Mom, Dad, and Lisa Came! (and Natalie and Kia Came Back for a Quick Bit!)

Natalie and Kia knew that Lisa was coming for their Hilo reception, but they had NO IDEA that Mom and Dad were coming also! It was such a great surprise, and although their four-day trip was way too short, we were so grateful for the time that we got with them!

Right after they landed, we popped up to Beach 69. It had been so rainy in Hilo that we were desperate for some sun. It was a little overcast, but not raining. And it was such a nice reprieve from the rain!

We stopped by Rainbow specifically because it had been raining so much. It was fun to see her so full! We also stopped by Boiling Pots. We sure do live in a beautiful place. 

The kids were still in school while they were here, but we took Mavi and adventured up to Laupahoehoe Point again. Mom loved it so much! She was so content sitting on those rocks watching them crash. I think she could have been there forever! She said that the only thing that was missing was her fish and chips. ;)

Again, Mavi picked me a flower and wanted a picture. I love my sweet boy!

Friday night was the Hilo Reception for Natalie and Kia. I am TERRIBLE and got zero pictures from it. I stole this picture off of facebook. I was so busy running around the entire time figuring out the microphones, speakers, projector, food, etc. that I didn't stop long enough to take pictures. Regardless of pictoral evidence, however, it was an incredible occasion! They had an incredible turnout. The food, despite some things falling through, was incredible and plentiful. The MC did a great job, the music and slideshow were amazing, the game that they did was entertaining and engaging, the decorations were classy and simple, and the love and aloha in the room was powerful. 

Natalie and Kia were a force in Hilo, especially within the YSA branch. They inspired, taught, loved, included, and united that branch. They will sorely be missed here! 

Saturday morning, we took the entire crew of 11 to Hawaiian Style Cafe for breakfast. It was a treat from Mom's boss for her ten year anniversary of working there! It was sooo fun to take everyone, and to try so many different things off of the menu. It's safe to say that everyone left very full. After breafkast, we walked over to Big Island Candies and thank goodness we were all full because we would have eaten that place out of its samples. The decor, music, feel, samples were all soo intoxicating. It was so fun!

Grandma cut Everett and Maverick's hair while she was here! They both look so handsome and I'm so glad she took the time to do that! I was not able to convince Brayden and Asher to follow suit, unfortunately.

We all went to the YSA Branch on Sunday as it was Natalie and Kia's last Sunday. We all got to participate in singing Aloha 'Oe to them in Sacrament meeting, then we (including the boys) went to Kia's last time of teaching Sunday School. He sure is a great teacher, barefoot and all!

Before they left, Mom got to pick our pineapple that was growing. Then, as is tradition, they gifted their fresh flower lei back to the earth. It was so sad to see them go, but we sure did cram in a lot of memories in the short time they were here! Natalie, Kia, Mom, Dad, and Lisa were all on the same flight. Good thing Scott was still here to fill the hole of our house being so empty!