What's Cooking?

This past week has been a ton of fun having my little brother Tanner visiting us. We've taken him surfing, snorkeling, hiking, gone to the beach, and done some spear fishing. The day we went spear fishing I stayed on the beach to finish reading "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer. I also took pictures of all the turtles hanging around. Devin caught a fish called nui nui. I don't know if that how it's spelled, but our neighbor from Fiji said that's what it's called. We cooked it up with some lemon pepper and it was delcious...better than salmon for sure. While they were spear fishing Tanner dropped his spear accidentally about 4o feet deep and somehow Devin was able to dive down and retrieve it. I didn't know I was married to someone with fish gills.

Best 4th of July ever!!!

We started Independence Day at Sunset Beach. The guys all surfed at Cami's and we brought a couple kites to play with. After the beach we had a barbeque at Katie & Brent's house. I bought Devin and I a huge steak to grill. Then we went to watch the fireworks at the Turtle Bay Resort...and we did it in style!!! We paddled out at a surf spot and watched the fireworks from the water! After the fireworks show we surfed for a while and then went in the Resort's pool to swim. Then we went back to Katie's and played with fireworks. Devin and I agree that this was by far the best 4th of July ever!!!

Birthday Celebration!

On Saturday for my birthday Devin had a surprise party planned for me at The Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki. We had spent the day at the beach and shopping and then we met up with some friends for dinner. I had no idea...I was completely surprised!!! It was so exciting! Dinner was great and I had a chocolate shake and a fresh strawberry cheesecake. It was such a great birthday, I felt so loved!

We'll miss you!

On Friday morning Devin finished his last final for the Spring term. He has been working so hard and I am so proud of him. He's such a stud! He has a few days to take a break before classes start for the Summer term on Wednesday. Yesterday we went to Goats again and Devin did some surfing and spear fishing. Devin says he didn't see one fish!!! We went with Meg + Corbin and Dan + Jonna. After the beach we got lunch and ate at Jonna's and watched a movie. Last night we met up with Jared + Lexi and went to dinner at Haleiwa Joe's. Jared is back for graduation and Devin was really looking forward to seeing him. He leaves again on Tuesday and Lexi is going back to the mainland on July 1st. We are going to miss them both so much!

Mohawk and Goat Island

On Saturday we went to Goats for Devin to surf with Corbin and Chris. I'm too scared to surf at Goats because of all the shark sightings that have been there. So, I chilled on the beach with Meg, Jackie, and Jonna. It was a perfect sunny day and we had alot of snacks to munch on. It felt so refreshing to swim in the water and it was so relaxing on the beach. On our way out of the parking lot, we saw that Jonna was waving us down from her car. She was frantic and we thought she was injured or something. A huge spider had crawled on her foot in her car, so Devin and Corbin got it out for her. It was so big and freaky!!! Also, I almost forgot to mention...DEVIN'S MOHAWK!!! He hasn't gotten in trouble or anything for violating the honor code at school, so that's a plus. I tease him about looking like MR. T alot, which has been entertaining. Lexi cut it for him and she did a great job of fading it.

Skating The Ramp

Saturday night we went to Jackie & Chris Kontoes' house for a barbeque and skating. Devin was tearing it up. Luckily, no injuries were sustained. However, I did leave a little sore. I took a fall and landed on my rear end. Let's just say it hurt to sit the next day in church. In the bottom picture the girls are sitting on the ramp. From L to R it's me, Jonna, Meg, Jackie, and Taylor. We had a good view of the boys skating from up there. After skating we watched the movie "Now & Then" which I love and think is absolutely hilarious. We made the boys watch it with us.

The Good Life

We enjoyed yet another fun filled weekend in Hawaii. Yesterday Devin surfed with Brent at Goat Island while I surfed with Katie, Keri, Anna, and Lindsey at Castles. The waves were small, but fun. Devin and Brent met up with us at Castles and brought us lunch. Devin had a long and hard week of school, and desperately needed some down time. He is currently taking 14 units this spring term when the limit is 9 units. Needless to say, this weekend was just what he needed...relaxing and fun! Last night we ate Thai food with Brent & Katie in Haleiwa and got Haagen Dazs for dessert! Our new favorite flavor is Carmel Cone. It is delicious!

My insanely amazingly fantastic husband!

Devin will be so embarrassed when he sees this post, but I can't hold it in. I want to shout it from the rooftop, I LOVE DEVIN DICKSON! My husband is the best. He makes me so happy and he is such a blessing. We have so much fun together and we grow more united each day in our marriage. I am so excited to spend eternity with him, the man of my dreams. How did I get so lucky? I am so grateful to have him by my side and wake up next to him each morning. He has made me a better person and words can't fully express my gratitude. Devin, I love you. Marrying you was the best day of my life, I am so incredibly HAPPY to have you as my husband. Thank you for loving me and bringing so much joy to my life.

On The South Shore

Last Friday Becky and I went to Waikiki to surf since the North Shore was flat. While we were surfing Becky cut her foot on the reef and it was deep so we went to the lifeguard stand to get a bandaid. He cleaned it out for her and he was quite flirtatious with her as well. I don't think Becky minded the cut after that.

Crowded Waikiki Beach

We met up with Tawny and her cousin on Friday (after surfing) and went to Lunch and Cheeseburger in Paradise and then went to Jacka** Falls and the Pali lookout. Then went to her hotel in Waikiki and got ready for dinner. On Saturday we went to Pearl Harbor and then went surfing at Waikiki. Becky and I taught Tawny how to surf. She did really well, she's definitely a natural! After surfing Becky and I split from Tawny and her cousin and went to dinner and a movie with Devin and his friend from high school Dave. We saw the new Narnia movie.

Becky and I at Pearl Harbor

Maunawili Falls Hike

This past week has been an adventurous one! Becky stayed with us for a week and we explored the island of Oahu! This was my favorite hike that I've done so far. Tawny met up with us since she was visiting her cousin in Kailua.

Waimea

Devin and I jumping off the rock at Waimea

Devin and Seth body surfing
Lindsey and Baby Raegan
On Saturday we went with Seth & Lindsey and their baby to Waimea and had a fun beach day! We had a long week and it was exactly the kind of day we needed. From Waimea we ate an early dinner in Haleiwa at a sandwich place called Storto's. It was my first time there and I am in love. One thing the North Shore lacks, is a variety of food. So I am excited to find a new place to eat!

Happy 50th Birthday Mommy!

Mom, I love you so much and I hope you have the best birthday ever! I am so bummed I can't be there to celebrate with you! Enjoy your "Sprinkles" cupcakes!!! I wish I could help you eat them! I miss you and you're the best! XOXO

Yoga

Yesterday I went with Katie, Anna, & Jonna to the Turtle Bay Resort for my first yoga class. I loved it! It was such a great work-out. I have done pilates many times and surprisingly, the day-after-soreness was way worse with yoga. My instructor kept calling me Jenna the whole time, it was hard not to laugh. He was really bad with names. The yoga session was so relaxing and we were outdoors with a beautiful view of the bay. After the class we went to Haleiwa for thai food and had a crazy waitress that was mean to us. But it was entertaining at the same time.

Happy Mother's Day!

Not only do we have the best moms on the planet, but they happen to be the most beautiful too! We love them so much and we are truly blessed for their love and support and for their amazing righteous examples they have set for us. We love them so much!

Another one bites the dust!!!

Devin just got home from surfing pounders with his second broken board this year. Let's hope it's not a trend. So we are officially accepting donations towards Devin's new surfboard fund.(haha, but seriously)

Nieces & Nephews!

It was so great to see my cute little nieces & nephews when we went home to California for a week. They all grew so much since we last saw them at Christmas and they were so fun to play with. They are all so adorable!!! We absolutely love them! The first picture is of James, Makayla, and Aleena. (Devin's sister Dawn's three kids) The second and third picture is of Dane, Dustin, and Calie. (Devin's brother Justin's three kids)

Dinner at Chimayo's

Last Friday night we went out with the Dickson crew! It was a ton of fun! Devin's dad treated us to an amazing dinner and it was nice to be together again! We miss California!!! This is a picture of me and the Dickson girls. (Except Kiki, we missed you!)

Family Bowling Night!

Monday night we went bowling with my parents and little brother. After bowling we played air hockey and then my dad treated all of us to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory! It was nice to get to be with my family and it was hard to say goodbye and come back to Hawaii. We miss you guys!

A Shira/Sharla Date!

On Monday my Mom and I spent the day together and went shopping! We went to the Irvine Spectrum and got some cute clothes at Anthropologie. We had alot of fun! We went to Red Robin for lunch and tried Pinkberry for the first time for dessert. It is amazing! Divine! Heavenly! You need to try it! It's fresh, light, delicious, and healthy!