THE HAMBLINS

We had a lot of fun today. We finally got the chance to go to the zip line ranch, where we were able to ride 9 different zip lines. The longest one was 1200 feet and about 150 feet off the ground. We were able to ride that one together, side by side, and we raced. Who do you think won? Josh of course. We also went to a place called "Secret Beach" it used to be a popular nude beach. Oh well. Good thing public nudity is forbidden here in Hawaii. We also went to check out some lava pools off the ocean. It was really nice. The waves were pretty big today so we weren't able to take a dip in them, but we got some really nice pictures. We have had a great time herebut are ready to go home to the kids.

Today, we tackled the most gruelling hike we've ever done. It's recommended for intermediate hikers but we did it and made it safe and sound ( Although, our legs felt like jello after). 2 miles to the beach and then another 2 miles to this beautiful 150 feet water fall. We swam underneath it ( well, I lied. Josh only. I can't swim). The water was Ice cold but very refreshing once you get out. We saw few fruit trees on the way too. Mango, guava and Nangka ( I don't know what it's called in english)
I think tomorrow, we're just gonna relax on the beach... Hmnn... I wonder if Josh wants to do the Zip line as well...

THE WAIMEA CANYON is a spectacular gorge that is beyond description. They call it the great Canyon of the Pacific. Each layer represents a different eruption and subsequent Lava flow. we had lunch here:) Talk about Ambiance:)


Few more miles pass the Canyon is the most amazing view of the Kalalau Valley. If you look closely the clouds seem to get sucked into the valley, touching the mountains and then slowly goes up again. We hiked about three miles and the view just kept getting better and better.
On our way back, we stopped by JOJO's shaved ice (the best one in town). It was sooo good! Insane!

That was yesterday. Today, we went snorkeling. My first time:) I enjoyed that a lot! Josh promised we're going to do it again. I was swimming a long side the biggest sea turtle I have ever seen! Josh tried to take more pictures of it but his camera wasn't ready soon enough. We didn't have a water proof digital camera, so we don't know how the pictures turned out.

Last but not least is a video of the Sprouting Horn. It was worth the extra 5 miles. See for yourself:)

We only went to the free shows. They charge 35 bucks each to get in the USS Bowfin and 10 bucks each for the museum. What a reap off!
We kept running into this mother-daughter, so we decided to have lunch with them. They were so much fun:) Then, we met up with my filipino friend Abby and her family(she's married to a Tongan. They have Beautiful kids). I met Josh's friend from his mission, Vyda and her family. They made us Korean food. YUM!
Right now we're in Kawaii. So beautiful! Can't wait to explore the island. I think I'd rather do the Zip line, not the helicopter ride. We'll see...

The Polynesian Cultural Center for those of you who didn't know is an inspired program of the Church meant to provide employment for the international Students who come to study in BYU Hawaii. 80 percent of the workers there are BYU students. It helps them pay for college. It was really a refreshing place to be. Very expensive but you know that it's for a good cause. Infact our personal tour guide was from the Philippines. Josh was anxious to speak in Tagalog:)
They have this brand new stage show called "HA, The Breath of Life". It was spectacular! Infact, Disney world offered to buy the rights but they turned it down. So it's exclusive in the center. Well, See guys later, we're going to see Pearl Harbor now. I'll try to post some videos later. The text is a late entry.

Next stop, Polynesian Cultural Center. My friend happens to work there so we only paid half of the total price. sweet deal!

Pause the music in my playlist first so you can hear the video as you watch it:)

Kaylee's first piano recital. I wasn't really expecting her teacher to include her in the program since she only had three lessons so far and they were a month apart. But she did a wonderful job:) She was the youngest to perform. I was so proud of her.

Next is Josh playing Bella's Lullabye. I like to think that he was playing it for me?

Four more days before we leave for Hawaii! We're so excited! I have really busy getting ready for our trip. I had to make sure the kids have everything they need for the ten days that we're gone. I want to make it easier for Holly and David.
Anyways, I thought of doing something special for Kaylee before we leave, so we invited Hannah for a sleep over (This will be first). They had so much fun!! It felt good to see her so happy. Thought I'd share what we did tonight:)

Of course they have to play dress up first. That's what they did as soon as they got home from picking up Hannah. I felt bad for Caleb, He felt a little left out. But he had a great time too.


After they all had their fun bubble Baths ( boys separated from the girls of course, we made cookies and decorated them with M&Ms, choc chips, and white chocolate. Kaylee came up to me and gave me a big hug. She said," thank you mommy. I'm having so much fun:)". She didn't know they're in for a bigger surprise:)

We played I spy while we waited for the cookies to bake. Then I asked them to read while I secretly put together the surprise.


I set up Kaylee's Little table with their cookies and milk, napkins and straws. I turned it into a treasure hunt. I hid clues all around the house and turned off all the lights and used flash lights to make it more fun.




They had a blast! They wanted to do it again:) See what I have gotten myself into? But I gave in. We did it all over again. This time, they help rescue Beaver! We all had a wonderful time.

So here are the pictures of the little monsters in their costumes. Kaylee was a witch ( she said she's a good witch). Caleb went through four different costumes: Surgeon-didn't want to wear it; Lion- he got really scared and freaked out; and Peter Pan- Josh didn't like it because he didn't want his boy to wear green tights (whatever!). So, I had to go to Craigslist for a last minute shopping and found the cutest Captain Jack Sparrow costume. He was such a good sport. He wore it and kept his hat on even if the hair was getting on his face. He received a lot of praise. Thanks to my friend Anna for Ethan's Superman Costume:)
All the cousins went trick-or-treating together. They all had a wonderful time.

We all look forward to carving our pumpkins as a family tradition on Halloween. We enjoy it more and more each year with all three children able to participate. The clean up part got easier as well. We covered the floor with plastic used for painting so we didn't have to do it outside. It was fun watching Kaylee and Caleb pick their own design. Ehan was more content scooping the gunk from one bowl to the other and then back into the pumpkins.