"Just enjoy....."

"Put the cameras away and just enjoy!".....Kyle said this to me the last day we were at the beach in Hawaii....I was on my way out snorkeling and just mentioned that I needed George's underwater camera. It took me back a bit because I realized I'm a bit obnoxious with my wonderful, new Canon EOS that Randy got me for Christmas and that I've taken thousands of pictures trying to get the perfect one. A question was posed to "Dear Abby" about a daughter asking..."why can't my mom put her camera down and just enjoy the grandkids." I know it's about as annoying as electronics in everyone's hands 24/7 but I guess my answer to this might be...."I don't want to miss a thing"....but I did go out into the ocean that day without the camera and I enjoyed it. I know the camera could never come near to capturing what I saw that day....the brilliance of the turquoise blue fish, the shiny silver school of fishys that swam by, the turtle that swam under me and the feeling of stillness, feeling like I was in an aquarium with these creatures. Feelings that a camera cannot capture, like this quote I found in an article on the airplane...."It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential, is invisible to the eye." So I could end this blog now and say....."I experienced Hawaii with my heart on many levels".....but, anyone that knows me, knows I couldn't put the camera down and I got thousands of perfect pictures so I'll share just a few....but there will be no rhyme or reason to this blog. Just fun pictures to help me remember the wonderful experience I had with my family.

My beach family....Kyle arranged this exchange several months ago and it has been amazing for them and all of us that get to share it with them. He teaches three days a week at BYU Hawaii....and plays the rest of the time.

Our wonderful Aloha welcome at the airport with the leis made by Emily and JoEllen. So good to see these kids. I've missed them so.

An afternoon at the swap meet on the way home to get the souvenir buying out of the way then on to our accommodations. This wonderful home up the hill at the North Shore.....but a quick change and we couldn't get down to the beach fast enough. My beach pictures are all out of order but we experienced Wiamea Bay that evening....later we would go to Three Tables and Pipeline and Wiamea again in the course of the week we were there.

Randy donned his snorkel equipment and was off....came back with a sea slug. Top center was Kyle's reaction after JoEllen tossed it to him and he thought it was a rock. He quickly tossed it back like a hot potatoe but the kids all enjoyed checking it out.

Some major cliff jumping was going on while the rest of us just explored the little caves and crevices around the rocks.

Over the course of the week we enjoyed the beach multiple times, kayaking, snorkeling, sand burying and just lounging....and yes, I did snorkel.....

...and I did see this fish. I got Matty this t-shirt 'cause she told me about this fish and she really could pronounce it....I can't but she can. "Humuhumunukunukuāpuaa" (click on it for the song about the state fish.)

At Pipeline, even though the waves were few and far between, everyone was patient waiting for the "big one" to ride to shore.

The kids have all adapted well to beach life....

Fearless.....not sure if that's good or bad but they certainly are enjoying life. Not sure they'll ever want to come back.

...especially Matty. I think she'll be the first surfer......bottom right, she's standing on the boogey board.

One of our really great finds was the seal that came by....even looked like he turned to pose for the camera.

The first morning we were there, we woke up to a beautiful, cool morning and took a walk around the neighborhood to see what we could see......

Beautiful place and I never tired of seeing the ocean as we traveled down the road....the many views of the ocean. Our much anticipated day of Parasailing would arrive but on the way, we stopped at Kualoa Ranch....a filming site for shows like Hawaii Five O and Lost.....

Did I mention Parasailing????? Yep, we did that too....

Please visit this link for a more detailed account of this adventure.  (http://wanderingwellsclan.blogspot.com/2014/05/parasailingwwwhhhhhaaat.html)

I think it's the bravest thing I've ever done....didn't have a bucket list before but now I do and I've crossed off the first item.

I do highly recommend this activity. Very easy and very fun....but, on a more relaxing note, we enjoyed the PCC....a must for all island visitors. I had done it once before when I came with Jean Jolley in 2001 but once again, learned a lot about the culture and enjoyed the atmosphere there....had a great time meeting and talking to the missionaries in the quilt store and ukulele  shop. Evan and George are learning to play and Dave who is a missionary there, gives them lessons. Randy and I even renewed our vows at the Tahitian Wedding.

Hula lessons, greeting one another Maori style, (top left), and an entourage of New Zealand visitors that participated in the ceremonies honoring their ancestors (bottom right)...a very humbling experience.

We enjoyed the luau in the evening and the show later that night...and speaking of eating, can't do a vacation blog without mentioning the dining experiences and we had a few of those.

We dined at Turtle Bay Ole restaurant, Kyle's favorite where they serve complimentary bread with truffle-infused butter and we enjoyed some fresh fish and a gorgeous view of the ocean (top right). Of course, Ted's Bakery is a must, home of the chocolate-haapia cream pie and breakfast at Hukilau Cafe. Not pictured is our lunch at Zippy's with Malasada....yum. Ours were coconut pudding infused. So good.

We enjoyed church with the family....and visiting after with some of the members there. We ran into some people from our former Silva Valley Ward here in El Dorado Hills....the Wagners and had a good visit with Dave Evans, the coach of the BYUH Basketball team. Such a small world in the LDS Church.

After church, Randy and I took off exploring...took a beautiful hike to Wiamea Falls.

The Punchbowl Cemetery was a very appropriate place to visit on Memorial Day....

...then down to the ocean to see the floating of the lanterns. Thousands of people show up to this ceremony and float commemorative lanterns (I don't have pictures but maybe JoEllen will post some).  wanderingwellsclan.blogspot.com  It was very impressive....to say the least.

Time for goodbyes....what a wonderful time we've had with this sweet family. This is an experience of a lifetime with them. I'm sure they will miss "island life" when they return to the mainland but it's been great to share it with them.....

The Hawaii Temple in Laie. Aloha...until we meet again and Maholo....for everything. It was all so very amazing. Can't think of any words to describe it. So many pictures....but I'll make a book so when I'm old, I can remember having "the time of my life" in Hawaii. It will take many times back here to experience all of the beauty of this island and this state. I definitely have it on my bucket list to return.

Aloha....

"Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello." I'm using it to say "goodbye" to my family and "hello" to my family....as we head out tomorrow to visit Kyle and his family that has been there for a few weeks already....scoped out all the good stuff to see and do.....(see it all at wanderingwellsclan.blogspot.com) and we are pretty excited....but before I go, I need to wish my two little Staheli boys, Happy Birthday as that event will happen while I am gone....

Jake will turn 6 on Sunday, the 25th....not a sweeter little kid in the whole world. Couldn't find exactly the pictures I wanted but you can see his sweetness in his eyes and his kindness in the picture with his little brother Max. He's so smart, thoughtful, innocent and most of all, so very huggable and I can't wait to see him again in a week or so. Catch his little acting debut at hurricanedental.com and you'll see how adorable he is. Happy Birthday, Jakey.....you are so awesome. Then the next day, Scott turns 8.....

What a handsome guy and all ready for baptism. He's smart, energetic, creative, and such a big help to his mom. I was amazed at all he was willing to do when his mother was sick a few months ago and we were there watching the kids. He's an amazing kid for sure. Happy Birthday, Scott. 

These little Staheli guys certainly keep their mom busy....boys through and through. Love 'em....Can't wait to see them again. Once again, Aloha.....this one meaning goodbye. See y'all real soon.

Same pictures....

....different day....but good to be out on the lake again....enjoying some sweet scenery on a Saturday afternoon....

This is still one of my favorite views from my Kayak....never can resist just one more picture.

I have been away for almost three weeks but I have been enjoying some quality time with my family and taking care of more "leaky" business at my house....but the most important item of the day is wishing my "Minner" a great big Happy Birthday today....I have enjoyed my "Miller Time".

He's 6 going on 16....loves his Under Armour sports attire, proud of his Nike socks but mostly loves to win ball games (just ask him, he's won 'em all 18 to 17). He also loves to  hang out with friends, do what the big boys are doing and smile for my camera. He's such a cool kid....love hangin' out with him. Happy Birthday, Miller....you're awesome on many levels. Speaking of awesome, I've also been able to take in a couple of Laynee's track meets. She's done well this year...as a Freshman, broken school records, had an amazing photo finish 2nd place with a girl she's chased all year....so emotional, and those are tears of joy, pure hard work and accomplishment. I'm sure there'll be more about this and Drew's soccer tourney on Spencer's page, http://wellsweirdos.blogspot.com/. Check it out.

All the kids are doing awesome stuff. Check out my family in Hawaii...they are having the time of their lives. wanderingwellsclan.blogspot.com. Randy and I will be joining them in just two more days....and I am counting. I've been able to take in Maycee's end-of-year dance recitals and her last soccer game.....

....... and some mighty fine ballgames, the most exciting being with my two little grand-son's playing each other on separate teams and my sons coaching. It was a win-win situation for me and fun to see them pitching against each other and chatting at first base, one the runner, the other the baseman.

I'm loving having Lauri and James (jamesandlauri.blogspot.com) in my home and I can't wait to spend some time again with Traci and her family....but for now, Hawaii, here we come!!!!

I have two little hands....

...not folded snuggly and tight at this moment....they are picking up rollie pollies....

...and holding on to ooey, gooey suckers. I've always wondered why a little child can't just eat a sucker....what is it that makes them want to grasp on to the sticky part instead of just hold onto the clean, dry stick but I do love little children's hands....

...and speaking of hands, I've got to put mine together and hand it to Kyle for finishing the race. He truly is an "Ironman"....and I still shake my head and wonder...."why?"....and especially how did he really possibly even finish. He made it out of the water fine, and we saw him at three different places on his bike and he looked great....and he even looked pretty good at the beginning of the run.....but we waited forever at the finish line. JoEllen finally got a call from a stranger that said...."your husband told me to call this number and tell you he would be another hour".....which at this time was about an hour past when he thought he could finish so we just hung around waiting, and waiting and waiting. He finally showed up.....looked good, even at one point had a smile on his face but walked right from the finish line into George's arms and right straight to the car, fainting on the way....but JoEllen got him home and Penny pumped in the IV. He had run the whole 13 miles with heat stroke. What a guy.....I still can't believe it!!!!!

This adds a whole new dimension to "finishing" as far as I'm concerned. I think these "Ironmen" must feel like they can do anything....if they can finish this beast. I just can't put my brain around even why but I'm still so very fascinated by it all. Those of us that stand by and wonder probably really just wish we had it in us to try.
I'm enjoying my time here with my family....we had an impromptu "Tres De Mayo" party, celebrating Kyle's big finish and his family's departure for Hawaii....

Lauri is good at these wonderful, last minute family gatherings, Pinata and all. Great food and good times.... and speaking of Lauri, I'm loving having her and her family in my home.

She and I have caught 2 different leaks that could have been disastrous...and it's nice to have James around for all the "man" things that need to be done (and he cleans)....he's awesome. I've enjoyed some "grandkid time"....

...enjoying the new Children's Museum we have here now. I took Lucy last week and joined Kix and Lux (Joyce and Jay's grand kids) then I took Miller there this morning while we were out on his birthday date. Such a cute place and so fun for the kids. I especially love the stage, decked out with all the right equipment for little performers.

I've been able to take in the little boy's ballgames, most every week-day night, Laynee's track meet a time or two, seen a wonderful rain soak that is so desperately need, enjoyed walking around the Dixie College Campus and listening to the new Bell Tower and on the way here last week, I stopped to see my dear friend Audrie who has endured her fourth hip surgery and a good friend from our Fresno days, Carol Lambourne, stopped by and we had a good visit over some yummy pizza. Next adventure, Hawaii....Kyle and his family are there for 8 weeks....and WE GET TO GO.....Randy and I head out a week from Tuesday. Can't wait.

Click HERE to check out their wanderings so far.....and enjoy your wanderings wherever they are. Near or far, wandering is good and it doesn't have to be far to be enjoyable. Some of my most favorite places are just a walk away from my door.

Duck, duck, goose.....

...and here's the goose as seen in this little TBT (Throw Back Thursday) pic of little Spencer at Woodward Park in Fresno, CA....

...and here's his son, Jack with the duck....and, BTW, it's Jack's birthday tomorrow...

...and here's a "Jack Attack" collage; mostly baseball 'cause that's what he's doing right now but he certainly is a "boy of many talents"....one of which is reciting movie lines. He loves sports and plays them all, depending on the season but it's a "thumbs up" (top left) all the time for this kid 'cause he loves life. He's a pretty 'fun-lovin' child that can really make us laugh. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Jackster tomorrow. Hope your day is just "ducky"......

"It's a lovely day today....

....and whatever you'd like to do, I'd be so happy to be doin' it with you".....or I could call this post "Sittin' on the dock of the bay, watchin' the clouds roll away"....or "blue skies, smilin' at me....nothin' but blue skies, do I see".....whatever the song, we were singin' our hearts out today.....and rejoicing in the beauty all around us.

Randy had a short work week so we headed to Tahoe. Thought the Easter Week-end crowds would overwhelm us but just the opposite...'cause it's still pre-season and all the sites were closed but the gates were open so we wandered....and sat on the beaches...and basked in the sun.

Top left: A famous golf course....don't know much about golf courses but here's what I found.... "The only golf course that plays along the shores of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course was built in 1968 and sits just around the corner from the South Shore's casino hotels. George Fazio, along with his nephew Tom, designed the course, which features a three-hole finishing stretch along the lake, plus many other inland holes that play tightly through tall pines. Edgewood Tahoe regularly hosts a celebrity golf tournament, and also hosted the U.S. Senior Open 1985. While a scenic resort play, the golf course has plenty of teeth from the back set of tees and can play over 7,500 yards."  They even let us commoners sit on their beach because it wasn't open for the season yet and the day was a bit windy and it felt like we were at the ocean.....so amazing to see the waves roll in crashing to the shore....

...but to me, the order of the day was an AMAZING cloud show. We rode all around the lake, stopping at every point we could find and the clouds just didn't stop performing.....

 ...and as were about to leave, the rain clouds came rolling in and gave us yet another beautiful adventure, a ride home in the rain....and speaking of beautiful things, my beautiful grand-child #4, Maycee Lynn Wells is celebrating her 12th birthday tomorrow.

I recently had Maycee come visit me here in California with two of her cousins....such a good chance to really get to know this sweet grand-daughter of mine. She's an amazing dancer. I've been watching her since she was three or four years old. Nothing pleases me more than when she busts out into some dance moves when the music plays. She has the moves for sure.....cute kid. She has a very busy life with dance, soccer, friends and school.....once in a while, she'll answer my text. Happy Birthday to my Maycee girl tomorrow...and HAPPY EASTER one and all.

First and foremost....

...to be added to the chronicles of  "My Life as a Blog" is this little tidbit of information....and I'm very well-pleased with this child of mine....to say the least. He's overcome many obstacles to get here and he loves what he does.

Click HERE or on the picture to read the article. I've followed Kyle (literally) all of his life from being to every little league game, Pinewood Derby, watching EVERY rehearsal when he got the role of Curly in Oklahoma (I hid in the balcony so I wouldn't embarrass him)...but as he got older, I couldn't go with him to Boys State....Boys Nation....on his mission but I've watched him struggle and overcome some family genetic stuff to accomplish his educational and personal goals and I need to thank JoEllen for taking over and making sure he was where he needed to be when he needed to be there. He's a very good boy (always a boy to me)...and if anyone tells you any different, here's my phone number. I'll defend him to the day I die.......He'd give you the shirt off his back (and more and has)......if he thought it would help you. He's had to pay the price for his generosity and trust but has come out stronger. Kudos to Kyle as he sets out on yet another adventure....I'm still following him (in my heart). I've just got to add here that Kyle has assumed the role of patriarch of our family since the age of 11...when Scott was so sick, he took over for me and his siblings as "Man of the House". He got a brief reprieve to go out in the world and get things done but when Scott died in 2001, he took over again....still takes care of all of us. We all know it. He certainly is a man of many talents. I like to say he's my engineer son...with an MBA and a Ph.D. (and can fix anything) but most of all, he's an awesome father and husband. Next order of business.....some of my ex's live in Texas....namely, my "ex"-traordinary BFF's....and we got together there this past week-end (Janny and Kathy are Texans).

We enjoyed a night out at the theater, ate Mexican, laughed and talked, ate ice cream, shared favorite books, movies, stories....got caught up as best we could in just three days.....

...took a day trip to Galveston, oh, Galveston....rode the ferry, ate fish, snapped a picture at the ocean.......looked for all the wood statues in people's yards on Ball Street.......

"On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike hit the island of Galveston. People lost their homes and businesses, buildings were destroyed and trees were uprooted; the island was flooded from the salty storm surge. Many of the beautiful trees that lined the streets of Galveston were up rooted while others left standing soon died. No doubt, it was a sad sight to see. And then a silver lining; from the stumps of once beautiful tall oak trees came works of art. Earl Jones, Dale Lewis and Jim Phillips, with the help of Galveston resident Donna Liebert, came to Galveston and worked their magic carving unique statues and sculptures throughout the city."....and we got to see some of those. They are literally right in people's yards and tourists ride up and down their streets snapping pictures every day.  We totally did the "touristy" thing and I loved it. I just love finding stuff like this.

Here's just a few random pics of Galveston of things I enjoyed seeing. Bottom right is the ferry we rode and bottom left is the next boat I'd like to ride on.....I do love boats. Enjoyed seeing this unique little city that has always only been a Glen Campbell song....now it's real....and I love "real". So my advice for the day, go out there and "keep it real"....like these missionaries are doing.

We saw them on our little boat ride down the river in Houston. They are doing a good work....trying to teach people what's real.  Here's a little info I found on what it means to "Keep it Real".....

1.  Maintain a perspective on what really matters.
2.  Stay true to commitments.
3.  Remember where you came from and stay true to your roots (FYI..that's why I've chosen gray hair, wink, wink).
4.  Don't lie or pretend (it causes stress). Be yourself.
5.  Speak your mind (politely and when appropriate).

I'm sure this means different things to different people but I've come to learn that calm and peace come from living the gospel principles. So many wonderful words of wisdom came from our leaders this past General Conference. That and good friends and family is what is real to me.

There is beauty all around.....

...especially when you're in Pine Valley. We headed up there to spend a night before going north to General Conference.

We took a ride to the reservoir, shot a few pics, caught a few fish.....heavenly, I say, just heavenly!! Then on up the road to Randy's Mission Reunion (Southwest Indian Mission). The chapel it was held at was in Gawain and Gayle's neighborhood so we stopped for a visit with them...(should have gotten a picture). Anyway, it was a grand affair, the first one Randy has ever attended.

 (Top right) He met up with his mission president, Elder Dale Tingey. Awesome reunion. (Bottom left) Elder Echo Hawk of the Seventy along with Elder Tingey spoke to us. It was interesting to hear both of their stories. Elder Echo Hawk told of his life and conversion and entitled it "The Perfect Life"....but he has worked very hard for that perfect life and is still doing a lot of good for the Indian Nation. Click HERE to learn more about him. It was an inspirational and educational meeting....and always good to meet up with old friends.....always good to see Elder Snow and be on Temple Square. We were able to attend the Saturday PM Session of General Conference. Kaila went with us to conference after which we spent an enjoyable evening with Megan and Joey, then back to......

Little America, in it's finest form. The last time we were there, it was pretty much closed for a re-model and it is now MORE lovely than ever...I love this place....and speaking of lovely places, Traci and Russ have done a bit of a re-model themselves on their home and it's mighty fine; and it was fun to be there for an afternoon with her family.

A beautiful day for a walk, taking some pictures and then a talent show...and yes, that is Traci playing the piano...she is taking piano lessons too. So proud of all of them. Throw in a little craziness on the trampoline, some brotherly love and some beautiful blossoms....a lovely day for sure...

...all of it makes for a very enjoyable week-end with family....and while we are on that subject, I was able to have an educational experience at Heritage Elementary as Emily schooled us on Harriet Tubman and Evan filled us in on the Giant Squid.....so glad I was in town for these events.

One of my favorite sayings is..."What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about"...but we all know better than that. It's all about "FAMILY".....so it is with the ducks....couldn't help sharing this as I've become quite a duck fan of late.....

I saw this little family whilst visiting Ambyr today. I hope I can share this video and I hope you will take time to watch it and see where this mama and her little brood ended up.....

Speaking of ponds....let me end this little post by showing you a few pictures of our little jaunt to check out Quail Creek last week. Lovely, just lovely.....and pretty much this Southern Utah Landscape could be considered the "Geographical Center of the Universe"....(some may disagree!!!!).

I'll end with one of my favorite quotes from Conference from the talk by Sister Stevens...."The gospel is not weight, it is wings." I'm glad I have it to carry me through this flight we call life. What's your favorite quote??????