Harston and Janeway Grandparents are here--Asher gets Baptized!

Since Asher turned eight, it means he got to be baptized! Getting baptized meant BOTH sets of grandparents got to be with us for a few days!! It wasn't even close to long enough, but we tried to fit in as much as we could while they were here. Unfortunately, Sean had a HUGE test that he was studying for the entire time they were here so he got very little time with them. But we did our best to show them our side of the island, (again, for Janeway grandparents) and give them a glimpse at what our island life is like.

I have a huge irrational fear of having my face in water. Since moving here, I've conquered it a lot. So it was on my bucket list to "go snorkeling with Daddy" because it's something I've never been able to do. (Unlike a lot of my siblings who got their SCUBA diving licenses with him!)

We went to Kapoho Tide pools, Richardson Beach, Cafe 100, Coconut Island, Akaka Falls, Thurston Lava Tube and Chain of Craters Road, the Caldera both during the day and at night, (the lava was visible from the Jagger Museum unlike we'd ever seen before. Such an incredible experience!), the Farmer's Market and the zoo. They got to watch the boys at soccer and gymnastics, and they got to meet our Hawaiian Ohana and see why we don't feel isolated on this island, so far away from family!

Oh, and Brad cut Asher's hair, and Mom cut Maverick and Everett's. It was nice to have their hair cut other than by what I can do with just clippers :)

Asher was baptized on Saturday, October 22 in the Ainaola Ward in the Hilo Stake. He was baptized by his Grandpa Janeway, and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his Grandpa Harston.  We felt really loved by the people that attended this special day for Asher.

In the confirmation circle were: Grandpa Harston, Grandpa Janeway, President Erbe (Stake President and friend), Alex Erbe (Hanai father),  Bishop Santos, Brother Taele and Brother Enos (both in the Ainaola bishopric), Bishop Adams (Asher's best friend's father), Jake Wong (friend that drove 2 hours from Captain Cook with his wife and daughter to be there with us!), Miles Roberts (friend from Pharmacy school), and Raul Castro (friend and home teacher).

After the baptism, in true Hawaiian style, we held a potluck in the pavilion. I am kicking myself for not getting a photo of it. The food was incredible. The turnout was excellent. People lingered for awhile. There was excellent conversation, and it was so great for our parents to get to mingle with everyone that loves and supports us here.

It is customary in Hawaiian to gift a lei to the person we are celebrating (at graduation, leaving for a mission, baptism, wedding, etc.). Asher was gifted so. many. lei. and loved every moment of it. They were all made with different things, eyelash yarn, bamboo and coconut shell, kukui nut, shells, and even handmade with candy/a tie tack/a gift card.

Sharae Wong, and her daughter, Ashlyn.

Asher got a new bike for his birthday from Grandma and Grandpa Janeway!

It was sad to see everyone go, but we are so blessed that they got to be here with us for these few quick days!