10 Days in Hawaii

Day 1: Left PDX at 0700. Flew to HNL arrived at 1pm Hawaii time.
Day 2: Laid on the beach. Checked out the city and ate at Puka Dog (as seen on the Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations)
Day 3:Drove to North shore and Laie so Lauren could check out BYU. Stopped to check out the surf. Day 4: Played in the pool.
Day 5: Met up with long lost friend, Ellie, and went to Polynesian Cultural Center

Day 6: Went to Pearl Harbor. Jake met 2 WWII Veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors.

Day 7:Eli went deep sea fishing. We hung out at the beach.
Day8: Dole Pineapple Plantation.

Day 9: Sunbathed on the beach all day. Enjoyed a band at night.

Day 10: Army Museum by day. Hot date with Eli at night.

I learned several things on this trip. First, Jacob loves tiki torches. Next, 5.5 hours is a long flight with a baby. Lastly, Hawaii is freakin' expensive! I miss the beach already. Washington beach just doesn't compare.

These are a few of my favorite things:

I was packing for our trip when I discovered these shoes that I hadn't worn in a while. I had forgotten about them because wearing shoes like that, in Washington, at this tome of year leads to soggy feet. I have had fun shopping in my own closet lately except for this pair of cropped pants that I found on super discount at Banana Republic outlet. They are navy blue, have a sharp tailored look and were super cute when I bought them. I had been saving them for that special occasion (remember that talk from conference?) and now they are big, saggy, baggy, and sloppy looking. Oh well.
This is a kitchen gadget that my mom gave me. I don't know what it is called, but it makes long sort of julienne strips of vegetables and fruits. I use it to make long curly carrot strings for lettuce wraps and our favorite cucumber salad (strips of cucumber with salt, pepper, dill, marinated in a splash of red wine vinegar and olive oil, serve with grilled fish on top).
Jacob's toothbrush. I love it because I use it to get him to open his mouth and BAM! sneak a bite of sweet potatoes in. He loves how the back side of the brush squeaks on his gums.

We get to dive up to Seattle on Saturday to go with Eli's brother to receive his endowment. I remember the feeling of being in the temple for the first time and having all my family there, dressed in white, smiling at me. Now that is a favorite memory.

Gratitude

So many times I focus on the negative. All things I want in life. Things I don't have. Changes I would make. Stuff other people have, but I don't. My attitude has changed thanks to a great conference weekend. I am filled with gratitude today as I reflect upon our weekend and all the blessings we enjoy.

• A living Prophet- President Monson's closing remarks about parenthood were just what I needed to hear (or perhaps it was the fact that I worked the night before and that was one of the few talks I stayed awake for). Praying for help with parenting. What a concept! I pray, but the thought hadn't really occurred to me to pray specifically for help with raising my son. For me, It is hard to be a stay-at-home mom (even though I love it) and I need all the help I can get.
  
• Parents- We have great parents. My mom flew in on Thursday and stayed until Saturday (they live in CO). My dad had to work so he wasn't planning on coming, however, he flew in on Thursday and stayed overnight (his whole trip to WA about 10 hours total) just so he could spend a few hours with his kids. Eli's parents went to conference, but they stopped and took us out to dinner on their way home (they live about 1.5 hrs away) so we could spend a few hours together before we leave on our trip. I love family.

• Plans- I love having things to look forward to. We have Hawaii and my brother-in-law's wedding this month. My sister's high school graduation next month. June is the Hillstrom family reunion. August---Jake's one year birthday celebration (OH my GOSH!). So much to look forward to.
  
• The Temple- My brother-in-law Andy watched Jacob last weekend and we were able to go to the temple. Ahhh, so refreshing. The only thing I didn't like was last Wednesday when I was on my way from my temple recommend interview I hit a big black lab, cried, and peed my pants on the way home. My parents have a lab and the thought of him getting killed was just a bit emotional for me. I still hope that dog is alive and well.
  
• Exercise- we joined a community center with a gym so I have been going to an aerobic class while Jake and Eli are still sleeping. It is fun. I like that most the other people in the class are middle age or seniors-- quite the change from meat market we used to go to.