Surf's Up

It feels like life has gotten into more of a routine.  We are getting used to, but hopefully not taking for granted, island life.  As a matter of fact the other day someone said something about summer and I had to stop and think about what season it really is.  It seems like after all this fabulous weather, we should be hitting fall, but then I remembered if we were in the states we would not be enjoying balmy weather we are spoiled with right now.   I hear Guam is heading into summer now too.  Their summer runs from March to September when the rainy season starts.  I have loved the weather here thus far, but locals tell me the really hot stuff (the island rarely sees 90 degrees) is around the corner, we'll see how we do. 

The kids continue to take surf lessons and are really improving.  I love to sit and watch them, especially Bugs.  We talked Suzy into giving it a shot too.  Although if she was asked she might say she didn't have much a of a choice.  I figure if you spend a year on an island, surfing is something you have to try.  The three younger kids all love it and Bugs is quite a hit with the Japanese tourists and his hamming it up does not disappoint.

Addie riding the waves like a pro!

This girl LOVES to surf!

The tongue shows his he is into it

Recently Abe was gone off-island for a week.  The kids and I packed a picnic and headed to the beach to watch the sunset.  It is always interesting to see what will get their attention when we get there.  This night it was the hermit crabs for sure.  Right away they set to trapping as many as they could.  While someone was given the task of keeping track of them, the rest of the kids set to constructing contraptions to contain them.  By the time they were done, I think they had 37 of them.  When we let them go, it was quite a sight to see them all scatter.

Sunset at Dadi Beach

One of the crab holding pens

The crab pit

This last week we had a real treat, two little angels came to stay while their parents went on a dive trip to Palau.  It was so fun to have them over, we all loved it.   The only hard part was when my kids were fighting over to got to help them or carry them or sleep by them.  One night while my girls were helping them with the bath, they told our visitors when they finished washing there would be a surprise, meaning the jets in the tub.  When they turned them on, they all got a surprise, the bubbles multiplied and soon everyone was covered in suds.  They loved it.  The only hard part was  getting all the bubbles off.

Abe didn't think the bath picture was appropriate, so here is one with everyone clothed.

One thing that has been so great about living here is the opportunities to serve and do missionary work.  Issac goes out teaching with the missionaries ...a lot.  Last week he guessed he went to about twenty lessons.  He has given a talk at the last two baptisms.  What a great opportunity for him to experience what a mission is like.  The best part is, he is eager to go and calls the elders to arrange the times.  He loves it.  Since so many people that live here do not speak English as their first language, he is trying to learn Pompeian and doing a decent job of it too. 

(Future) Elder Smith with the Talisay Ward missionaries.  On the far left is Reed Guisinger, he leaves for his mission to Japan in one week.

Blissfully warm

Greetings-I know it has been a while.  Life continues to be blissfully warm here on Guam.  While Suzy and I were laying on the beach the other day, I looked over at her and commented how this is what we are going to miss when we are back in Washington, particularly in March.  There is so much we love about living here, fabulous weather year-round, great friends and beautiful beaches to name a few.  We love to run down the beach for a hour of snorkeling or to watch the sunset.  Sadly, one cannot have it all.  We have spent much time trying to decide if we will stay on-island an additional year or head back to the mainland, still not a hundred percent sure.  There is a lot we miss about life in states.  Being able to buy fresh produce and groceries without having to spend a small fortune, is something we are all looking forward to.

Beach combing before sunset

We couldn't let February 14th sneak by without celebrating Valentine's Day.  I love traditions.  By moving here and essentially living out of a suitcase for a year, there have been some things we had to let go, but we were able to still celebrate heart day in most of our usual fashion.  Decorations of hearts all around, heart shaped food and homemade Valentines to name a few.  Abe usually sends his daughters flowers and a sweet note telling them how wonderful they are.  The prices of the already wilting flowers at our grocery store was comical.  With a price tag of $60 for four roses and $45 for a spray of carnations, we decided to pass on that and opted for a bouquet of fresh plumerias picked from the side of the road.  I wish I had taken a picture of those.

My Valentine!

Heart-Shaped Pizza- Valentine's Day Tradition

I recently ran in a half marathon.  It was a very Guam event.  For starters it was called the "Hafa Marathon."  Do you remember that the customary greeting here is "Hafa Adai." This island gets going early, gun went off at 4:45am, so much for sleeping in here.  The finisher's medal doubles as a bottle opener (I'm sure mine will get lots of use) and my friend who won was awarded among other things a  carabao bank (similar to a piggy bank, but shaped like a carabao).  Of course, it finshed up on the beach. Great race!

Notice the bottle opener!

Dinner on the lawn in February- yes please!

Last weekend left us all on a spiritual high.  Elder Russel M. Nelson and three other general authorities came to visit Guam.  We had a special stake conference where we got to hear from all of them.  Isaac and Savannah got to attend a youth fireside and participate in a youth choir that sang at two meetings.  One of the songs they performed was written just for this occasion.  Abe had the privilege of being one of the drivers for the visiting authorities.  He had the opportunity to spend the whole weekend with them and show them around the island as well as make sure they made it to all their meetings.  He was the driver for Elder Callister and his wife and got to spend some time getting to know them better.  It was a really neat experience for all of us.

Isn't my husband handsome?

Lastly, Isaac and I had a  fun dive yesterday.  Gun Beach was a new place for us to try.  We saw a spotted ray, jellyfish, and the biggest turtle I have seen yet.  Watching the jellyfish move very was interesting.  I also got to hold a puffer fish.  I am happy to report now that I have been diving a few times, I am getting better at not freaking out about being sixty feet underwater.  Not all the way there yet, but making progress. 

Definitely need to work on my underwater smile.

I heeded Marlin's advice and marveled from a distance.

Big old grandpa turtle