Grandpa & Beverly's Visit

One of the great things about living in fun places is that everyone wants to come visit you! We had a fun visit from my Grandpa and his new wife, Beverly. They flew out from Salt Lake City and spent a few days with us. They were unlucky enough to get here during one of the coolest, rainiest weeks we have had since we moved here, but we didn't let that stop us from showing them a good time. I wasn't very good at taking pictures while they were here, but we had fun together. We toured Waikiki and did some shopping, visited the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Dole Plantation, and of course spent some time at the beach.

 We went to a farmers market and picked out a new fruit to try together. This one was a chico fruit. It was super sweet and pretty tasty.

After church on Sunday, we took them for a walk on the Air Force base and went to the Missing Man monument. There is a really pretty path along the water there.

Slightly distressed?

Missing Man Monument

Freedom from the stroller!

We are so grateful that Grandpa and Beverly came to visit and that we had a chance to get to know Beverly a little better. We love you!

Diamond Head Beach

As we were pondering what to do one Saturday morning, we realized we have never climbed Diamond Head crater, which is one of the most popular hikes on the island. However, we were a little bit late getting up that morning, and by the time we got to Diamond Head the parking lot was full. We decided to tour Diamond Head the lazy way by driving around the bottom. The view was beautiful, and we decided to stop and explore when we saw people carrying surf boards and apparently headed down the hill to a beach.

 This beach was such a fun discovery! It was beautiful, not at all crowded, and there was a great view. 

 There was even a lighthouse.

 Sarah was super excited to see the water and couldn't wait to get in.  

She was dancing and splashing in the puddles.

Spontaneous, unexpected adventures are our favorite!

Fun at Grandma's, Lots of Snuggling, & Sarah's 1st ER Visit

The day after Christmas, we said goodbye to Kelson's family and drove back to Baker. It was the most peaceful drive ever. Sarah snuggled up with her new blankie and slept for almost 4 straight hours while we enjoyed an audio book. It was a beautiful thing.

We sent Kelson back home so that he could return to work, and Sarah and I stayed behind to enjoy an extra 10 days with my family. Unfortunately, influenza attacked my parents' house, and we all fell victim. I didn't get too sick, but Sarah was absolutely miserable.

 After 2 days of getting progressively worse, we finally took her to the ER, where she received an official influenza diagnosis. She was very tired of being poked and prodded by the time we got done. This illness seemed to create a new fear of anyone touching her, especially to take her temperature. Thermometers are terrifying. 

 I literally did nothing but hold Sarah 24 hours a day for 4 days straight. I love snuggles, but it was a little bit exhausting. It was also just sad to see her so sick. It was nice when she would let Grandma take a turn. Grandmas are the best. 

 We were all thrilled when Sarah was finally up to running around and causing trouble again. We all got tired of pulling her off the stairs, so Grandpa built her a baby gate. Sarah was grateful for the fun toy. The design needed a little work.

 Sarah did a little hanging out with Aunt Katy too. 

 While we hadn't planned on spending most of our time in Baker being sick, we were still glad to have the time with family. It was a great moment when Sarah and I got on the airplane and she started smiling and eating handfuls of cheerios. My happy girl was back. 

Yay for happy babies!