Another Day in Paradise

Talon's Blessing

We enjoyed, so much, the opportunity to visit the Colemans and Gearharts in Boise, Idaho for Talon's blessing. Witnessing this sacred ordinance was a blessing and a privilege and it is always a treat to spend time with family. Special thank you to Reed and my big sister Karen for letting us stay with them.

Diamond Head

We found that one of Oahu’s most interesting sites is on the southeast coast at the end of Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head Hawaii is an old volcano named after a misunderstanding by men from the west. While exploring Diamond Head on Oahu they thought they had found diamonds, but had really found only shining calcite crystals at the volcano and not real diamonds.

Diamond Head's volcano’s original name was Laeahi, given to the crater by native Hawaiians. The name means “brow of the tuna” (or fish face) because Diamond Head resemblance just that. A visit to Diamond Head does require what I would call a walking in the park. The Diamond Head stroll is along a volcanic trail that climbs to a 761-foot peak (OK it does take a little effort) beginning inside the historic landmark. It’s an easy but steep hike with some stairs that takes an hour to an hour and a half. The trail is considered an easy to moderate ascent.

At more than 3,500 feet in diameter the crater remains one of the most spectacular in the United States.





When Hawaii was added to the United States in 1898, defending the harbor became a major priority. Fort Ruger was a defensive fort at the Diamond Head crater. Artillery was set up right inside the crater, and Fort Ruger became a protected location defended from enemies.

In 1919 a bunker comprising four levels was constructed inside the protected walls of the crater creating better access to the command posts. The observation deck was also built in 1910 at Diamond Head, at the peak, which provided a convenient target site. The underground complex and observation deck are now abandoned but signs of the old post are evident along the paved Diamond Head hike. Hundreds of visitors formed an Alaska Klondike line to the top to enjoy the sights of the historical landmark.

Diamond Head is designated as a WWII visitors' site.

Hawaii 2

This was from the time we landed in Hawaii until it was time to go to sleep that night. We went to bed at 10:30 PM Hawaii time which was 2:30 PM Utah time. Morning came way too fast.

Going to Hawaii

Hawaii was amazing! We had a wonderful trip and would like to share it with you. I can't put it on the blog all at once so I will publish one chapter at a time. Here's the first chapter "Going to Hawaii".

Pioneer Days "24 of July"

The celebration of Pioneer Days this year was without parades, fireworks, and pioneers, but it was a great day with some of our family and friends. The Texas brisket was to die for. Tyler did an amazing job cooking it (President and Sister Rose would have been proud) and just as wonderful was Tosha and Ronda's rest of the meal. Thanks for the great meal. I wish the whole family could have enjoyed it. My mouth is still watering. Additional thanks to Breklyn and Tage for the dancing art man video set up and filming.

Benson Family Reunion

It was great to see everyone and spend a little quality time.

Great Grandpa James Nye was a skilled carpenter that turned the posts for the Tabernacle stair railings. He turned them on an old treadle lathe. It was like riding a bicycle while cutting wood with a sharp steel blade. Check out the work he did in the Paris Tabernacle and his home to the south.

Welch Reunion

Thanks to all came and helped with the reunion. 

  

We loved seeing and visiting with all of you.

Early morning bike rides have been invigorating, refreshing, and rejuvenating. The fresh mountain air blows from Blacksmith Fork Canyon giving the ride a little more challenge but the country roads provide a vista taking me back to my childhood rides as a boy during past summer vacations. Ear buds cut and dampen the sound of the wind but still let me hear the traffic as I put my iPod loaded with General Conference talks on and find myself enriched spiritually as I’m physically strengthened. Join me on my bumpy bike ride while you listen to some relaxing music and watch the slide show / video clip.

Closing The Gap

 After 22 months of "metal mouth",

 Tiffany's teeth are finally free!!

No More Tin Grin

                      Isn't she gorgeous?  What a beautiful smile!!!!

No More Tin Grin

What a beautiful smile!!!

Just for Fun

"Better late than never" is my motto when it comes to learning to blog. This is my (Ronda)first official entry and I have been trying to finish it since June 7th (Tosha's Birthday). We spent a wonderful day together,watching the movie 'Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration' and eating at Pei Wei. We missed having Chantell and Brittny with us but they seem to have a party wherever they go, so I'm not sure they missed us.  Happy belated 24th Birthday Tosha, we love you. Thank-you for bringing sunshine into our lives!

Cherished Days Remembered!

Our daughters have always been beautiful in their Sunday best.
Brittny... what a sweetheart.