BTW.... we are in Hawaii.

Did I mention that we are in Hawaii???

Its Granny's 80th birthday so everyone is gathering on the big island where she lives to celebrate. Yesterday we got to go out to the beach with "Uncle Phill". He taught us how to fish. This man is full of the aloha spirit. Granny's first husband was Hawaiian so Alden has all sorts of family from the islands. It is so fun to be apart of such a different culture. To hear about traditions they have and learn about a different way of life.

So we will be here for the next week, enjoying the sun, good food, and lots of family time. Aloha to all our friends on Oahu. We miss you all!

Goodbye Hawaii

Goodbye Hawaii
Goodbye beautiful sunrise
Goodbye sand between my toes
Goodbye salty skin
Goodbye warm breeze
Goodbye friends
Goodbye Paradise

Perhaps not goodbye after all
Perhaps just another day.

Sushi and a Shoot em Up Movie

Sushi and a shoot em up movie with our friends on one of our last nights in Hawaii. (AND ice cream of course!).

Granny's Mac Nut Farm

For Thanksgiving we got to stay with Alden's Granny on the big island of Hawaii. It was such an enjoyable trip. Granny lives on a mac nut farm so we got to see the entire processes of getting one of those delicious mac nuts. We also got to experience the life of self sustainability, peace, and tranquility. Granny, we will be sure to come back soon!

Check out ALL the awesome pics over here.

For the Beauty of the Earth

It is something of a wonder to be surrounded by so much beauty. Gratitude has filled my soul, and at such a perfect time.

more coy and lily's

Thanksgiving in Paradise

Alden and I jumped on a plane and headed over to the Big Island to spend Thanksgiving with Alden's Granny. She lives on a macadamia nut farm on the top of the hill looking over the island. It is truly paradise here as I sit and type and the only sounds I hear are the soft rain falling and the hum of my computer. Watch for more pictures of our trip coming soon!

*picture is of our room we are staying it. Don't you just love how quaint it is? perfect.

Serene Sabbath

Our Sunday included attending the Laie Temple dedication, a long 2 hour nap (we NEVER take naps.... seriously), a picnic and walk on the beach, putting up some Christmas decorations and then we watched I am Sam. I cried 72.3% of the time in that movie.

Saturday Fun

Went to our favorite beach.
I lost husbands shirt
husband bought a new shirt so we could take pics at sunset
husband bought me a new bag... just because
battery died in camera
no pics at sunset
still a fabulous day

Enjoy the pics we DID get :)

Laie Hawaii Temple

Alden and I just took a tour of the Laie Hawaii temple. It is literally a three minute walk from where we live. I don't imagine we will ever live closer to a temple than we do now. The temple is beautiful and it was great to go inside and feel the spirit that is present there. I love the feeling of peace and love that I feel in the temple.
The temple is to be rededicated November 21 and will open again shortly thereafter.
Want to know more about temples? Go here
Or see some more pictures of the Laie Hawaii temple? Go here

Just another day at the beach

Yay for beach days! Alden and I got our "Team Dax" bracelets. Dax has cancer. Go here to read more about his story or to get your own bracelet. Go Dax! Sending love and support from Hawaii.

Duck out of water

I can't help but feel like a duck out of water sometimes here in Hawaii (after all I was raised in the "tundra" my whole life). The calendar reads October and I want to pull out my boots, scarfs, and buy this coat from anthropologie.

But the sun is still shining, my skin is constantly warm....... so I will continue to throw on my flip flops and T's. Hawaii=Ashley has no fashion sense. The great thing about Hawaii is it doesn't matter. Hang loose man.

Sunday Walk

After watching General Conference we took a little walk in the hills near by. It is a beautiful little hike full of strawberry guava all along the way. Delish! Alden also found me an orchid :)