New and Old in the Best of Ways!

New talent!

What talent! He takes after his mama! Quinn found that this scares LeiLei and used it mercilessly for the first few days.

New activities enjoyed by the whole 'ohana!

A new tradition we started a few months before leaving the island was going to the Mililani Town Library. (Really, Leilani was now old enough to not make trouble at the library). We would get up Saturday mornings and get ready as family to go check out books and movies we wanted for the coming week. It was neat to see the interest in books grow in our keiki over a few short weeks. I didn't develop a love of books until I was older. I hope it continues even though our Army post english library is too far away. (I'm gaining an appreciation for shopping online. Bookstores at my fingertips)!

New ways to get pampered!

While we were in Arkansas this past summer 2014, Quentin needed a haircut. So he got his first professional haircut. Since then, he loves going to get his haircut! This one he especially liked because he says the guy had golden hedgehog hair. Somedays he requests his hair to be styled like a hedgehog!

New Year's celebration at Mililani Town Center!

Sorry LeiLei is blurry, she's always looking a something other than what you tell her to look at. In Mililani Town Center, they have an annual New Year's Celebration Pineapple Drop. The pineapple is about 7 feet tall and is lit with hundreds of twinkling lights. I can't remember if it drops at 8 or 9pm, but at a very family-friendly time. Hats, beads, noise makers, and other fun stuff is free for the taking. Food vendors and local shops have yummy treats to buy. Live local bands, games, dance off, and a huge confetti canon all ring in the new year!

New primary class
First Day in Sunbeams!

Quentin and Leilani have been so lucky to have awesome teachers at church! They love going to church and learning and singing and being with their teachers and friends!

"Old" Friends!

Just one of the many wonderful families in our Mililani 4th Ward! The Fernelius 'Ohana are new friends we made in Hawai'i, but are friends for life. That's why I call them "old" friends. We love them so much and know that we will see them again. (Hopefully next year in Germany!) Colby (Dad), Amy (Mom), Olivia (beautiful young woman), Henry and Tennison (the best big "brothers" Quentin and Leilani adopted), and Tommy (Quentin's best friend)!

Old nursery leader
(Only because Quinn moved up to Sunbeams)

Sis. Perez! What a wonderful woman! She was an awesome nursery leader, ward choir director, temple travel companion, adopted Tutu, crochet buddy, and disciple of Christ!

Old mentor

Bro. K, by the time I could pronounce his name, which really wasn't very difficult, his ward-given nickname stuck.  He was our Webelos and Cub Scouting mentor and go-to, family history genius, and friend! He and his gorgeous wife are so kind and friendly. They truly exemplify the meaning of Aloha!

Old chapel
(Last Sunday, our Aloha 'Oe)

Most of the LDS chapels on O'ahu are cream with teal trim. The first time I walked into the chapel I fell in love with the building. There are huge windows that make it so easy to view the beauty of God's creation. There was always beautiful exotic flower arrangements at the pulpit. Sometimes the arrangements were 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide! We truly gained so much while being there. Mahalo nui loa Mililani 4th Ward 'Ohana.  

I wish I had been smart and taken more pictures of our friends. That's my one big regret. So many people we love!  

I have 2 or 3 more posts about Hawai'i. This one was by far the most difficult to write. I can hardly see through my tears. I don't know how to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for blessing us with this experience. It is a time of beautiful memories that we will always cherish. Aloha