Operation: Move in 4 suitcases

I sat down in our new backyard today to write our first post from our little slice of paradise in Hawaii.  I grabbed a chair and had to take a photo of my view while I type.

This is the first 'real' move of our marriage. We spent time making a packing list, ordering and shipping boxes of diapers, wipes, clothes, shoes, crackers, and other items ahead of our arrival.  After a few crazy days, we arrived at the airport (thanks for the ride mum and dad!) with 2 kids in our arms. We checked 2 suitcases and 2 moster-sized duffle bags along with 2 car seats, and 1 oversized jogging stroller.  Our moms helped us sew and bag and pack the stroller such that it wouldn't get damaged in transit.  We each had 1 carryon and 1 backpack (a.k.a. diaper bag) in tow and must have looked hillarious.  We breathed a sigh of relief after making it through security and walked to the gate.

The airport was a playground for about 30 minutes while we waited to board.  They were facinated by all the 'trucks' outside and especially with the long hallways where they could run at full speed.  They wandered up and down ramps and were in heaven.  I started to wonder if they would be angry that we took them away from this playground to sit on our laps on the plane, but they did okay.

Our first flight to Los Angeles Doug and I sat in separate rows and I was directly in front of him.  The row had just 2 seats on one side and 1 seat across the isle.  Our entire rows were empty, except for us.  Ethan and Sydney had their own seat and had a great time. 

By the time we left LAX, Sydney was especially tired. She had refused to nap all day and it was now 7:30 pm (our body clock time) and was f.u.s.s.y.  We gave them some homeopathic Calms Forte (for kids) and hoped for the best. It was a VERY full flight and every seat was taken.  We were fortunate enough to have kind people around us who didn't seem bothered by the fussy kids.  Sydney was OUT while we were still ascending into the skies and Ethan was too excited to sleep. He eventually settled down for Doug about an hour after Sydney fell asleep.  The only challenge at that point was a 6 hour flight and no moving with a sleeping baby.  I finally asked Doug to hold both sleeping kids while I walked to the bathroom.  Standing up was a glorious feeling!

We arrived on Honolulu at 9 pm, although 1 am by our body clock time.  We both felt a little dilerious.  Paul, from BYU-Hawaii greeted us, helped with all our luggage and gave us each a lei.  We were so excited that the trip was behind us and an adventure ahead of us.

We stopped at the grocery store to grab some food for Sunday meals. We were shocked at the prices of food.
bananas: $1.39/lb
plums $2.99/lb
Grapenuts $7.29 for a small box!
almond milk (we get for $2.99 before) $5.99
Yikes!
We had a rough night with Sydney ready to be awake for the day at 4 am and Ethan up as well. We have a double bed and had all 4 of us snuggling.  Doug let me sleep until 8 am and he attempted to sleep himself for an hour or so.

I tried to put both leis on them but Sydney was completely disgusted with the idea.  Too funny.

Sunday afternoon, we took a short walk to a nearby park. The view at the end of our street was breath-taking with green mountains.

The park is just 4 houses down the from us, basically, and is pretty with a lot of grassy area to play.

My favorite part of our yard is a plumeria tree and lots of blossoms.  Ethan let me put one behind his ear.  Sydney wouldn't have it!

Aloha from Hauula, Hawaii!