Hawaii: Part 5--The Temple and Family Photos

Today was another day that mostly planned itself.  We started the day taking Adam through the temple and ended the day with a family photo shoot.   The in-between stuff was just iconic Hawaii things to do.  Here's a recap.  

 FRIDAY MAY 27

• We went to the 7:30am session at the Laie Temple for Adam to receive his own endowments.   It was absolutely wonderful to be in the temple with 3/5 of our kids + Garrett and what a great memory to be able to do it in Hawaii!  

Glen and Adam arrived a little early to take care of the  prep stuff....

And the rest of us arrived a little later.  Lucie stayed back with Spence and Ellie.  

What a wonderful day! 

• We stopped at Ted’s Bakery on the way home for some yummy breakfast (for everyone but me)

• We all changed into casual clothes, ate breakfast, and headed to the Dole Pineapple Plantation

• Dole Pineapple Plantation —Okay, so we heard that this was an iconic Hawaiian thing to do, but, alas, it was not really worth the hype if you ask me!  The idea of it is cool, but they've made it way too touristy.  The garden and maze are way overblown and expensive.  The train ride was slow paced, but reasonably interesting.  As per usual Goold style, we thoroughly enjoyed the dole whips.  😛

• After the D.P.P. we went and got a late lunch at Hawaii’s Best Taco Truck 🌮 that was set up in a parking lot not too far from our Airbnb.  Alas, we were disappointed as the lines were super long and way overpriced for very decent, but not great food. 

• As soon as this trip to Hawaii started coming together, I  felt passionately that we needed to hire a professional photographer to take our pictures while we were there.  After all, it's not too often that our whole family is all together (especially with another kid heading out on a mission again soon) and we didn't want to miss a prime opportunity.   We did some research and hired one that came highly recommended.   Sadly though, it was cloudy and windy during our photo session and I didn't love how they turned out.  I may have even shed a few tears (not happy ones) when she sent us the "sneak peek", though I've come around a little since then.  My plan is to do some photoshopping eventually....when life slows down a little {more on that later}.     

Clouds and wind did nothing dampen Lucie's cuteness!  

• After the pictures, we hunkered down in the car, slipped into our swimsuits, and boogie boarded and swam at Pounders Beach.  Not surprisingly, the surf was a little rough, but that didn't stop  everyone from having a fun time.  

I was happy to stay on Lucie duty while everyone else swam! 

• Once we were all beached out, we headed back to the Airbnb, where Adam made some GF cookies and we taste tested some Hawaiian brand ice cream--that happen to be quite tasty!