island fog

did you see this post? 

because it is great. and hawaii was great. and i've been home for over a week, but i'm still living in a post-island fog of sickness that comes from a lack of sunshine and starting work. 

so even though it's been a while, it really was a dream come true, and i have more pictures to share.

so here i go.

every great day starts at the beach right? okay, not totally right. how about, if you start at the beach it's a guaranteed great day?

it gets better when you add fruit.

friends.

and lots and lots of sand messages.

soaking in sunshine. yum. 

 also, the waves were the biggest, bluest things i've ever seen. they were on the scary side. 

 after beachin' it for as long as possible we decided to head to a cute little north shore town called haleiwa. we searched for a bathroom in vain, ate at an adorable bakery, then decided to go all out and go paddle boarding! 

first we saw some of these.

and then we found uncle bryan who hooked us up with these!

we were so nervous we were going to end up taking a cool down... a.k.a. fall in. 

 we got the hang of it though.

and neither of us fell.

 it was seriously one of the coolest things i've ever done. the fact that we didn't have a camera was killing us because we were seriously in this hawaiian island oasis of beauty and wonderment. with giant sea turtles swimming around us and under us and by us. and the fact that we did get pictures in the end is a whole different story... trust me when i say that paddle boarding was amazing.

in haliewa, another must do is hit matsumoto's for some shave ice.

it's famous. it's the best. and there really is no d in shave ice.

 post-paddling and -icing we scurried home to get to the polynesian cultural center night show, which was also AMAZING! firedancing = crazy! 

the next day we got up early for the sunrise. woah.

 WOAH.

 it was a little too early,

 but it sure was beautiful!

after we had breakfast at the hukilau cafe and then got back in bed for a few hours, we hit the beach again. naturally. and made friends with lots of lifeguards. one didn't stop flirting with us. he was fifty. no joke. 

he told us we were really pretty. thanks dude. shaka. 

beach day. 

we ate a divine hamburger at kahuku grill (making up for failed lemonades at kahuku market)

 and then went to explore the pcc and make bad decisions and get fake tatoos. yep. sweet. 

this was by the hamburgers. neat.

we ended the night at the temple which was just too good. it always is.

 the adventures didn't stop there. but i am, for now.

there is more to come.

also.

this.

my little sister got her mission call.

that's awesome.

more to come on that too.

island adventures

definitely living the dream on this here hawaiian vacation. 

we've hit up market places.

 done some great beach exploring.

last night was a grand night on the town in honolulu.

 and this morning we had a blast hiking crouching lion..

we climbed through the hawaiian jungle and wondered if we'd ever find the view we were looking for!

 though it took us a few good tries to find the actual trail, we eventually made it to the top.

 it was gorgeous!

a little panoramic

we made it. 

it was a seriously amazing view.

(loving the new panoramic feature on my phone)

and i love being reunited with mind!

 the mountain side we were hiking... the trail was quite strenuous.

it's me at the top of crouching lion.

fun friends.

 post lion we hit the chinaman's hat,

 and had a great time rocking one-pieces. 

hooray for sunny days. 

palm tree love!

 we finished the night with a sunset on sunset beach, of course.

 it was perfect.

 and what would the beach be without a sandy message to far away husbands?

so far, so good.

it's been a wonderful island adventure. 

outfit obsession

do you ever purchase a new piece of clothing and love it so much that you end up wearing it every other day?

i have that problem, with this heart shirt from j.crew. in love.

in the city...

at church...

 for date night.

that's three times in one week!  if i can find a way to wear it, i will!!

 and now as a little graduation present...

 i'm off to spend a week in hawaii with this girl. here i come sunshine and happiness!!