Because without you, we never would've known to hit up Lanikai beach, the top beach in Hawaii! (according to them of course)
Well, we decided to hit up Hawaii's top beach one gorgeous Saturday afternoon. We usually just got to the beach that's right by our apartment, but after seeing the crystal clear water and hearing that the sand was super fine and powdery, we decided we could drive to the eastern, or windward, side of the island, especially since Ashlyn loves the beach.
There was a few "cons" to going to Lanikai though. There were no showers to rinse off after, there wasn't a whole lot of parking (mainly just parking off the side of the road), and the sand was so fine that it stuck to everything, including Ashlyn's entire body after she face planted in the sand, and yes that is her licking her lips off. Weirdo.
But overall, it was a super day, not a whole lot to see snorkeling wise, but the water was nice and warm and the waves weren't too big so it's definitely good for kids. Just another reason for you to come visit us in Paradise. And FYI, Lanikai beach is also the beach all the pictures are taken for the "Girls of Hawaii" and "Men of Hawaii" calendars! (PCA, you thinkin' what I'm thinkin?)
and since a post isn't really a post without some video, here's Ashlyn chasing some bubbles, it obviously has nothing to do with the beach, but oh well:
and since a post isn't really a post without some video, here's Ashlyn chasing some bubbles, it obviously has nothing to do with the beach, but oh well:
In the last 6 months, it has had a hard time staying with her. Ashlyn and I go for a walk almost everyday, usually to exotic places like Wal-Mart, Ross, or the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Shortly after we relocated to Hawaii, we were on one of our excursions, and when we got home, it was time to put Ashlyn down for a nap. This stinkin' bear was no where to be found. We immediately retraced our steps and found it on a grassy knoll right outside of Wal-Mart.
Well, this last time it got lost I was sure it was gone for good. We went to Ross in the early afternoon, but it was after she had taken a nap. When I went to put her to bed, the dumb bear was nowhere to be found. I called Ross and they said no one had turned it in, and it was too late to go look for it myself, so I just cut my losses. Well, let me tell you, it was an awful night. Ashlyn didn't want any of her other stuffed animals - she kept pushing them away and crying. When it was time to put her down the next afternoon for a nap, it was the same scenario. I called Ross again, no luck. So I finally decided to just go look, even though it had been more that 24 hours, and I wasn't even sure it was in Ross. When we got there, I tried to go up and down the same aisles as the day before. We had gone almost everywhere, when I saw it sitting amongst the shoes! I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a miracle! Needless to say, Ashlyn was VERY happy to have her little buddy back. She couldn't stop hugging and kissing it. I had to sneak it away to wash it before bedtime. Needless to say, the bear is no longer invited on our afternoon walks. 
The wedding was beautiful. Taylor married such a nice girl. I actually just met her for the first time on Thursday night when we first got up to Utah. She has an awesome family too. They got married in the Mount Timpanogas Temple on Saturday, February 9 and it was FREEZING outside! It was so nice to have all my brothers there too, except for little Matty who was down the road at the MTC.
They had their reception at the Cascade Event Center. That was fun to be able to see so many friends. 
On Sunday, it was my mom's birthday. I won't tell you how old she is, but I will say she can now get the 10% discount at Ross on Tuesdays! We had a little celebration in Park City where we were all staying. Amber made the delicious brownies.
On Monday morning, well, more like afternoon, we packed up and made the trek back to Yucaipa. The rest of the week was spent getting ready for the second reception, except for the one afternoon spent getting pedicures!
Even Grandpa and Winifred made it! Their grandkids were sure happy to see them.
It's a good thing Ashlyn's uncles are suckers and gave in to her love of cuddling up to a good book
Sunday afternoon was spent just relaxing. Brooke and Tami came over with their kids and we played outside for a few minutes, and then we played a few rounds of whoonu, Rook, and Up and down the river. The kids were just too adorable. I couldn't help myself but take a few pictures!
Kira actually took this picture. I thought she did a pretty good job!
