Joel had the opportunity to do interviews for Kohls at BYU in the middle of February and I was lucky enough to tag along! Carson was just 4 weeks old (which I got some strange comments from random people) but he was a gem on the plane. If he started to get fussy I just hooked him up to Mommy's milk factory and he was content! Since he was still so young, we didn't venture out and do a ton, but it was a nice trip to see family and surprise Grandma O'Neill!!
We returned home for 4 days and then were off to Hawaii with my family!! We spent 11 hours on a plane to get there but it was so worth it- minus the rain and wind! We stayed at the gorgeous Ko Olina Beach Club on Oahu. Marriott does such an awesome job with all of their properties. We have been lucky enough to stay at several different Marriott properties over the years and all of them have been perfect!
While we were there, we drove up to the North Shore to see the huge waves that you hear about (funny story about this), hit up the PCC, went to Pearl Harbor, snorkeled at Hanauma Bay, and strolled around Waikiki. Joel took Makenna on a little date to whale watch and swim with wild dolphins since I have a 7 week old who won't take a bottle yet! :) Joel's speed on vacations is fast-forward and mine is more like idle mode, so he got up early most mornings and went and saw/did things while Carson and I vegged at the hotel. We joined him around 1 everyday for some family time!
The funny story...
Joel loves to do "adventurous" things and is really a kid at heart! The big waves were too much for him to handle- he wanted to play in them! The red flags were up warning about the strong current and large waves, but that didn't stop him. In fact, I think it became even more enticing because it was more of a challenge. He decided to go bodysurfing and play with the big boys (surfers and wind surfers) and was the only one without "gear" in the water. He went out there all cool and them BAM!! He was getting thrown down and tossed around! It was so funny to watch and apparently others on the beach thought so too! Not five minutes in to his fun, an ATV with a life guard called him out of the water and basically told him it's way too dangerous to be out there without a board of some sort. How the life guard could tell Joel wasn't a local is beyond me I think it may have something to do with his glowing white skin!
Anyway, we were In Hawaii 6 days and then headed to Utah AGAIN for a mini-reunion! It has been several years- alomost 4- since all my siblings and their spouses and kids have been together. The original plan was for all of us to go to Hawaii but jobs and new babies prevented some from being able to go. The goal was to get all of us together for a family picture, which happened Friday. I saw some proofs and am excited to see them all!
While in Utah we also blessed Carson, Hudson (Josh and Heather's baby boy), and Weston (Ryan and Angelica's baby boy). Joel gave a sweet blessing and did a fabulous job keeping his thoughts clear as Carson cried through most of it. I'm so grateful that Joel is a worthy priesthood holder!
We left SLC Sunday and in typical fashion were welcomed by March Milwaukee snow! We are glad to be back and looking forward to getting into some sort of routine again but had such a great time that we are already planning our next trip.
Pictures in no particular order:
10 comments:
Wow, you have been busy. Looks like you guys had a ton of fun. Your pictures made me miss Hawaii.
oh i love the one of him in the carseat. so sweet. i'm glad you had a fun time. we all need to get together so we can actually see the little man!
Fun travels! I love the picture of all the O'Neills - so fun to see so many of you guys in one picture! Carson is as cute as can be. Getting so big so fast, as they do!
Wow.
Pictures and stories are fabulous as I can picture Joel out in the water right now.
Also, why is it that the buildings in UT are so much prettier than ours!
Thanks for the great pictures. Carson is a doll! I loved the sling-so great for bringing them ANYWHERE. I second Melissa saying how great to see all the O'Neills. Can't wait to see the little guy. Our blog (even though I haven't updated in a while) is tkjones0312.blogspot.com
OH MY GOSH!! I LOVE all of these pics and that little guy is SO SO cute- I can't WAIT to see him in person!! I think he looks alot like Joel- crazy! It looks like you guys are having such a busy and fun time- the "True O'neil" way. Love you guys. You guys are livin it right and having SO much fun! CONGRATS AGAIN! xx
Finally some more pics! More please! Love em.
You look great, and can't believe you got that sling to work, I could never get those silly things for work for Con and I. I will have to try again some day when we have another.
oh and by the way you asked for my digits...801-541-7533
hopefully no one scary gets on here and sees my phone number :)
It was great to see you guys! Thanks for the story about Joel at the beach. Definitely made me laugh. :) Also, for some reason the photo of all the guys who helped with Carson's blessing had me ROLLING. Jim totally looks like he just Photoshopped himself in. Ha ha!
Did you find someone to do your hair? I'm still sad about that. It looks like you guys had a good time. We were on Kauai last week and had horrible weather! Owell better luck next time.
Too bad we didn't know you were going to Oahu. Zach would have loved to seen you and your family. He is serving in Wahiawa which is up by the Dole Plantation. Anyway your blog is great and I love to follow what is happening in your life. Carson is really cute. Next time you come to salt lake Gary and I could use some exercise coaching. Love the Blog.
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