saw the Notre Dome and arch of Triumph. We said goodbye to the Eiffel tower and packed our bags so that we could get back to the USA for Christmas! 

Je t'aime Paris et au revior (I love you Paris and goodbye)