We're Feeling Homesick Already!

Friday- after the bus ride....we came home and had boiled potatoes, corn, and fresh pineapple.  We were all tired from the long day.  

Saturday-the Swap Meet.  It's the only place to buy things that are affordable.  We loved it and it's huge!  We only got through 1/4 of it.  It circles the stadium.

The most exciting part was running into my cousin, her husband, and her daughter.  They are visiting cousins that live on the island.  My cousin is from Southern California and to run into her at the swap meet in Hawaii is pretty neat.  Her mom will be joining us on Tuesday.  We can't wait to see you Aunt Teddie.

After the swap meet we went to see Jason's work.  He works on Ford Island.  As you go over the bridge to get to the island you can see the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri.  It's an amazing site.  You can drive along the pathways where the Pearl Harbor Naval Air Station once had planes coming and going off the island.  

That evening the kids took a dip in the pool and discovered a dead crab in the bottom of the pool.  Tired kids allowed for an evening out for Jason and me while Grandma watched "High School Musical" with the kids.

Adventure out to Waikiki and Honolulu isn't the greatest....I mean it's beautiful, but very busy and Vegas strip like (without the crudeness)....just busy with lots of hotels, fancy shops, and lots of people.  I would never want to live there.  We went to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and got an Orange Julius Smoothie...oh yes, heavenly to a pregnant woman that craves the stuff.  We window shopped a bit and noticed how much more expensive things are there then at the Swap Meet.  We avoided a $10 movie ticket and decided to walk along the beach.  The sand is quite rough compared to the beach area we are living by.  We watched a big cruise ship take off into the night, while watching standing paddlers with their glow sticks on paddling along the shore line about 100 ft. off the shore.  When you don't want to spend money and it's too dark along the beach, what's left to do at 9pm at night?....Yep, we found Wal-Mart.  Hoping to find some better deals on a few household items.  A few items yes, but not great!  Sunscreen was $2.50 cheaper...it's been needed quite a bit.  

Sunday- a great day for me.  I had the opportunity to spend Mother's Day with my mommy!  Jason made us breakfast and we ate it outside.  We went to church and enjoyed the meetings.  My mom and I received a carnation and a yummy snack mix from the youth.  It wa very sweet.  

In reality...We are all feeling a bit homesick.  We have been overwhelmed with so much fun and good times, but we are missing everyone and the comforts of home.  We feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity to be here.  It's been amazing!  The kids are missing their bedrooms, friends, and comforts of home.  The heat of the house and humidity outside has made it difficult to enjoy a whole lot.  I feel bad that I am always getting after the kids....watch out for this furniture, be careful of the flowers, don't get too close to the pool, be sure to shut all the doors going outside, etc.  It's been difficult.  

I am so grateful my mother has been here for me while Jason has been at work.  She has helped keep me sane.  Aunt Teddie will be here shortly and we hope to have more freedom with getting a vehicle to get out more and enjoy the sites.  $$$$ is what matters when traveling in Hawaii and entertaining 3 kids at different ages...it's been a challenge, but wonderful memories are being built.  

There is a play group planned on Tuesday with the ward...we may be able to go, depending on the bus situation....it's not the easiest route to get to for the beach they are holding it at.  We'll wait and see.  

Till then, Aloha and a Happy Mother's Day to all my wonderful Mothers, Sisters, and Friends out there!