Evan, Kelly and family (minus Treygan - Elder Mickelsen - who is serving a mission and currently in St.Paul, Minnesota) arrived on Saturday, July 21st. They settled into the condo above us - courtesy of our kind upstairs neighbor. The next morning bright and early, we were off to church.
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All of us in front of our chapel in Kealakekua. |
After church, Evan and Kelly prepared a yummy brunch for us - it was a treat not to cook!
We enjoyed pancakes, bacon and Evan's special scrambled eggs. Everything was delicious!
After brunch, we took a drive to see some of the beautiful spots near us.
This beach is across the bay from the Captain Cook Monument.
Then we visited the Place of Refuge.
We walked around on the beach and were fortunate enough to see a large sea turtle.
It was later in the afternoon and we had the place to ourselves, so we took lots of pictures!
The girls had fun re-enacting a story about King Kamehameha's favorite wife. She and the king had a quarrel and she ran away and hid under this large rock. The king searched and finally found her when her dog barked and gave away her location. The couple made up and all was well.
The Evan Mickelsen family (minus Treygan)
It was a beautiful sunset that evening.
It was a beautiful sunset that evening.
Next we stopped at the Painted Church and looked inside.
I have seen it many times, but I always love to go there.
Then we walked up the path (with markers of events leading up to the crucifixion) to see the Pieta statue of Mary holding Christ after he was taken from the cross.
There was a frisky black cat that thought he was part of our group; he followed us all around the area!
The beautiful Pieta!
Our last stop was the Sheraton Hotel to see the manta rays.
We timed it just right and were able to watch them for over 30 minutes! They are such graceful and amazing creatures!!
The next day was our "P" Day so we headed north to see some of the sights.
We stopped at the lava tube that can be seen from the highway.
We all climbed down into the main cavern and then Evan, Kelly and the girls climbed through the narrow part of the tube and then climbed up out and onto the lava above.
From there, we continued north and made a short stop and hike around the Puukohola Heiau State Park . The girls learned more about King Kamehameha and Hawaiian history.
Our next stop was the Nut Factory - every guest of ours MUST go here to sample macadamia nuts - no trip to the "Big Island" would be complete without this tasting experience!
We continued north to the Pololu Valley Lookout - one of the most beautiful spots on the island. It was overcast that day but still beautiful!
We also stopped near the lookout at a roadside stand to buy a very expensive white pineapple - Evan and Kelly said it was delicious!!
Next we drove to Kapaau (famous for having the original King Kamehameha statue) and made a stop at Brother Vea's wood carving shop.
Brother Vea is a sealer on Wednesdays at the temple. He makes beautiful wood carvings and has a fun shop filled with his carvings, jewelry, musical instruments, and lots of other Hawaiian and south sea island items. Brother Vea always has a big happy smile and insists on giving his items away to missionaries and their family members. Hal chose a turtle carved from monkey pod wood on a stand - Brother Vea had carved his name on the bottom of the stand. This is such a keepsake for us and a sweet memory of the goodness and generosity of the island people. Brother Vea also gave each of the girls and Kelly items of jewelry.
Then we drove to Hawi where we looked at the cute shops there and then ate lunch at Minnies.
We ordered the fresh fish plate, salads and the fish sandwich. The food was very good!
Then we began the drive home with a quick stop in Waimea where I had to take a picture of this cute cowboy boot!
Tuesday morning they came to the temple and Evan baptized Kyra and Sareya for some family names. Hal and I got to be assigned to help in the baptistry - it was awesome. Then on another day, Evan and Kelly came and did some initiatory work and an endowmemnt session. Hal and I were assigned to officiate - another awesome experience. It is such a blessing to serve in our small temple - we love it!!
Tuesday Evening we went to dinner together at Sam Choys.
Kyra liked the roast duck that she had ordered!
The fresh fish was delicious and the sunset was a little "voggy" but nice.
Friday, we all went on a helicopter ride. I have to admit that I was a little nervous and not looking forward to it, but in the end, I am so glad that I went!
Evan, Kelly and the girls were in 1 helicopter, and Hal and I were in another. The photo above shows Evan and family just before we took off.
Hal and I were in a helicopter with a cute family from Norway - Mom, Dad and 2 kids.
Norwegian dad and son - mom was seated in the co-pilot spot up front and the daughter was next to me. The views of the island were amazing. We took off from the Kona airport and headed north for a few miles and then turned east to cross over to the ocean side.
The 2 photos above show some of the deep gorges that are on the northern part of the island. Then we made our way to a valley on the northeastern side of Hawaii, just north of Waipio valley.
This valley that had beautiful waterfalls on every side - it was awesome!!
Then we headed east to the coastline. The views of the waterfalls dropping into the sea were so gorgeous!
Another view of the valley, and the waterfall dropping into the ocean
As we flew further along the Hilo side of the island, we were able to see fissure #8 of the volcano. It was spectacular to see the river of lava and all the steam and smoke!
This photo shows the steam and volcanic gasses that are created as the river of lava flows into the ocean!
Then we began our trip back to the Kona side of the island. We flew up to 7,000 feet elevation as we crossed over the inactive volcano - Mona Loa.
Then we dropped to a lower altitude as we made our way along the western coastline of the island. We could see the Mauna Kea resort ( photo on the left) and the
Hapuna Beach resort ( photo on the right).
A closer view of the Mauna Kea hotel and resort
Then we made our way back to the Kona airport and finished our adventure. I am so glad that we took this trip - it really gave me a greater appreciation for the beautiful island that we live on!!
On Evan & Kelly's last evening on Hawaii, they went with us to a dinner party hosted by Elder and Sister Walker. Walkers had family visiting at the same time we did - Shannon's Sister, Mom and Walker's daughter, son-in-law and their 3 children. Walkers had rented a beautiful home in the Waikaloa area and they had prepared a yummy dinner of barbecued ribs, roast beef, baked potatoes, fruit and veggie salads and heavenly cheesecake for dessert! Oh - and we first started with smoothie fruit drinks served in champagne flutes (fancy pants stuff for us)!
This is Walker's son-in-law, Taylor and their son with Evan.
This photo shows Walker's oldest granddaughter, Michael, Shannon's older sister and Walker's youngest granddaughter.
Sister Ruby Zabriski, Shannon and Shannon's mom
Sareya, Evan and Aleeya
Michael and Shannon's oldest daughter and Kelly
After the lovely meal and some time for visiting, Evan and Kelly left for the airport and Elder and Sister Zabriski and we left to go home. It was a lovely evening!
We are so glad that they came to visit - we made some great family memories together!
Aloha!
We are so glad that they came to visit - we made some great family memories together!
Aloha!
