Hawaii

Laie Temple

I have the best husband ever. Really. EVER. He always tries so hard to do things to make me happy. I tell him often that I don't need him to buy me things, or send me on trips to show me he loves me. He shows me all the time in little ways, and in big ways like this, too. A few weeks ago, we had a family night with Matt's brother and sister and our families. We talked about the creation, and each of us had a picture given to us, with a beautiful place on it. Katie, Christa and I all had places in Hawaii. We didn't think anything of it, until we looked at the back of Christa's picture, and it had an itinerary on it, with Christa's, Katie, Natalie, and my name on it. Our sweet husbands had already planned and booked this trip without any of our knowledge. We were so shocked, and so excited to go.

The night before we left, Matt and the kids had a going away to Hawaii send off party. It was complete with Hawaiian pizza, Hawaiian punch, leis. skirts and coconut tops, and a goody bag full of treats, books, and anything else needed for Hawaii. So fun!

Logan sporting the Hawaiian gear. :)

We got back yesterday. We had a great time! We were able to stay at the Ko Olina Marriott on Oahu. It is a beautiful resort. Matt and I took our kids there when I was pregnant with Camden- so I knew what to expect. It is right on the beach and has beautiful swimming pools surrounding it. The grounds are gorgeous and lush, there are Koi ponds and waterfalls, and gorgeous views. It is a little piece of heaven on earth.

Me at the Luau after almost NO sleep the night before.

While in Hawaii we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Macademia Nut Plantation, Dole Plantation, the flea market, a movie, snorkeling off of a catamaran, souvenir shopping, etc. We spent lots of time on the beach, and some time at the pool as well.

Dolphin we saw while on the catamaran.

Christa's in-laws live on Oahu, so we went to their house for dinner as well. We had lots of fun talking, laughing, relaxing and bonding. We are so lucky that we all got to do this, and our husbands all stayed home, watching the kids.

When we got back, Matt had the house perfectly clean, had made a welcome home sign, and really just spoiled me rotten. It was so nice to not have to worry if the kids were being taken care of, or if I'd come home to a disaster. I know that when I am gone, Matt is going to keep things in better than I left it condition. I know I'm spoiled, and certainly don't deserve everything that he does for me, but I appreciate it so much! My ideal Heaven like place looks a lot like Hawaii, with my sweet husband there, too.

View from the hotel grounds....Beautiful!