Fireworks and the Aftermath

We got to watch a great fireworks show last night, while sitting on our couch!  The fireworks were done at Ala Moana Park, where officials were expecting 50,000 in attendance.  We were smart enough to stay away from there!  These pictures were taken with my iPhone, while sitting on the couch with my feet propped up!

I went running at the park this morning.  The aftermath isn't nearly as pretty!

Happy Independence Day from the 50th State!

Scenes from this morning's run...

Sunrise over Koko Head

Surf at the base of Diamond Head

Sweaty Runner on Diamond Head

The American Flag

Proudly on display!

Fifth Sunday Fellowship

Our busy weekend continued on Sunday with Fifth Sunday Fellowship.  We had a potluck, followed by a basket auction to benefit Ladies Ministries.  After the food and fellowship, we had church!  And we really did have church!  The singing was anointed, the preaching was powerful, and souls were touched in the altar!

I almost never take pictures during church, but I did snap some during the fellowship.  The food spread was great...

Rena and...

Remy, fanning to keep bugs off the food

There were various costumes for the children to try out...

The baskets included "Chocolate Lover's", "Date Night", "Rice Cooker", "Picnic Basket", "Ice Cream Lover's", "Car Wash", and a few others I've forgotten!

Bro. Tony did a great job as auctioneer...

The bids were a little lower than I knew Sis. Mac was hoping for.  I finally shook things up when I got in a bidding war with Bro. Frank for the "Chocolate Lover's!"  I had the winning bid, until Les topped me!  We'll see who eats more of the chocolate in our home...

It'll be a while before we drink any of the hot chocolate!

I'm so glad to be part of the family of God.  For nearly six months we have been embraced by the NLP family.  We have been blessed to be so welcomed by these wonderful people.

NLP Sunday School Trip

We had a really busy weekend!  Saturday the Sunday School department took a trip to the Honolulu Zoo.  A good time was had by all.  Almost all of the parents were there, in fact there were more adults than kids!  I guess I'm not the only big kid who loves going to the zoo.

A.J. got up close to the orangutans...

Seth wasn't sure he wanted his little sister getting any closer to the rhinos...

Mahala and I became good friends on Saturday...  it was either hold somebody's hand or ride in the stroller!

Lunch and the playground held their attention more than any animal!

This is the most active I have ever seen the hippos!

We finished the day in the Keiki (children's) Zoo...

Fun in the koi pool...

Sheep and goats...

Aloha from the Honolulu Zoo!

High Tea

One day last week I got a text from Sis. McGriffin:

The Moana Surfrider is the first hotel built in Waikiki.  Originally opened in 1901, it has gone through many changes, but one thing remains the same - Afternoon Tea on the Veranda.

We each received a book about the Moana Surfrider

Afternoon tea isn't about the food, although it is wonderful, it's an experience!  Our server brought out a tray with the different types of teas to allow us to smell them and select one.  Of the six samples, we chose two for our table and they both had mango.

Then the food started appearing.  Sour dough rolls...

Finger sandwiches...

An assortment of scones, pastries, and petites fours...

Sis. Lynell's husband is in the military and they are being transferred to Alabama in a few weeks.  She will be missed at NLP!

Sis. Gallimore "Put your camera down, I'm taking your picture!"

Two sweet ladies...

Two Sis. Macs....

 

We stayed for about three hours, eating, relaxing and enjoying wonderful fellowship!