hawaii part 3

Remember how I said the island was beautiful, and we went around more than once.. Well the only way to travel around it, in my opinion, is by moped. Seriously, moped. Driving around, breeze in your hair, sun shining, huge mountains on one side of you, and the bluest water you've ever seen on the other side? Yeah, like I said, best way around the island. 

Just breathtaking, and so blue! These photos are straight from the camera. ^

We marked a little spot on our map that was for hiking to a waterfall, and managed to actually make it to the waterfall. What our map didn't tell us was that the trail was pure mud, and basically a death trap! Just kidding, it wasn't that bad, just totally unexpected. 

It was cold, and so refreshing after the hike up there. And very pretty! Mike was to chicken to get in since it was so cold. I did, however, and I even jumped off the cliff into it. 

hawaii part 2

I don't know about the other islands, but on Oahu, all the hotels are in one central place, Waikiki.. In Waikiki, it is so touristy, and so built up, that it's almost like you are in LA. Don't get me wrong, it is still nice. There is a still a great beach right outside of your hotel, and you still get a somewhat island feeling.. It's just not really what you think of when you think of Hawaii. We wanted to see more of the island, and get away from that craziness, so we did.. a few times. 

The other side of Oahu is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Pictures do absolutely no justice! 

We did one tour around the island, and maybe it would have been better if it wasn't raining, maybe not.. but it did help us decide on the places we wanted to go back and see on a prettier day. For future reference, tour guides are unnecessary.. It was really just a waste of money.  

You know that scene from 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' where Mila Kunis jumps off the cliff, and then yells back about being able to see they guys who-ha? Yeah, that's the same spot we are standing in... ^^ Pretty cool! I will say that those people who jumped there are BRAVE. 

We didn't originally plan to go to the Dole Plantation, it was just part of the tour. We didn't stay long, so I can't really comment on it, besides to say that there is a maze there that is fun. I will say, however, that the pineapple all over the island is so good and fresh, and I assume it comes from there. Seriously though, pineapple comes with every meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.. even at McDonalds. 

Of course we  HAD to visit Pearl Harbor, no if's and's or but's about it.. but we didn't get to see the USS Arizona Memorial! (for those who aren't familiar, the USS Arizona Memorial is the one that is still underwater, where thousands of sailors and marines were trapped and killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor) I was so disappointed, but the tickets for that are sold out for months, and I didn't realize that when I booked our trip.  We did get to go on the battleship and submarine though, and that was neat to see. It's amazing to walk through and think about how much history took place where you are standing.  

Of course we can't go anywhere without Mike making friends. He sat and fed those birds for probably an hour. ^

 We also went to the museum part of pearl harbor, but really it's nothing like actually walking onto the battleship and submarine. It really is an amazing thing to see. 

hawaii part 1

Hawaii.. Where to even start?? The water was gorgeous, the weather was pretty much perfect, and I think everyone needs to go at least once in there life, if not more! 

We did so many things, so it'd be a extremely long post if I actually went into detail about every thing.. instead, I will share the pictures (I know everyone is DYING to see them) and throw some comments in here and there. 

Scuba diving was by far my favorite thing we did.. such an amazing experience, and I recommend it to anyone to try at least once! Mike and I talked about quitting our day jobs and becoming scuba instructors, wouldn't that be nice. Maybe one day.. 

 Check out that hair^! 

We saw white tip reef sharks up close, which was pretttty cool. But the turtles we got close and personal with was even better.

Snorkeling was not my favorite.. ^

Funny story about the first time we snorkeled- I was terrified because it had been raining that day, so the water was murky and you couldn't see where/what you were stepping on, and I didn't know what was in the water. We were told that the better snorkeling was where the water got a little deeper, so we made our way out. When we got out there, I kind of freaked out and jumped on Mikes back. He was being crushed by me, hit in the face with waves, and we were both choking down water because we were laughing instead of holding our breath.. It was so funny.. I'm sure we looked beyond ridiculous. Needless to say, I am far from a pro snorkeler. 

The second time we snorkeled was a lot better. The water was clear, there were a million and one fish, and I felt a little more comfortable. We saw a turtle that day also, but my camera died the second I saw it (I was not happy).

All these photos were taken with my small Nikon that is water proof. I am so impressed with how well it did on our scuba diving adventure, and I'm even more impressed that it made it 40 feet down, when it says its made for up to 33 feet.. I was very hesitant on bringing it, and Mike kept reassuring me that it would be OK. I'm glad I listened to him. 

recap of our night

Sunday, I married the love of my life, and my absolute BEST friend. Months of planning, stress, and hard work came together, and it was a blast! There were a few things that really stuck in my memory, but all together, the whole night really was everything I could have asked for. 

Logan did amazing as the "ring bearer," although he didn't really carry the rings, or the carrier I put together for him. I'm just so ecstatic that he actually ran down the aisle, and he did so with the biggest smile on his face. He also had a part in the ceremony where he got to come stand with me and Mike, and naturally, he couldn't do so without some goldfish. I think my favorite part of the whole night is when he decided to feed both me and Mike a goldfish in the middle of the ceremony.. I will always, always remember that moment, and how happy I was that he was there to share and put his own little touch on our day. It was like the goldfish was his gift to us, and I wouldn't have had him do anything differently. 

I'm so blessed that I had the 3 best bridesmaids ever, and they were so good at helping me with every little thing I needed, and keeping me calm. We had such a blast together, running around fixing flowers, putting last minute things together, and over all just hanging out. I love those 3 girls more than they will ever know. I'm also so happy that Mike got to spend time with his brothers and that he had a good, relaxing weekend too. It was much needed, and I don't think he would've picked anyone else to have spent it with. 

The food was awesome, the wedding cake was perfect, and the surprise groom cake that I got for Mike was a hit. There were plenty of tears, and laughter.. and definitely a lot of emotions. 

I can't stress enough how much I appreciated the photographers and assistants who happen to be some very close family friends. They did awesome, and I will never be able to repay them for capturing this once in a lifetime event. I want to say how much I loved having my mom, and step-dad there for me, I love them both so so much, and it means so much that they supported me and Mike. 

Mostly I need to express my thanks for my mother-in-law who was there whenever I needed her and always answered any questions, and offered so much help. She was awesome, and I'm so glad we have a great relationship!

I'll be posting new pictures from the night here and there, as I get them.. There are a ton! 

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT CAME AND SHARED THE NIGHT WITH US, WE REALLY ENJOYED SEEING EVERYONE AND HOPE THAT IT WAS AS MUCH FUN FOR Y'ALL AS IT WAS FOR US. 

here's to a new year!

Happy 2013! Glad to have survived 2012, and to have spent the night bringing in the new year with two of my favorite people (three if you count logan, who didn't quite make it to midnight this year).

first picture of the new year.. didn't come out like we hoped, but I find it pretty funny! ^

 since Mat couldn't be with us, Xena was Cassies 1st kiss! ^

I have a ton of photos from this night.. it'll take me a few posts before I can share all of my christmas photos and new years photos.  Got to love holidays!

oh, and my resolution(s)-
1. keep our house clean, or semi-clean
2. get on a good schedule (failing at the so far)
3. spend less time with my phone in my hand.