Heading Home

11 weeks

4 States

And 8

 9

10 Flights later....

We are safe and happy to be back home in Hawaii!

Don't you love that when I asked Keaka to hold up the #8, he actually made the number with his hands?  Haha.  Adore that kid!

Kansas City - Our Final Stop

God showed us His faithfulness once more on this trip.

As it turned out, friends of ours had schedule their own family trip for the exact dates as the Circuit Rider events.  They would be out of town, so they offered for our family to use their house and car while we were in town.

We did arrive in KC two nights before our event started, so we were able to visit and stay with my (Melissa's) cousins, Paula and Wayne, for that time before moving over to our friends house.

Just when we thought things couldn't get any better,...

Aunty Sarah came to town (You may remember her from our Orlando Adventures)

Silly Leiahi :)  She's in a phase where she won't give us a "real" smile.

We did lots of fun things while Aunty Sarah was in town, including go cart races for Keaka, and miniature golf for the family.

Here I am with the boys outside of Legoland.  

Aunty Sarah even got in some quality time with Kamaluhia.

So Sweet.

We love you Aunty Sarah!  Thanks for visiting in KC.

A Visit With Great Grandpa McKenzie

 I know it's a bit blurry, but it was our best shot, and it was so special to get a photo with my kids and my Grandfather.

Kamalu was loving my Step-Grandma, Fran, and she was loving him.

Great Grandpa was getting some snuggles in with the boys.

Keaka and Great Grandpa working on a puzzle together.  They both love their puzzles.

Leiahi was happy to snack on goldfish and watch with Mommy. 

Grandpa even stopped by while we were visiting.

More snuggles and smiles.

Great Grandpa gave Keaka one of his completed puzzles to bring home.  Keaka was so excited that he wouldn't put it down and fell asleep holding it.

It was a very special day with a lot of priceless memories.  What a joy to see Keaka and my Grandfather sit and share in an activity that they both enjoy so much.

The Circus Comes To Town!

The kids had a blast at the circus.

Keaka and Cousin Elise had fun on the Ponies.

We even got to see a few extended family members.

My (Melissa's) Aunt, Cousin and second Cousin.

I thought it was so sweet how they were sitting side by side enjoying the show.

Please note Leiahi's wallet tucked under her arm... precious.

Kamalu was obviously impressed by the experience.

Kamalu is 5 Months

He's scooting...

And "talking"...

And a total charmer.

Melt my heart.  I love this little guy.  What a blessing he is to our family.

Pick of the Patch

Before we even set off on this adventure I had made up my mind that we (meaning my mom, sister and all four kids under the age of four, and I) were going to find a strawberry patch and pick some strawberries. 

It was all part of my master plan to expose my kids to as many things "Michigan" as I could.  I had five weeks to show them what it was like to grow up in "The Great Outdoors", so we were GOING to pick some strawberries.

Kamalu was happy to come along. 

Though I am starting to feel like we are playing "Find Kamalu in a carrier" (Think Where's Waldo).

Now prepare yourself for some strawberry picking cuteness!

Free samples???

Meet cousin Elise.  She had free samples too.

Be still my stawberry pickin' heart.

Teamwork

The ever amazing Aunty Joanna joined us.

Success! 

Ono (Delicious)!

Orlando Overall

Orlando provided a great first taste of the Circuit Rider event, and we gained a lot personally from the sessions we attended.  Kumu and I were glad we would be at most of the locations for the summer, so we could continue to glean from the teachings and experience.  

June 3rd was our release date for the albums, and they came out with a bang.  The Circuit Rider EP, Fight For Every Soul, debuted among the top 100 Christian albums!  It has been an exciting opportunity to see people begin to listen and receive from the music that is getting released.  Hearts and lives are being changed for the Lord, and we are thrilled to be a witness to it.

Our time as a family was really refreshing as we changed gears from our every day lives, to our summer on the road.  It was encouraging to connect with friends and ministry partners alike.  The generosity of others continues to leave us in awe of God's provision for our family.

It was a season of learning again the power of simple obedience to the Lord.  All it takes is saying, "YES" and He will do the rest.

To all of our Floridian friends, A Hui Hou (Until we meet again).  Thank you for your kindness, friendship, and southern hospitality!