New Orleans

Sterling and I went to New Orleans for the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention. We had a lot of fun but I don't have a lot of pictures.

The French Quarter in the back ground. We learned a lot about American history that happened in New Orleans that I had never learned before.

Pumps that are supposed to help prevent flooding. They weren't enough to combat Hurrican Katrina.

Alligator tour. We didn't see any alligator's but it was still fun. We saw a lot of the changes and still some boat debri from the hurricane.

President Trump spoke at the convention. The security was insane. Long lines and ID checks. It was fun to hear him speak. He knows how to command a crowd and say what people want to hear. 

There are more pictures on Instagram but I don't know why they are not on the computer. I'll have to try to figure that out.

Hawaii- day 4&5- Polynesian Cultural Center&Beach cruising

We started out day 4 at the Dole plantation with a delicious dole Whip ice cream. Mmmm, good!

Then we were off to the Polynesian Cultural Center. We had sooo much fun! During this canoe ride in Tonga, we realized our guide knows our neighbors, the Sikas. So we posed for a picture and sent it to him. 

The canoe pageant was fun. I'm always amazed that the dancers can balance on those canoes.

Coconut tree climber in Samoa.

Pig for dinner at the Luau!

After dinner and before the show, we took the missionary shuttle to the Laie temple. 

And the show. It was so beautiful. The dancing, the story, the setting. All of it was just amazing! The perfect way to end the day!

We also found time to drive around, look at the ocean and sit on the beach. Nice and relaxing, just appreciating the beautiful world God gave us.

Day 5 was Sunday so we went to a three hour block on the north shore. It was so nice, even though I think I slept through most of it. I love that the church is the same where ever you go and always feels like family.

This was our cool ride for the few days we were on our own. Loved the power!

And as a fitting farewell, we were treated to this beautiful sunset! Good bye Hawaii! Until next time!

Hawaii- day 2&3- Hiking

Day 2 of our trip was filled with work for Sterling and books by the pool for me. Then we left for a tour of Oahu agriculture. We drove past many fields of pineapple, which was very nostalgic for Sterling. Pineapple wasn't the only thing we saw but was definitely recognizable. 

We ended up at the Kahuku Family Farm on the north shore. It was amazing. They have done such a wonderful job with their farming operation. They took us on a tractor ride through some of their fields. Then we had dinner at the little cafe they put on their property. If you are ever on Oahu, you need to go there!!! This is a picture of a banana field!

On day 3, as soon as meetings were over on Friday, we headed off to a few hikes. First stop was Manoa Falls. I felt like I was in the middle of Jurassic Park.

The hike was nice and cool and a little slippery. And the falls were amazing!

Then it was off to Diamond Head. 

We were taking public transportation and it got a little uncomfortable at times. There was one time we were waiting for a bus and there was a homeless guy talking to himself, very obviously mentally ill. A woman passed him and did something he didn't like, I'm not sure what. And he just went after her, yelling and followed her, almost chasing her into traffic. Sterling was on a church call at the time, but he said that if that guy had kept following her, he would have done something about it. It was scary!

Then, on the bus, there were guys talking about the best way terrorists could take over the U.S. It was so uncomfortable. I was happy when we finally got off the bus!!!!

But Diamond Head was great. Lots of climbing. And completely different from Manoa Falls. We went from rain forest jungle to desert in a matter of an hour on the bus. 

The view from the top of the crater was beautiful. Look at that water!

Waikiki in the background. That's where our hotel was.

And so began the work-free part of our vacation. Welcome to paradise!

Hawaii-day 1

I was lucky enough to tag along with Sterling on a Farm Bureau trip to HAWAII. We got to the hotel just in time for him to go to meetings, but our room wasn't ready yet, so I sat in the lobby and looked at the pool and ocean beyond it.

I also gorged my self on Maui Zowie pizza. The best I've ever had!

The view from the balcony, from both directions.

Ocean.

Mountains. The best of both worlds.

That first night we went to a starlight, rooftop Luau. It was sooo hot!

And I do mean HOT!

It was a long day of travel and work and play. About 20 hours worth. So we were more than ready to hit the sack at the end of this day!

Vernal - day 2 Flaming Gorge

Our second day in Vernal, we wanted to take in Flaming Gorge. It was a little overcast and A LOT windy! But the views from Red Canyon were beautiful!

We saw some wildlife. I have no idea what it is but it was very interested in us!

Tree and rock, all mingled together. I don't remember why I took this picture other than how striking it was to see something as solid as rock, woven together with a living, growing tree.

I love taking pictures of my kids in nature. They seem so at home and happy. 

 The Red Canyon Rimtrail we were on was about 9 miles out and back. Most of the views were in the first 2 miles, so after about 3 1/2 miles, we stopped for lunch and then headed back.

After the hike, the weather was still too windy and cool to jump into the water. So we opted to not head for the beach and stay at the visitor center and its dock. Still fun though. Syd and Park took turns standing in the water by these rocks - 

- and try to throw rocks and hit each other on the dock. They had to factor in for the wind, which made it a little tricky.

Great fun at Flaming Gorge!!!