Go!

So, here we are in Hawaii. We've been here for about 5 days now and we are lovin life. I'm happy to report that we fit all of our stuff into 5 big boxes, a humongous roller bag, a guitar case, and two carry-on backpacks. And all were under 50 lbs. Well, one weighed 52 lbs but Brent had prayed for mercy from the check-in people at the airport and Heavenly Father granted us that blessing so we didn't have to pay 30 extra dollars.

We arrived in Honolulu at about 8pm Pacific time. We picked up the rental car, miraculously fit all of our stuff into the small Nissan Versa, and headed to Kaneohe where we've been staying with my dad's cousin, Lydia, and her family. They have to be THE nicest people I have ever met. We got to their house around 10pm and they immediately took us down the street to Zippy's, a Hawaiian diner, and bought us dinner, apple turnovers for the next morning, and an entire haupia cake. Haupia is made out of coconut milk and is probably the most delicious thing I have ever tasted.

Friday was a very successful day. We found both a cute apartment and a rather sharp-looking car for very reasonable prices. The Lord is definitely watching over us. That night Lydia took us to the family's favorite sushi place. We sat at a bar where several different sushi dishes passed by on a conveyor belt in front of us. The chefs were in the middle whipping up fresh sushi and anything else we desired. Very yummy. We're excited to be surrounded by lots of great sushi places for the next two years.

Saturday we were able to relax since we had already accomplished the two daunting tasks that we were so stressed about. We went to Ala Moana beach and then made it back to a welcoming party for us at Lydia's house with all of our family on the island. They were all so kind and fun to talk to. It's great to know that even though we're so far away, we're still close to family who love us and are willing to help us in any way they can.

Sunday, Lydia and Michael and Cherie took us around Oahu to show us some Hawaiian landmarks and great beaches. We can't even believe we get to live here. It is so beautiful. They showed us the original Kahuku shrimp truck, Giovanni's (delicious), as well as the famous Matsumoto's Shave Ice on the North Shore. I'd have to say that one of my favorite things about Hawaii is the fact that I can have the most delicious shave ice in the world all year round. This is a truly a wonderful place.