The Whole Crew

Yes there really was this many of us. Grandma Iris decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and take a cruise around the islands of Hawaii. Only she decided to do it with ALL of her posterity and everyone of them were there. Kids. Grandkids, and those especially darling Great-Grandkids!! What a week it was with us all over the boat. We had 3 special nights together. Each one started with us all eating together in the dining room... boy did the waiters love us, all 31 of us! It took them a couple of times to really figure out how to do it efficiently. But the finally got it down.

Monday was Family Home Evening, where Dani gave a lesson on the history of Hawaii and Kim sent us all on a scavenger hunt throughout the boat (and singing Christmas Carols to complete strangers).

We didn't serve refreshements.... are you kidding!! we are on a cruise ship.... refreshments 24/7.

Wednesday was Christmas Eve and Carrie did a great job of setting the mood for the holiday. She even gave a challenge for the year to increase our spirituality and added a gift for us individually to give the Savior.

Friday was game night and what a night of BUNKO it was. Erika and Diane got it all organized and they did a marvelous job and fun was had by all.

The rest of the days we were pretty much on our own. We did lots of shore excursions, driving around the islands, had beach time, kayaking (both river and ocean), eating, eating, eating, Zipping ( see below), snorkling ( we did our best at Kealakekua Bay where Capt. Cook spent his last hours... he was killed by the natives... but what a place to have as your last! There were dozens of dolphins swimming around that we kayaked by. (Kim went scuba diving one of the days, but the rest of us are too chicken!), and even went to Sacrament Meeting at a local ward. It was their Christmas Program, so it was good.

Well, That is a breif summery. Pics and more info to come.... but it was such a great week, can only do part of it at a time. Stay Tuned! --- Yes this is the way we felt after a week together... can there be more fun than this!!

Zip Line

This is the Longest Zip line I have ever heard of!!!! It was as long as 2 football fields!! It was the 7th in a series that we did while on our Holiday in Hawaii. Brent and I, Dani, Brooke and Q, Jess and Drew and Grandma all had a blast zipping through the air (with the greatest of ease I might add). You have been watching Q fly in this particular video. I have one of Brooke too, but you have to tilt you head to the side to watch most of it.... the camera person forgot you can't just rotate the video (oopps)

Kim got to play on the boat with the 3 yunguns (aren't they cute)!.... they weren't allowed (can you see why).






By the way.... it is said that speeds up to 45 mph are possible when ZIPPING along this particular line (What a blast!!)

Happy January to you!!

A big happy is that we finally got a chance to do Happy and Sads. It has been a long time and it is good to get back to normal.

Happy was that we got to go to HAWAII for Christmas with all of our family. More information on that to come.... but you can see a preview by going to Jess, Carrie, and Kim's blogs.

Happy was that all the big snow storms happened while we were gone and we have had lots of sunshine (cold but sunny) since we got back.

Happy to be able to get out of our new concrete driveway. They finally shaved off part of the top so the car doesn't scrape bottom when we drive out. Pictures to come.

Happy that everyone got home safe and sound.

Sad that Grma Speakman wasn't here to enjoy the holidays with us. We miss her, but are happy that she got to spend the Christmas season and the rest of her life with Daddy, her family and the person who made Christmas Possible.

Happy that the new year brings many possibilities and hope for the future. Best to you and all of yours.

Love and hugs
Brent and Jan

PS...... notice our new family picture??!!!!!