Thursday

On Wednesday we went into Honolulu to the Aloha Stadium to the swap meet.  We first had to run and get Elder Sanft's library book from the doctor's office in Waipahu, he left it there after his appointment.  The girls and I walked around the swap meet for a hot hour and didn't really buy much.  Then we headed over to Hanauma Bay but stopped at Jack in the Box for a quick lunch and then on to Hanauma.  We had a great time, we snorkeled and Elder Sanft sat under a shady tree and read his book.  Although he did get in the water for about 15 minutes.  The doctor had told him that swimming would be good therapy for his ankle.  I saw my famous fish, the Christmas Wrass, this one was brilliant fluorescent with aqua fins and neon print stripes!  I love this fish for it's unique markings and the creative designs all over it.  God in all His simple beauty.  Next time I promise to take my underwater camera, I keep forgetting.  Afterward we stopped at the Blowhole and took some photos.

Blow Hole!

Marisa and Sarah

We finished up and came home but Garmina directed me up and over the mountain and once I started and found she was wrong, I couldn't turn around.  It took us at least an extra 45 minutes to get home.  I was so mad but now I know!  We came home and the girls  went to Sunset Beach and took more pictures of the sun setting, and oh!... the moon these past 2 days.  It's so bright and gets all the roosters cock a doodle dooing all night!

Today, Thursday,  we went over to Waimea Beach early and got in some sun and the girls swam a bit. Then we went to the PCC and walked around.

Canoe Show
I suggested Elder Sanft take the scooter, which he did, but then that bothered his knee that had a replacement knee and so he was not a happy tourist.  We also went over to the Visitor's Center on the tram and Sara spoke to some missionaries there.  Then we drove over to 7 Brothers for hamburgers, and then to the point to show it off to the girls.  From there we went to Turtle Bay to film the sunset from there and then back to the PCC for the night show.  It was spectacular as usual, I love it!

Beautiful Marisa!

Tuesday March 19, 2019

We ran into get Ramon a shot in his eye and the doctor decided to take some time and run some tests, so...we waited quite a while, but the girls were good sports.  Then we went over to Pearl Harbor and Sarah and Marisa went in the museums and then we all took the boat tour  over to  and around the Arizona memorial.  They are refurbishing it now and so we couldn't get off the boat but we still saw it.  Very moving, first they show you a 20 minute film about December 7, 1941 and then you view the Arizona.

After we went and got lunch at Zippys, stopped for Malasadas from Leonards red stripped truck, and then went up to Punch Bowl Memorial Cemetary.   Then we came home in rush-hour traffic and drove through Hale'iwa and just had to stop for shave ice, but we were so full we each shared one with another.

The girls returned to the apartment in time to change and run across the street in time to see the sun set.  Our beautiful Marisa!

Monday March 18, 2019

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER SANFT!!

Today is a very special day for my husband, his birthday and we tried to fill the day to the brim with fun things to do!

Let me start by saying that last Saturday our Granddaughter Marisa (Shahara's) came to visit for a week with a friend, Sarah.  So we spent the day Saturday picking up them each separately from the airport and then running home and dropping off stuff and running back to the airport, but it was all worth it for a visit, we are so excited to have them here!

Sunday was spent mostly at church meeting, with me showing off our Marisa.  But between meeting we went over to Sharks Cove and saw the waves, again they were majestic with 40-50 foot waves!  The girls were impressed!

Sharks Cove

Then after our afternoon church we came home and had a St. Patrick's Dinner, corned beef, cabbage, carrots, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and Ted's Bakery Strawberry cream pie!  We had invited a young woman Sara had converted on her mission to Tiawan, the girl had gotten married and lived here in Laie going to BYUH.  So we had her and her husband join us for dinner.

Ali and Skyer                                                             

After dinner we went over to Turtle Bay to look at the sunset, but it was too cloudy.  We had a very good sabbath!

Sarah, Skyer, and Ali                                                                                   




Marisa and Sarah                           

Today we ran into our VC meeting but they were doing training on for the teaching center, from SLC via SLC,  Sisters only, so we were able to leave.  Our Visitor Center is the second largest in the world next to Salt Lake City.  We are not in this picture as we forgot it was picture day.

  We came home and drove around trying to find a place to get some sun and water but it was still early so we went and toured Waimea Falls Park. 

On the tram up

After that we went over to the beach at Turtle Bay and layed out for a while but no one was brave enough to get in, it was too cold and windy.  I had packed a picnic so we sort of ate that.  Then came home,  changed and went over to Kualoa Ranch to do the Movie Tour.  It was a lot of fun.

Us acting scared!                                     

Chinaman's Hat Island from Kualoa

 After we went to the Pounders restaurant in the Marketplace of the PCC and had dinner.  A waiter spilled a full glass of water on the Birthday boy but it was an accident...and they gave the Birthday boy a free piece of guava cheesecake! 

We then ran home and I iced the Watergate cake ( he always has to have that cake!) and got ready for FHE.  It was just our branch and we had 20 people.  Great turnout!  I had to cut that cake pretty thin to serve everyone.  We found out a couple of our Elders were being transferred suddenly to another city.  I don't know any details but I sure will miss them.  I really liked Elder Fatiou.  Fun full day!

We played "Dart Art" outside                                                                                               

Sarah and Marisa with our YSA                               

The group after...we had 20 people!  A record for Elder Sanft's Birthday!  They love him!

Cody hugging Elder Sanft, Elder Fatiou on left and Louie in kitchen

Alora in charge of our short devotional where we liken our experience to the Gospel or share our love of Christ.

Birthday!!

Wednesday

Sunday was a great day except our Elder Bass was being transferred and Sister Huang returning home to Taiwan.  Two of my favorite missionaries!

Elder Bass and us

On Monday we ran into Honolulu again to see Robin and baby Krew.  He is doing much better and as soon as he can learn to swallow and breathe he'll be able to be released.  Robin's mom was coming on Tuesday and Robin has to return home to SLC on Saturday but her Mom will remain with the baby until Robin can get back, hopefully in a couple of weeks!

He's a pretty good size now and such a sweet baby

Tuesday we had another luncheon for the returning home missionaries.  This time there were 8 Sisters and 4 Elders returning home.  It was windy and coldish but I think they enjoyed it.  I made lei's for the Sisters we served with here on Sunset and also for a relative of Ramons from our Westchester ward in LA, Sister Fifita.

Sisters Taufa, Huang, Cardenas and us 

Tonight we met at the Geronios as we do every Wednesday night.  Nick is still in Norway but Karen Nichols and I have been preparing the food the last couple of times.  Tonight Sister Chang brought her parents and brother so we could all meet them.  They came from China to pick her up and see her mission.  They were very nice, no English, but she translated as they all told us their conversion stories. So remarkable, as they were Buddists.  Such neat people.  Of course, as all good Asians do, they brought us all little gifts.  We got a little fabric coin purse.  It was a lovely night and beautiful sky above.

Sister Huang and Father

Brother Huang bearing his testimony

Sister Huang and her Mother while she bears her Testimony

Friday

We went and checked the Elder's apartments today in preparation for transfer day next Tuesday.  We then came home and went with some friends into Hale'iwa.  On the way there we stopped to show them the turtles and lucky for us there were three small ones sunning themselves on the beach. We then had lunch and showed them where the famous bakery is for "snow puffies" is located.  Then we drove up to the Heiau above Pupakea, walked around a bit and then drove and looked at some very expensive property on the hill!

Small Turtle on beach

Elder and Sister Luker and me eating a snow puffie!

Offerings left at Heiau

Beautiful view from top of Waimea

Elder Sanft hobbling along!

 After we came home,  finished the wash, and I ironed all the clean clothes.  I wrote up the report for the apartment check and then a funny thing happened....Maile "Marco Polo..ed"  me and it showed this black screen.  She's saying..."it's 11:45 pm and this is what is keeping me awake...Esme singing to herself.."  Then I hear this sweet little baby just a talking away, hoping someone can understand her celestial language and pay attention to her, as she doesn't want to be asleep.  So cute and funny.  I told Mai to go into another room and sleep.  These days will pass so quickly by.  Little miss is definitely going to be a talker in the family.  She is so adorable and Maile is great to send me videos of her laughing and talking away, which I promptly share with whoever is near by me to enjoy!

Wednesday

Monday we had FHE with another ward YSA group.  They playe Red Rover, I was just sure someone would get a broken arm or worse.

After this is them sitting and laying around while they discuss
how they can liken this game to the gospel or to Jesus
Christ.  Everyone has to participate and they come up
with some very interesting remarks.

Today we had the opportunity of going into Honolulu to a Women and Children't hospital to visit a friend of our niece Cambria.  This friend, Robin, had just arrived from American Samoa with a new baby who had some complications and needed our great medical services here in America!  Ramon was able to give the baby a blessing and we visited a bit with his mom and Aunt.  Such sweet people.  We know the baby will do well and we know prayers will be answered and this little boy will grow up and be a fine young man. It was nice to see my husband using the Priesthood for this special little guy.

After we returned home we made a Dorito salad and went over to the Geronio's for our Wednesday night dinner.  Nick is in Norway for business so we just had a good visit without him, but he is missed.  We did a Mexican night, sort of.  It was 80 degrees out but cold and windy and everyone had on coats!  I refuse to wear a coat in Hawaii especially when it is 80 degrees!

Sunday

Yesterday our stake had a Relief Society Birthday Party.  We arrived and chose where we wanted to serve doing a service project.  I chose crocheting new born baby hats for a local hospital here.  Then we had a short presentation by "Emma Smith" and then brunch of Hawaiian Haystacks.

After I came home my great friend and neighbor,  Kathy,  helped me dip pretzels in almond bark and sprinkle about them with green sprinkles, (we did about 400-500!) and then add them to sacks with peanuts, tie a green ribbon on them.  My feeble attempt at a Birthday treat for March for the Sisters and other missionaries at the Visitor's Center.  I did about 100 sacks!

Today is "break the fast" day so I also made a ham/green bean/cheese/potato casserole for the Senior break the fast and peanut butter bars plus green salad for our YSA bunch.  Busy day but we love it.