For Anita’s 28th birthday, she decided to throw a big party on Oahu! This girls’ weekend ended up being sooo much fun. There were 11 of us that flew in from Kauai! The only person we were missing was Madi! She had already committed to being Tall Alice in her school’s play before we planned this, so sadly she couldn’t make it. But nonetheless, the party didn’t stop!
We stayed at an Airbnb right in Laie. For some of the girls, it was their very first time on the island! Anita and I couldn’t help but reminisce about all our good memories here. Oahu will always have such a special place in my heart. It’s my favorite island hands down.
Of course, the trip started with a run! Ellie and Jess tagged along, and running in Laie is seriously the best. It’s flat, it’s beautiful, and it's so nostalgic. I’ve run those roads hundreds of times it felt amazing to be back.
After our run, we hit up a craft market on the east side of the island. We had the best time shopping, and I think every single one of us left with something new. I’d been on the hunt for a sunrise shell necklace forever, and I finally found the perfect one with all the girls hyping me up I couldn't resist! I also couldn’t get over the flower-shaped claw clips, literally so freaking cute! I got one for my mom for Mother’s Day. Shells and flowers are having their moment in Hawaii right now. I don’t know if it’s the same on the mainland, but here? WE ARE OBSESSED!
After the market, we stopped at Ono Yo on the North Shore, but I had to sneak over to Tina’s Boba, my fave! Then it was off to Keiki’s Beach for a long day of sun and swimming. We were there for hours just chatting, laughing, and telling the stories of how we all met our spouses. I was seriously surprised at how fast some of my friends fell in love!
Now for some drama! I had forgotten my swimsuit bottoms back at the house, and was so sad when I realized they weren’t in my bag. Luckily, Hannah had an extra pair… but they were way cheekier than what I usually wear. I mean, it was a girls’ trip on Oahu, so I tried to roll with it, but this was definitely a new feeling for me. Of course, the more I tried to hide my white bum, the more everyone noticed and commented on it. It turned into quite the scene!
That night we ended with burgers from Seven Brothers and a group game of Monikers. We always get ridiculously silly with this game especially during the acting rounds. No one held back, and we were laughing until we cried. I love this group so much.
The next morning, we got Bonzai Bowls for breakfast and spent the whole afternoon at Waimea Bay. We jumped off the rock and bullied the shy ones into doing it too chanting their names and getting the entire beach involved. It worked. No one said no!
Afterward, we got Thai food and wandered around Haleiwa, just talking and talking. You can imagine the level of fun when 11 girls are on island without any spouses or kids pure paradise. We also probably said the word "cute" a hundred times each. Anytime someone bought something, we would all say CUTE! Or each morning as we came out of our room, we would all say cute hair, cute bag, cute swimming suit etc. You get it. We were being cute this trip!
Everyone else flew home, but I stayed behind to meet up with Vickie, who had just flown in from Alaska! We crashed at the twins' house while they were still in Paris with Ava.
We met up with Sam and Jan for ice cream, watched the Gabby Petito documentary (so creepy... why do I love crime shows so much?!), relaxed at Turtle Bay, napped, hit the food trucks, it was the best time.
BUT... every single night, we heard a baby crying. Like, all night long. It was so strange because the landlord had told us the rental above was empty. Weeks later, I told Sarah and Anna about the baby noises, and they were like, “Oh, that’s the sea birds.” Apparently, it was mating season, and there was a nest under the deck. I COULD NOT believe that a sea bird could sound exactly like a baby crying!
On our last day, we rode the bus into town to shop and hang out at the beach. Vickie was soaking up every second of sunshine Alaska winters are no joke. We took the bus all the way to Ala Moana and didn’t even run into any weirdos. I always kind of like the bus weirdos. Always makes for a good story. My last bus experience was quite interesting. Someone on the bus kept pushing the "stop the bus" button and the driver was going blastic over this. He'd pull over and with his fist in the air threaten that he wouldn't move till the person confessed. I looked around to see everyone else glued to their phone or something out the window. Not even phased by the threat.
We were dreading dragging our backpacks around, but we found this tiny nail salon that would hold them for $5 a day. You better believe we dropped those bags off so fast. It felt amazing to be free!
We shopped for hours, and I was obsessed with my pink backpack and hair clip. Anytime I saw a three-way mirror, you know I had to sneak a look. So. Freaking. Cute.
We ended the day with beach time, but I was paranoid about my bag. Oahu is notorious for stolen beach bags, and mine had all my new treasures in it. So while we were swimming, I kept asking Vickie if she could still see my pink bag. Should would reply she could see if it was a mile away because it was so bright!
I also found the cutest dress at my favorite little boutique Lani Kai Beach. Their Hawaiian dresses are bright, fun, and colorful! Which are all my favorite things. I wanted to get six but settled on one: a purple one with big flowers. Literally so cute. On the bus ride back, I kept unzipping my bag just to admire it. I couldn’t believe it was mine!
We wrapped up the night with Olive Garden (because obviously), and I just felt so full of food, memories, and gratitude. Catching up with Vickie made my heart so happy. We reminisced on our high school days and couldn’t believe where life has taken us. It reminded me how important it is to dream big and then make those dreams a reality. May ended with so much pickleball. Our whole friend group is OBSESSED. Every Tuesday we hit the courts, and the girls are always showing up in new matching sets it’s a whole vibe. Sometimes we get all four courts to ourselves and play King’s Court, switching partners and battling it out. I’m hands-down the worst player, so I’m usually in the peasant spot... but honestly? I’m there for the social part and the cute outfits. Moving around is just a bonus.
We’re super sad because David and Kassidy are leaving the island. Kassidy and I served in YWs together, and I actually met her before Gavin and I were even married. We had a big goodbye Bunco night and it was SO fun. We all left with goofy prizes and even goofier memories. I truly love our island friends they’ve become our family.
One of the biggest highlights of this season has been sharing the gospel with some of the girls at work. One of them is Faye, and we always have the best conversations. She’s humble, curious, and genuinely searching for truth. She told me she wanted to turn her life around but didn’t know where to start. I suggested the Bible, and for the past nine months, we’ve been studying the New Testament together every week on Zoom! We read verses, I share my favorite scriptures, and it's become one of my favorite things I do. Faye’s life has completely transformed and now she’s invited like seven other people to join our Zooms! She’s amazing. We even had a Jesus painting night at Courtney’s house, and it was so fun just painting and talking about Christ all evening. He truly is my source of light and joy.
This month was full of sun, friends, faith, and fun. I just feel so grateful. For the adventures, for the people I love, and for the simple reminders that this life is so beautiful.
