Aloha Polynesian Culture Center - Friday, June 27, 2008

We began the day by heading northward towards the North Shore today. En-route we made a couple of “necessary” stops which included a stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation and historical Hale’iwa town. At the Dole Plantation it was to reconsider purchase of fresh pineapple and a second tour through the gift shops to ensure that we had purchased all that we might want.

Hale’iwa is known for the M Matsumoto country store where the shaved ice is acclaimed to be the best in the world. Shaved ice add ice cream and Japanese beans and well in my opinion okay. I think on a second visit I’ll just stick to the shave ice.


One quick stop at BYU-Hawaii book store for a few souvenirs and then the remainder of the day was spent at the Polynesian Culture Center. We had a great tour guide, hm, excuse me a great cousin who made our visit great. He even took the time to present to mom and dad cool head wreaths in honor of their 50th anniversary. Cousin Larry, thanks for the great tour and the hospitality that made our day great!












The islands all have fascinating history, culture and traditions. My favorite because of their warriors was New Zealand of course and the Hakka war dance still moves me. New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii just to name a few of the islands visited today. Beautiful costumes and exhilarating dances. We learned how to weave fish out of long palm leaves, how to make fire, and how to do the fast moving hip dances of Tahiti. Now that is an exhausting day. We even joined in the traditions of the natives and received our own Hawaiian tattoos.

Concluded the day by enjoying a prime rib dinner and watching the Polynesian Culture Center Students perform. Everyone wonders how the fire dancers’ dance with knives on fire, twirling about even those dancers who would walk or sit on the fire made one cringe. One great show.

On the way out we swung by the LDS Hawaiian Temple and took some photos and then headed southward back to the resort.

Swimming with Fishes and Cheeseburgers in Paradise - Thursday, June 26, 2008

The day began with another early morning drive into Honolulu and to catch the shuttle to Hanauma Bay for a day of snorkeling. First, stop was a great little place who outfitted us inexperienced snorkeling amateurs with all the gear we needed, including corrective vision goggles. Next a short drive to Hanauma Bay and after a short orientation video we were on the beach and ready to explore the sea.

This was an awesome adventure to say the least. Swimming holding hands in the bay, Cheryl and I experienced the sea life not seen from the beach. We were able to swim amongst the coral reef and see all types of fish including convict fish (striped fish), yellow, blue and orange fish just to name a few. Okay, we are weak in identifying what type of fish we saw but they were fish. Some of the others even discovered a turtle and swam with it for awhile.


Like all good things, our adventure had to come to an end and we returned to Honolulu for lunch and some shopping. We had to experience paradise, Jimmy Buffet style, and so lunch was served at "Cheeseburger in Paradise." A great little restaurant on Waikiki Beach.

Later a light dinner, and then Matt and Becky departed to go home. It's not always easy getting 6 couples together but we endured or at least enjoyed the time together anyway. Yes, and it was another wonderful sunset tonight.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Wednesday, June 25, 2008

What better way to celebrate Mom and Dad’s anniversary then to sit around the pool and beach and bask in the Hawaiian sun. After breakfast, we made arrangements for a few Cabanas’ at the beach, one for mom and dad, and then we played all day at the lagoon. Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and what we all come to Hawaii for sun tanning.

Even Dad, put on his swim trunks and ventured into the lagoon for a stroll. This was the life style, laying in one of the cabanas, sipping our diet sodas, and enjoying the sounds of the ocean waves. It does not get much better than this.



Later we presented Mom and Dad leis before dinner in honor of 50 years of marriage. We then had dinner at a restaurant called Roy’s for the special occasion that we were celebrating. Since Cheryl and I were so successful recalling some of our memories over the last 18 years, we thought what better way to celebrate than to recall some of mom and dad's memories over the last fifty years. So here just a few of the memories they recalled:
1. Honeymoon in La Jolla, California
2. First anniversary, Richard was working in Wyoming
3.ElRay Christiansen married them and counseled them to never go to bed mad at each other.
4. First home on 5th South and Main Street in Springville
5. The pink floor polisher that dad gave to mom for Christmas
6. Being the first speakers in the new Standford ward

Well this was just a few of the memories they had time to share with us. Needless to say there are many more memories both good and bad; however, mom and dad have stuck together and overcome each challenge that faced them. As a family, we couldn't be prouder of our parents and the legacy they have left with us to build upon. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Pearl Harbor Day – Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Our day began again fighting the rush hour traffic into Honolulu to visit Pearl Harbor. Once we had arrived at the Visitor Center for the Arizona Memorial we then stood in line for half an hour to enter the Memorial. The wait was well worth the anticipation. What an awe inspiring and soul searching moment. As we walked around the grounds of the memorial and listened to tales of what occurred on Dec 7, 1941. One could only close their eyes and imagine what the scene must have looked like on that infamous day.

Finally to ride the shuttle boat over to the memorial itself and to realize that over 900 sailors were entombed within the sunken vessel below our feet. To still see bits of the ship through the water and then to imagine a rescue effort and what they might have found. One can only thank those who have sacrificed all for the freedoms we enjoy today and one can only thank those who still protect and defend the rights of humanity that we hold so sacred.












After the Arizona Memorial, we ventured across the bay again and explored the USS Missouri. The historical ship that has seen many wars and has served endlessly. It’s amazing that this battleship was the home of over 1000 men or women for months at a time. Finally decommissioned in 1992 after Dessert Storm, we were able to stand in the same location where the Japanese Admirals surrendered to the United States at the end of WWII.


Finally, our day concluded with a trip to the Punch Bowl where we were able to locate the grave site of Ross Levoy Thornock killed in action during the Korean War, a cousin to my father. This area again brought home the tragedy of war and the devastation and lost of human life. Humbling to say the least.

The day concluded with sitting around the hot tub and thinking about what we had seen and heard today; and planning the events for tomorrow and the upcoming week.

A Grand Island Tour - Monday, June 23, 2008

We began early this morning by adventuring into downtown Waikiki to enlist Cousin James for an Island tour. Started out in Waikiki and worked our way eastward visiting points such as Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Tropical Farms, North Shore and Dole Pineapple Plantation. We traveled all the way around the Island and worked our way back to Waikiki. A long day needless to say and all were tired and worn out from the adventure.











Cousin James gave us a great tour that informed us of the history of Hawaii including the kings, Hawaiian challenges to preserve the natural Hawaii, the Hawaiian alphabet and the challenges it faces today.

After the tour we ate dinner at the Ship Yard and then after some more shopping a part of us departed back to the hotel and rest.

Hanging Loose - Sunday, June 22, 2008

After a late leisurely breakfast this morning, we decided to "hang loose today. We enjoyed the morning and observed several weddings from our balcony. The resort seems to be a favorite with the locals for a place to tie the knot.


Later in the morning, we ventured out to tour a bit of the Island. Drove into Honolulu with mom and dad and located a couple of the areas we will need to know to catch tour buses. Drove through Waikiki beach which is crazy with lots and lots of people. Determined to make a small loop of the island we continued our casual drive North-East towards Hanauma Bay. The island of course is beautiful and provide a continuous scenic panorama.

We finally intersected with Highway 3 which I was hoping to experience while on Hawaii. I just had to see this noteworthy project that cuts through the mountain terrain of highway and through the mountain. The project obtained national recognition as they constructed a highway that left many areas undisturbed due to the historical culture of the Hawaiian people.

Later in the afternoon, the rest of the family joined us and we just "hung loose" around the pool.

Hawaii Bound - Saturday, June 21, 2008

The beginning of a week long vacation. This week, my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. So it was determined (probably without their input) that my brothers and sisters will help them celebrate by planning an awesome vacation. After much debate and deliberation we all concurred to spend the week in Hawaii.

So this morning, Cheryl and I with my parents caught a plane to Hawaii. Tomorrow, the rest of the family will join us. After watching “Fools Gold” and “National Treasure II” plus another hour or two we arrived in Hawaii.

We are staying at the J.W. Marriott Resort and it has captured the essence of relaxation and leisure to a tee. A beautiful setting along the ocean beach with a private lagoon of sort. Needless to say our room with a view is fantastic and we could stay all week on the balcony enjoying the scenery. The hospitality is great and they cater everyone.

It will be difficult to leave this place by the end of the week. Particularly when we can witness sunset likes this every evening from our room.

Varsity High Adventure 2008

Yesterday, our Varsity scouts began their super activity for the summer. Camp Browning is located in a narrow canyon and provides the a great atmosphere for high adventure. As you can see, after taking a ride in the hot air balloon this past weekend, I thought that I would try something a bit more challenging. Yea, right! This camp is for the young men not old men like me.

The repel was just the beginning of a three day high adventure outing. Repelling, rock climbing, COPE course, canoes, rifle range and shotguns just to name a few of the activities. Finally, for those brave enough and qualified to venture forth, the camp offered a 200 foot repel off a rock face above the lake. What a grand way to conclude the camp on the last day.


Trying to figure out what we wanted to do first out of all of the activities offered was probably one of the most difficult challenges we faced. The team members were excited to be challenged and to conquer the challenges presented and each could hold their heads high at what they had accomplished.


Our campsite was secluded in the far reaches of the camp with plenty of trees and brush to provide cool shade in the afternoon. Our team quickly established camp and positioned their hammocks for maximum comfort and sleeping accomodations. Hopefully, nothing but clear skies for the next two nights.

We pressed forward in accepting and conquering the challenges present. The aquatics activities presented the opportunity to cool down in the hot weather. A mere 34 degrees was the water tempature at 2:00 pm in the afternoon, which provided a cool and refreshing excursion along the lake front.

High adventure is living the dream.

A Wild Father's Day Weekend

Saturday morning, June 14th Flag Day, Art City Days and Father's Day Weekend. Time to party! Cheryl and I actually started the festivities on Friday night with a minor league baseball game. So after staying up until early Saturday morning, we were raring to go at 5:00 am for the Balloon Festival. The Balloon festival has been going on since Thursday, and Saturday morning was a "nearly" perfect day to fly the balloons. Only thing missing Saturday morning was a slight breeze to carry the balloons. The balloon festival has become somewhat a family tradition since I have become involved as a corporate sponsor. Over the last 5-6 years, I have become acquainted with most of the pilots and look forward to visiting with them each year. To see what a great event this is visit our website at www.artcitydays.net

This year, I even conceded to ride in one of the balloons at the egging and bantering of pilots and family. I really don't think that Adyson was all that scared when it really came down to it. Oh, I only consented to ride the "tethered balloon". I first gathered all of my employees pocket knifes to ensure that all of the three tethering ropes mysteriously did not break and then Jenny, Adyson, Lexi and Papa climbed into the balloon for pictures, lift-off, and then return to earth. Okay, I can handle a 25-30 foot tethered ride, not bad at all.

Since it was Father's Day weekend, we decided that we go ahead and celebrate on Saturday afternoon and played some more as a family. After a Kentucky Fried Chicken dinner, we visited the park nearby and enjoyed the neighborhood carnival. Adyson became pretty good at throwing the wet sponge at her dad.

After the carnival, it was bowling time. A lot of trash talk going on during the bowling game. But of course Papa and Adyson showed everyone how to bowl. Adyson with her techniques scored high enough to take second place and beat out the more experienced bowlers whom included her Uncle Taylor, Mom, Dad and Grammy. Hm, careful Adyson, Grammy doesn't like losing.

Well it has been a great weekend! What more could a father ask for then to spend time playing with his children and grandchildren. We missed John, Rachel and Gabe back in Ohio but know that they were there in spirit and we played extra hard for them too. Thanks guys for making the weekend great. I do love my Wild and Crazy Family.