Hey everyone.  Thanks for all the encouraging words and warm wishes.  Our first couple of days were pretty euphoric, but then it hit us quickly.  We're having a baby in 6 weeks or so and need to figure out where we'll live!  So my mind has been scrolling through the list of things that must be done...it feels like a mountain to climb.  I haven't even gotten checked in with healthcare yet.  But, all that will come.  Here are some glimpses of our first experiences in "paradise."  It's wonderful to know that even all the beauty here on earth can't compare to that which awaits us in the presence of God--the true paradise for those who love Him.  Enjoy... Christa

My aloha-pal made sure our entry into Hawaii was memorable and special!  She festooned our necks with the most sweet smelling floral leis for the girls as she greeted us at the airport.  There were nut and shell leis for the boys.  Another friend brought candy leis for the children. 

The grin-gang...welcome committee.  We had lots of help! 

The trees here are a little different from Ohio! 

Our first morning we saw four rainbows!  God's promises....

The flowers everywhere are so vivid and striking.

Savoring my beautiful lei for one more day.  I didn't want it to perish!

Our first morning we walked the beach at Waikiki. 

Impressive Diamond Head in the background...

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Posted by Anonymous

Wow! It is so beautiful there, but, I must admit, the smiles on your little ones are even better! It is fun reading your blog. I hope your settling in goes smoothly-

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Posted by callmekate

I just prayed for you - that you'll find the best healthcare available, that the rest of your pregnancy will go well and that your baby will be healthy. And guidance for a place to live. My computer isn't allowing me to see photos tonight (bummer!!) so I can't enjoy Hawaii! But I'm so glad you are there and happy. Don't worry, you'll get to the things on your list. May God continue to bless you and your sweet family!

Kate

Edited by callmekate on Apr. 26, 2007 at 12:01 AM

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Posted by nsremom

I think the fact that you dressed your children alike while traveling was genius. It's easier to spot the kids if they happen to get mixed into a crowd of folks.

Those lei's that you all received were amazingly beautiful. They're free? I would treasure mine as well. That was funny that you 'recycled' yours by making your dh wear it an extra day. :)

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Posted by Anonymous

I can not get over how big your kids are getting! I didn't realize it had been so long....wow! Susa is growing into such a little GIRL (not a baby anymore) amazing! HI looks so beautiful. Someday I hope to visit.......it will probably be after you guys are somewhere else, though. I am glad you have had such a great time so far. I pray you will find your house soon. Glad to hear you are doing well!
-BECKY LYNN

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Posted by EEEEMommy

Everyone looks awesome!
I can't get over the rainbows! They're amazing!!!
God always keeps His promises! :)
Praying that you'll find just the right place to live and that you'll have the very best doctors for the birth of your precious babe! :)

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Posted by Anonymous

Wow! What a beautiful rainbow! Bette was excited to see it, the palm trees, and Sophie! She's already making travel plans! I can't get over Suza either! Everyone looks so grown up! Hope you get (settled? what's that?) soon! Number SIX is on it's way!!

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Posted by Leigharev2

Awesome pictures!! <Whimper>

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Posted by CTdittmar

No, I'm sure those leis were not free. I've no idea how much they were, but my dear girl friend here met us with them. She probably layed out a pretty penny...how do I repay her?? What a sweetie!

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Posted by Anonymous

Aloha, my dear friend! Love the pics. I'm jealous of the beautiful scenery and sun. What a neat thing to see all those rainbows. I saw one a day for three days after my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I think God was blessing you with his promises of life in HI.
Hmm... are you trying for a home/hotel birth? Maybe you could find a midwife that will oblige. :)

Well, we miss you all. Titus is getting so big! He is such a happy boy. He grins, laughs, and talks all the time now. I wish you could see him!

Much love,
Al

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Posted by Anonymous

So glad to hear you made it! It looks so breathtaking! Yes - the scenery does look quite different that OH! I hope your adjustment goes smoothly the next month as you prepare for Charis(?)'s arrival! We miss you dearly - maybe by some miracle we can visit y'all out there! Send our love to everyone & enjoy your tropical paradise!! With Love, Kathy :)
p.s Andrew was requesting that we buy him a pair of "shamgars" to wear with his soccer uniform. :) By the way, did he make it out there yet?

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Posted by CrossView

I actually teared up looking through your blog! I was pregnant on Oahu almost 18 years ago and the scenery is still so beautiful! My daughter's middle name is Mikala since she was born there (Tripler). One of her first words was "gecko" and we used to take gecko walks every evening so she could see them and make the clucking noise. What great memories! Thanks for sharing the pics and letting me wander down memory lane!
Is the Aloha Flea Market still there?

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