Uncle Paul's Hawaiian Wedding

Ok, Paul Baker, John's great buddy, finally decided to get married. The wedding was held in Kona, Hawaii, somewhere I have been dying to go. Hawaii was on my to do list before my death, and I was not about to miss the chance to go on vacation. Thank you to all the grandmas who watched my monster children. We got to tour the island for six days with our best friends. We counted our get together as our Christmas and New Years parties.

We rented a minivan so all of "the friends" could tour the island together. Smitty was our amazing tour guide.

All of the guys decided they wanted matching Hawaiian shirts, or maybe it was the girls that decided it. Either way, how nerdy.

I think I can speak for myself, Holly, and Jean when I say we were a little sad Paul got married. He was the only friend that remained single and he was forever going to be our back-up husband. We decided if any of our husbands were to die, then Paul would make our new husband and father. Now what??

Jason and Holly Dalpias suiting up for snorkeling. They're our Japan buds.

We are touring the lava tubes. Hot lava ran through here and formed these gigantic caves. They are not solid and can collapse anytime.

One night John and I attended a Luau. I loved the dancing, but John ate until he was sick (no surprise).

This picture does not even justify the beauty of Hawaii. It is georgeous. Green grass, bright flowers, black lava rock, and blue ocean water. It was very depressing to come home to a snow storm.

John decided to take some lava rocks home for our son Cameron, since he loves to collect rocks. Kona has a myth if any lava rocks are removed from the island you are doomed to bad luck. Supposedly people who have taken rocks have lost a foot, house burned down, or have been audited by the IRS. Well, we decided to do it anyway. I am a little nervous, but so far our luck has not changed. We will see. If anything happens, I might be shipping them back to the island.

Out on the town doing some souvenir shopping.

Paul and Stacey were married on a private beach.

The whole reason for our wonderful vacation.

This picture has a great story behind it. We were all swimming in the ocean, and getting thrown about by the waves. We noticed Jean hadn't been seen for awhile. We looked out and there she was slowly being pulled out to sea by the riptide. Her great husband Travis, and Jason decided to go save her. Holly, John and I decided to stay back and observe. They were out there for quite awhile none of them able to get anywhere and getting exhausted fast. See next picture.

Yes, the ONE hunky, tan, tone life guard pulling both Travis and Jason into shore, and need I say he wasn't even wearing flippers. There were Bay Watch life guards everywhere. Another did assist Jean in getting back.

These signs were posted all along the beach, which we obviously didn't pay much attention to, except for safety John. The whole rest of the trip we kept our eye on Jean when she was by the ocean. We all felt that the ocean was out to get her.

Part of the Luau. The dudes are uncovering our cooked pig.

Paul's cute new family (Stacey and Maverick).

Mitch and Cameron love to have their dad wrap them up in blankets like "a burrito". It was a cute game at first then it becomes slightly annoying when they constantly unwrap and need rewrapping.

Cameron ready for his preschool pilgrim feast.