We flew home December 30th, landing back in Phoenix.  Before heading to Las Cruces, we enjoyed watching Clemson beat OSU sending them to the College National Championship game!

We celebrated mom and dad's 29th anniversary!

and hanging out on the beach where we could relax, swim and ride the paddleboards.

Back at the resort, we enjoyed sitting in the hot tubs, floating in the lazy river...

The next day we enjoyed time at the resort, then enjoyed sailing on a catamaran along the coast of Oahu.

We saw a school of dolphins, some whales in the distance, and swam with the turtles.

We also toured the USS bowfin, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Missouri where WWII ended.

The USS Arizona Memorial was very moving.

The 26th we toured the Pearl Harbor Memorial.

We found the North Beach and enjoyed watching the surfers ride the 30 ft. waves.

We rented a car, and drove around the island of Oahu.

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast with Mickey and other Disney characters.

Christmas 2016!

We enjoyed a delicious meal, and watched a great show.

We even had dance lessons!

The next day we loaded up, and flew back to Oahu, checking into the Aulani resort.

After watching the lava, we rode our bikes back, and enjoyed a delicious meal in Pahoa.

We rented bikes, and rode to then end of the lava path, finding the sea and views of the hot lava pouring in.

The painted church was moved prior to being covered by lava during one of the last volcano eruptions on the island.

We enjoyed the trails and views in the Volcanos National Park.

Along the rode, we found a fruit stand, where we tasted local produce.

On our way to Kona, we stopped at Akaka Falls.  While narrow, they are taller than Niagra Falls.

We spent the next few days hanging out at Coqui Cottage and taking day trips around the island.

It only took about 3 hours to hike down, arriving at the visitor's center 30 minutes after sunset.

After 7 hours, we arrived at the top.  Following a trail we passed many astrological observatories, and below the island was covered with clouds.

The higher we climbed, the more snow we saw.

We left at 8am, and Barrow led the way.

The next day we were up early.  We piled on warm clothes, and drove from sea level to the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center at 9,200 feet.

Next, we boarded a plane for the Big Island.  After landing in Hilo, we headed to our house and settled in.

We landed in Honolulu and were greeted by native Hawaiians!

We finished finals and headed to Phoenix. The next day we were up early, and took a direct flight to Hawaii!

We placed our Christmas tree, and Mapache found a new place to nap!

Barrow received his Cooking, Family Life and Personal Management at the year end Court of Honor.

Cate and Barrow helped mom and dad celebrate their 20th Anniversary at De La Vegas!

Barrow found the missing piece!

At the cabin, we enjoyed relaxing, reading, and working on a puzzle.

Back in town, we enjoyed seeing deer wander through the town park.

...especially for Barrow!

It was nice time together...

It was fairly chilly outside, especially in the shade.

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal with Mimi, Dick Daddy, Nat and Ben.  The next day, we headed down the road for a hike.

We headed to Red River for Thanksgiving.  Along the way, we stopped at McDonald's to stretch our legs!

2016 Dress a Child.  Barrow, Cate and Dad took a family of 3 chidren.

Morning time for the guys!

They seemed to always get along...with electronics!

We joined fellow church members to fill manna packs for underserved areas of the world.

A day shopping in El Paso.  We stopped for a Burger, and looked up information for Hope's documentary.

Barrows latest project...a documentary on Hope E, our friend with Trisomy 18.

Mapache enjoys hanging out with the boys while they watch weekend football!

His experience was great...because of great teammates and a fabulous coach!