Fathers

(I wanted to post this yesterday, but our internet has been funny lately)

I am surrounded my some pretty amazing fathers!

Of course my own Father is one unforgettable person.

I think this picture depicts a few of his best qualities-

a leader and a teacher. A man of incredible wisdom!

I love you dad and am so thankful I was blessed to have

YOU as my father! You have always made ME feel

special. I am one lucky girl!!

I was sad to not get to celebrate the day with you

(my mom was not feeling well, so we decided it

was best to stay away, both for her sake and ours)

Then there is Quinn, the father of MY children.

He loves to spoil these kids and it is obvious they

LOVE their daddy. He works SOO hard to

provide for and take care of all of us.

Last week when I got to go away on my

getaway, I wasn't sure what I would come home

to??? I was pleasantly (and humbly) surprised that he

had worked his tale off, getting all sorts of

stuff done in our yard that needed to be done,

he did laundry, dishes, kept the house in order

and most importantly took good care of the kiddies.

These 4 kids are soo lucky to have this amazing dad

and I am extremely blessed to share this life

(and eternity) with him and our beautiful children!

I don't have a picture of him, but we spent

Saturday evening with Kimo (QUinn's dad)

and the family. Its been awhile since we have gotten

together with them, so we really

enjoyed our time together.

Kimo is such a thoughtful, compassionate,

and caring person. I feel so blessed to
be apart of the amazing Hanamaikai Family!

(here's Nalu with his cute little cousin,

Amaya, just a month younger than him)

and the rest of the cousins

having fun jumping

and making smores

For various reasons, it probably wasn't the most
idealistic way to celebrate (and for QUinn
maybe not the most exciting time), but that
doesn't mean the LOVE and APPRECIATION
is any less. I must add I am also grateful for the
incredible brothers/brother-in-laws who
greatly influence my life and those of my family.
Thank you to all the AMAZING
Fathers in my life!

A QUick, WONDERFUL trip

Tuesday Nalu and I got to join my mom on a

getaway to Idaho, to visit my grandma.

Quinn was surprising open to the idea of me going,

even though it was a busy week of swim lessons,

arts in the park, birthday party and he also had class one night.

Plus we have been trying to get several things

done in our yard. I made a few arrangements for the kids

to be taken care of the night he had class,

and then I was off. It was a perfect 3 day trip!

It was such a pleasant drive. Nalu was an ANGEL

and my mom & I just gabbed for 4 straight hours (each way).

I cherish that quality UNINTERRUPTED

time with my mom!, cuz we don't get it very often!

My grandma was the PERFECT host-

fantastic meals, lots of fun & enlightening conversation

and entertaining scenic drives. This is one amazing woman.

I have always known this, but spending

a few days with her I realized even more

why she is. For a woman her age I am so

impressed with all she still does.

She works in the temple weekly,

cooks/bakes-oh her rolls and cookies are the best,

keeps up her yard, reads a ton and just continues to

educate herself in soo many ways.

She has such a love for the Lord and the gospel.

She is a true disciple and an exemplar woman.

I see why my own mother is so amazing!

I hope to one day become even close to the kind of woman

that these two incredible ladies are

(not Nalu, my mom and grandma)!!

When I was getting ready to go Ame asked

me if I was going to bring her back a souvenier?

Obviously Idaho SOUNDS like a exotic place :)

I explained to her it was just like Utah, but did

bring these back...
the kids didn't think they were so grand

(and I can see why-I didn't really remember

what they were until they opened them)

One of the sights we saw on a drive one day-

my moms school house from grades 1-8.

It is actually someone's home now.

I thought I took a few (better) pics, but this

is the only one I found on my phone.