On the way to Eagle

For those who've been there, you can appreciate the time and energy it takes to complete an Eagle Scout project.  Scott is finally there and has learned a hundred times more than how to build a picnic table.  We are grateful to the members of our ward who came and helped make this day happen.  We are also grateful to the companies who donated money and materials for the project:  the Edmund C. Olson Trust, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, HPM Building Supply, and Fastenal.  Twelve picnic tables were built; ten regular tables and two ADA tables.  They were done for the Department of Land and Natural Resources and will be disbursed to various state parks in West Hawaii.  Enjoy the pictures.  When the award is finally presented, we'll post pictures of that, too.  Until then, here is the project:

Loading the materials

 

Unloading the tools

Brother Rich and Kehau cutting pieces

Mike Malouf arrived just in time to help.  Building the table legs

Putting the legs on the table tops

Preparing to add the benches

Adding the benches

Stopping to thank our helpers and sponsors

Priming for paint

Prepping for paint

Putting on the green

Loaded for delivery to the Dept of Land and Natural Resources

Final touch up

One happy scout.

Our latest addition

We are really excited about our new Hyundai Elantra GLS.  Bruce worked tirelessly finding a great deal on the new Hyundai and I love driving it to work everyday!  It's not super fancy but I love the built-in bluetooth and the iPod port.  I know everyone seems to love the "new car" smell, but I'll be glad when it wears off.  We bought island seat covers and Hawaii decals for the back window so it doesn't look like a tourist car.  Pretty sweet.

And, yes, I do let Scott drive it...sometimes.  He's pretty excited to have Grandma's Nissan to drive now.  It may be old (1997), but it only has 42,000 original miles on it and it drives just fine. 

On another note, Scott is preparing for his Eagle Project coming up the end of the month.  Next post will have pictures of the project.  We are very excited to help him reach this level of scouting; everyone has been so supportive and helpful.  We are looking forward to a productive day of ... oh wait, it will be a surprise! 

Also, Scott was sustained as the first counselor in the priest's quorum today.  His testimony and leadership have grown here in the land of Aloha.  He continues on the cross-country team this season and is looking forward to varsity soccer and track to round out the year at school. 

Amy continues to work hard on her mission in Boston.  She loves the people of Revere, where she is currently serving.  Spanish is coming more easily and she gets pretty excited when she can follow and participate in a meaningful conversation without getting lost.  She writes every week of her encounters with investigators and members.  It's hard to believe that next month marks her one-year point.  Bruce and I are looking forward to picking her up in Boston in April next year. 

More to come...next time.

Miracles Happen

Well the impossible has happened. On Saturday Laurie's world changed for ever. What would you do with the extra power you get from facing and concurring a 35 year old fear? That is the question Laurie has to answer after going scuba diving for the first but not the last time.We started in the pool on Thursday night  where she promptly said this is boring lets  go in the Ocean. OK who's next? If Laurie can do it anyone can. The gauntlet has been thrown down.

New look

Well the last post was about the whales. They are all gone and headed back to Alaska for the summer feeding. It feels and sound lonely in and under the water. Just thought you might like to see the new look for work in the shop. Also I love riding the bike to work. When I am not in the shop my uniform is a swimsuit and sandals. It still seems weird sometimes.

The whales are back!

Even to those who have lived here all their lives, the return of the whales every winter is an exciting part of life that is anxiously awaited. And they are here! The first sighting was back in November, but we went out on the dive boat on January 2nd (the first day everyone - Bruce, Laurie, and Scott had the same day off) and we were treated to a "whale" of a show. Taking their picture is a little tricky, but I did manage to get one classic tale picture and while we were going from the first to the second dive site, a pod of dolphins came to play. Also included is a picture of Bruce's new fins (he got them for Christmas). They are almost as long as he is. He says he can chase stray divers better this way. (Some people just wander off down there). I'm planning to turn the whale and dolphin pictures into paintings. We'll keep you posted!