All My Senses

Another day in paradise, yet it seems like a rebirth inside. There is something that awakens in my soul when amongst these islands and once again I feel ALIVE. I feel the breeze on my face, the waves against my body and the sun on my skin. I smell that intoxicating sweet mixture of plumeria and salt as it dances into my senses and paints the rainbow of Hawaiian life.

Today was mostly filled with sun and surf. Casey and I took a walk this morning through some lava tubes and then rewarded ourselves with a nice moment in a hammock on the beach.

I must say that this was one of the highlights for me. The only other time I have been to the Big Island of Hawaii, I spent many hours in the hammocks outside the hotel dreaming of life as an adult. What kind of love would I find…where would I live…what would my children be like…what would I be like? Now that some of those questions have answers, it was nice to be in that same spot and know that all was as it should be…just as I believed then, I believe now…there are no accidents.

We joined the Prestons once again for lunch and dinner and will have great memories of this day.

The boys exhausted themselves in the sand and even tried to make some friends today. This is definitely a trip of many firsts for them.

Instead of try to explain each picture there is a montage below for your enjoyment. Much love to you all! Stay safe and warm : )

ALOHA

Okay, let's start at the beginning. Here are Ashton and Corey at the airport...the beginning of a long day for everyone but these two were TROOPERS!!!


The flight from SL to LA was packed but short enough that everyone did ok. Then we had a gate change in LA that was kind of confusing and a super pain when you a stinky bum and no food in your tummy. The flight from LA to Kona was full too but Amy managed to get a bulkhead seating for her and Casey which gave the boys some room to play with toys. Dad was across the isle and I was in first class, thanks dad. It may sound snobby that I sat up there but most of you know why.

Overall everyone did wonderfully!!! I am so proud of Ashton and Corey and can't wait to tell them about their first plane ride some day. What a great opportunity to be apart of that!

This was my fist view of the ocean this morning as we went to visit some friends...ALOHA!!!

Corey and daddy in the sand for the first time. Corey couldn't figure out why his feet kept sinking at first and was a little wobbly but then he got the hang of it. This was such a fun experience to see for the first time. I wouldn't trade it!!!

More water time!

Amy (mommy) with Ashton, Corey and family friend Cheryl Preston. The boys LOVE the water and spash like fishes.

Corey and his sweet cheeks!

Corey attacking me and the camera on the ground. This kid is addicted to ANY electronic device.

Ashton, playing in the sun.

A tranquil little bay at the Prestons (Stan and Cheryl) hotel. We went to their hotel and swam, ate lunch and went to the beach. This is on the way to the beach and is full of crazy looking crabs and tiny little fish.

Ahhh...the beach!!! Beautiful Hawaiian sun and sand between my toes...I can't believe how much I missed this.

The Ocean...need I say more? This is where I truly feel accepted, at peace, centered. It's so beautiful here with the contrast of so much lava rock and then the blue ocean. Casey and I swam with sea turtles today near the rocks you can see. We took a few hits on the rocks and got some battle wounds but OH was it worth it. The surf is high now but makes for an even powerful experience by bringing to life the sounds of nature.

Ashton checking out the ocean and planting each foot carefully in the sand...it made me think about the poem called footsteps. At one point it got a little too hot so I picked him up to carry him. How many times have I been carried in my life by those around me? I am so grateful for this chance to find my center again and connect with the universe.

More beach and rock.

Just a little light breeze to whisper the Hawaiian spirit.

Cheryl and Corey.

After a great day of playing outside we went to dinner at Tommy Bahama's grill...SOOOOOOOO good. Then we came home and dad got attacked my his boys...what a great picture!

Well, that's the end of Day 1. I'm so tired but am having a great time!!!! See ya tomorrow!

Sego Lilly Lunch

On December 28th my mother and I went to lunch with my aunt and cousins to celebrate my Grandmother Olives birthday.

It was great to remember such an amazing and strong woman. She has always held a very special place in my life…more so now that I’m a woman and all the stories and lessons she used to tell me are laying themselves out before me. I still feel her presence with me each day and know that I have an angel in my life cheering me on in all I do.

Just like my Grandmother, my aunt Mary Kay and her girls have always been a support to me. Stephanie, Kristine and Holly are more like sisters than cousins and I look forward to our lunch and dinner dates. Kris, Stacey and Casey were missing so our group was small but peaceful, fun…full of laughter, love and MEMORIES.

Stephanie and Holly

Mom, Patrice and Aunt, Mary Kay

holiDAZE

The coming of Christmas and the celebration of a New Year have come and gone and can not with good conscious move forward with all the fun of vacation details and pictures of Hawaii until I tie up all the loose ends.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I was once again left waving at the doorstep as RJ braved the cold weather and separation to spend two lonely nights at work. It's always hard to be away from him on the holidays but he is a dedicated person and a hardworker. The time we did get to spend together was sweet and I loved the memories we created.

I spent Christmas Eve at my moms and enjoyed a GREAT meal (as always) with the sisters and some family friends. I must say that the feeling on Christmas Eve has always been one of peace and acceptance...it's the Moss Hill magic. This year I also got to have Stacey, Drew and Patty Cakes over for movies after we made a quick trip to Rio Tinto to deliver Santa's meal to RJ. Mom decided to stay with Ginger and I, so I also got a Christmas sleepover.

Christmas Day was spent at my dads with the brothers, sisters, Drew, dad, Amy and Amy's family. I can't say enough how much fun it was to see Ashton and Corey light up with their little Christmas Spirit and laughter. I look forward to many years to come and the joy that the two "utes" bring to the holidays.

New Years was a druken rampage that I don't remember but you can contact the Bennions (aka Mike and Shalyse) to find out the details.

Those of you that know me the best will know how true this story is...

Here are some picture highlights of the HOLIDAYS from the lens of CHELSEA!!!

Mom, Casey, Joyce and Jeff

Casey

Stacey and Drew

Corey

Ashton and Corey conquering the slide together.

Ashton...the DUNK king!!!

Above...my dad, Chesley.

And below...who is this...this hot man in the green shirt...RJ...that's right people, he's MINE!!!

The Running Man Part 2

RJ ran his first 10k on the 4th of December. RJ, Patrice and I drove to Moab for the Winter Sun 10k. I thought it would be a little warmer than Bountiful, but it turned out to be a bit colder. He did a great job and has even gotten into the lottery for the half marathon in March. Here are a few pictures. I'm so proud of him!!!

We were also able to see my aunt, Diane and uncle, Charlie while we were there. We had lunch with my cousin Carter as well. It was great to see them and their beautiful house and talk and laugh about memories and good times with family.