Hau’oli Makahiki Hou

If you want the short version of our blogpost, then just watch the video. And even if you don't, watch it anyways. Clark did a stellar job on this one!!! :) 

Happy New Year in Hawaiian is Hau'oli Makahiki Hou. That still is a tuff one for me to say. 2011 is officially gone!!! We can at least say we celerbrated the last few hours of 2011 in style. We started the last day of the year with visting Waimae Bay. Spent time snorkeling, cliff jumping and of course, tanning. After the bay, we ventured up to Pupukau trail. We found the perfect spot to overlook the bay and watch the sun set.

While we watched the final sunset of 2011, I'm pretty sure all of us were reflecting on the past year. Thinking about all the fun times, the memorable times, the hard times, and everything in between. Clark and I were overcome with gratitude. Gratitude for being right in the very spot we stood while watching the sun fade away. Gratitude for being in Hawaii, surrounded by friends. Gratitude for all we have and going to have (little Ms. Hilton). 2011 was a year of change. Some good and some not. Either way, here we are. Trying to live life and enjoy each other and take in all the blessings we have been given. So, with all that being said, we feel like 2012 is going to be a great year. There are so many things to look forward to. We have only been in Hawaii about 3 months and have had so many amazing experiences. Many blank pages await for 2012 and we have no idea what's going to be written on them, but we are ready to start writing our story.  

After watching the sun set we got our things and drove to the beach to enjoy a good old fashion tin foil dinner. A first for myself. I couldn't imagine a better place to be while ticking away the last remaining hours. We then finished the night off with a toast to 2012. 

Short, BUT Sweet...

This past weekend my sister came for a impromptu visit. It's as if christmas came early for me. 

My sisters are my best friends and I L O V E D spending this time with her. 

Valley of the Temple. (Kaneohe, HI)

Since it was a shot visit with not the best weather we didn't get to do much, but thats what I love about my big sis. It doesn't take much for us to have a good time. 

(Sad face) Lock the keys inside the trunk...

We have the winter season is Hawaii right now, which means a lot of rain. And the waves are either too big or to cold to go swimming. So, we took Marle' to a resort and enjoyed the hot tub. One of our favorite things to do over here. Makes me forget about real life and pretend like we are tourist for a day. The night only got better when we watched the sunset. An older gentleman gave us each a hibiscus flower and invited us to watch a traditional Polynesian fire dance performance by his sons. This is why I think hawaii is so amazing! 

The aloha spirit/kindness never ceases to amaze me. PLUS, they offer so much to do and see that is either free or very inexpensive.

The next day was a bit of a disaster. Nothing worked out as planed, and the weather had no intension of getting any better. The lesson I learned tho was that even when something goes wrong, there is always a  reason you had to go through it. I might not understand why things happen the way it does, but I know it can only get better, and makes me appreciate the good things that do happen. 

The list of things that started out BAD and ended up being something GOOD 

1 (-) Clark's job interview got cancelled (+) we get to spend more time with my sister.

2 (-) the rainy weather (+) beautiful rainbow.

3 (-) raining at the beach (+) run to shelter to get warm and ended up meeting a local that told us about a secret beach spot with sea turtles.

4 (-) lock our keys in the car (+) discover a new favorite place to eat.

5 (-) spending lots of $$ on a taxi [to go get our keys] (+) meeting new friends & job opportunity for Clark.

6 (-) no internet (+) free movie night with my sister and hubby in our cosy little home.

It was sad to see her go, but knowing that the next time I see her we will probably have our little girl makes me so excited. And I know it will go by real fast. I have learned so much from my big sister and have always looked up to her. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know, and I hope to teach my little girl the things she has inspired me to be. Marle' will be the best aunt this little girl could ever ask for bc she already is the best sister I could have asked for. Baie dankie my liewe sussie vir jou lekker keier!!

22 weeks

Okay, so it's starting to get a little uncomfortable in here... my belly is growing rapidly and I don't think I can stop it. I made it over the half way point and its really starting to sink in that we will be having a bebe in 124 DAYS!! 

My friend Anna has brought many goodies along with her visit. Our little beanette is already getting spoiled. 

Since my bestie arrived we have played hard. For her first day we captured the final surf competition at sunset beach. The weather was great, the waves were large,  the crowd was intense, and a local won the show. Perfect.

The second day continued with a stop at the local bakery in Kaneohe, in the middle of their Christmas parade. So many people and such good food. After that we headed to Waikiki and enjoyed the day at some of the resorts & beaches. We ended our night in town (Honolulu) watching their city lights parade (that included coconut m&m's),  and the festival. There was a giant santa, with his shirt open and dressed in his swim trunks. All I can say is "a very impressive show indeed". Video soon to come.

Footprints in the sand...

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn

Ke iki beach (means "child's" beach)

Family fun day is usually on Saturdays. We drive up to the BYU-campus to visit our cousin Dan and Heidi. There we meet with friends and head to the north shore for some sweet beach time. This past weekend was no exception. So, far Ke iki's is our favorite beach, due to the breathtaking vista and crystal clear blue water. This is more of a local's beach, so there were only a few people on the beach... just the way we like it :)
Clark found a great spear fishing sight and is excited to go back and round up some dinner.

Blessed...

I think I'm going to start writing a lot more about food in general or what we consumed each day, since I finally am starting to feel somewhat normal again for the most part. Being pregnant so far has been quite a challenge these last couple of weeks (months) . Thank you to everyone that has been there taking care of us. I know I could't have done it without your help! 

It didn't help that we moved during this time as well, but I still wouldn't trade places with anyone if I could. Knowing there is something so special inside me is an experience I can't describe in words (serious miracle). Although its hard right now it will be so worth it and I know little bean is already loved tremendously!!! Our lives have already been changed in a big way and I know that none of this would have ever happened without the Lords help and blessings. 

Talking to my fellow Peachtree City, GA pregnant friend Amy (Plauche) Stone, who is living in hawaii as well made me appreciate this period of time even more. Having morning sickness, cravings and other insanely weird stuff happen makes you understand what your little baby might be going through when it gets here... Glad Amy is here and I love getting to talk about baby stuff to her. Still can't believe how many of my friends are pregnant and moving on with their lives. What an exciting time.

baby bump (16 weeks)



This is the fruit stand where we get cheap, ripe, fresh, juicy fruit at least once a week. The lady at the end cuts the coconut for you right there after drinking the milk. It's so good!!!

Cousin Heidi & Dan, Clark, new friends Dave and Michelle at the North Shore.