Sunday, September 25, 2011

Anniversary Trip To Hawaii--September 2011

Robyn and I celebrated our 32 years of marriage with a trip to Hawaii.
Robyn has always wanted to visit Hawaii, and I wanted to take her to tell what a wonderful person and wife she is.
 For eight days we did everything together.  Just the two of us.
On the plane to Honolulu.

 One day at Waikiki, to pay our respects to Duke K.

 At Pearl Harbor, on the Arizona Memorial, honoring those who sacrificed for our freedoms.

 Ready to launch a "fish" (torpedo) on the WWII Submarine Bowfin
known as the Pearl Harbor Avenger.

 We stayed several nights on the beach at Laie, on Oahu.
This is the back lawn of our "love shack" condo, with steps down to the beach.
 We left the sliding glass door open at night, so we could hear the gentle waves as we slept.

 Enjoying our local soda pop flavors at the World Famous (sort-of) hangout Ted's Bakery on the North Shore of Oahu.



 A day at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie.
We enjoyed meeting the students who are working there to support themselves at BYU-Hawaii.

 A special morning at the LDS Temple at Laie.

 Robyn on one of our many snorkeling expeditions.
The water was a little rougher, and a touch colder than we might have expected.
That didn't stop us from seeing monk seals, turtles, a slithery eel (moray?), and brightly colored tropical fish of all kinds and sizes.

We tried ocean kayaking. Robyn spotted a turtle gliding under us.
The little white rectangle in the distance is the Lahaina Shores Resort in Maui, where we stayed while on that Island.

Me, in the back of the kayak, enjoying the sight at the front of the kayak (Robyn).

 We took the ferry from Lahaina, Maui to Lanai Island.  We enjoyed snorkeling above the extensive reefs off this public beach. We could look down 30 feet to see the divers below us.
 Checking out the tide pools.
 Just before we returned from Lanai to Maui.

 A guided tour on the Road to Hana, Maui.
Our guide snapped this photo on a black sand volcanic beach.
 Under a giant stand of bamboo.
 Our helicopter, for a guided flight over Maui.
 From the air, we saw endless waterfalls, beaches, some celebrity homes, and the remains of a temple where the native used to practice human sacrifice (see the black rectangle below).
 Our final night--a sunset dinner at a restaurant right on the beach.
We  knew it was romantic, because every night photographers were taking wedding and engagement photos right there.
 A peaceful moment with Robyn.
We had some challenges on our trip, such as family health news that was unexpected, work issues to monitor and deal with, and what not. 
However, after 32 years, we'll continue to stick together and work it all out for the best.
 Eight great days together.
On the way home.
 Robyn is happy with our vacation, and I am too!
Mission accomplished.



Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The End of the Rainbow

Where is the end of the rainbow?
Where I grew up, of course--and where Mom and Dad still live--
On Grayslake in Rancho Palos Verdes.

 This is the end of the beautiful rainbow.
If you look closely you can see a second rainbow to the right.

Debbie, Mom, Rachel, Dad, Brent, Jillair and Greg
We stand all amazed, at the sight of the rainbow.

August 2011 Visit to Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center

We had a memorable, if all too quick, visit with Robyn's cousins Christy and Don Cardin.
We enjoyed the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center in Old Towne San Diego.
The center's interactive tour gave us a "you were there" experience.
 
Michael, Christy & Robyn
as the sun was setting
 
Jeff, Under the Gun

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Launching Elder Robinson On His Mission

In late July we launched Elder Ryan Robinson on his mission to Texas San Antonio.
Bon Voyage Cake from Paulette Tagaloa of our ward.
Family pool party--arranged by Christian and Katie.  We played Marco Polo all afternoon.
 
Ryan gave an amazing farewell talk in Sacrament meeting. We had a family get-together. Ryan was set apart as Elder Robinson that evening.
Saying Goodbye at Grandma Joyce's.  We went to the Salt Lake Temple and Grandma took us out to eat at the Lion House Pantry, the day before Ryan entered the Provo Missionary Training Center.
One last hug for Mom.
We had our traditional send-off lunch at Pizza Factory, with Joyce, Robyn & Jeff
Ryan unloaded his gear at the MTC, with the help of the elders.  The parting was over so quickly.  Ryan/Elder Robinson gave us a hug, and walked off with a smile, not even looking back.  Way to go, Ryan/Elder Robinson!  Our prayers are with you.