Guam and Yap

Our plans have been C-r-A-z-Y. We thought we were going to the Philippines, but a few days before the flights looked bad. So then we decided to see Keiths friend in Hong Kong, but that didnt work, so we decided South Korea and then changed our minds and bought tickets to Vietnam! So, Friday after Keith took his last final we went down to the Honolulu Airport, checked into our flight and realized, in order to go to Vietnam we need $45 visas. We were bummed about the extra $90 dollars we would have to spend on a short trip so we second thought what we wanted to do. Only problem was, the plane was leaving in just a few minutes. So we decided to get on the flight to Guam, and talk about it on our 7 hour flight haha. We still couldn't come to any conclusion, so once we landed in Guam, we quickly walked over to our next flight leaving for Hong Kong, still couldnt really decide if we should go or stay -but again, the flight was only minutes away from leaving. Finally we decided to explore Guam for the weekend and passed up our flight to Hong Kong. As we were looking for car rentals and hotels, I realized that there was an open flight to YAP. (I thought that was the airport code, but its actually the name of the country) There was also an open flight coming back from YAP early the next morning. So, we decided to go to Yap for the night instead of getting a hotel room! We got on the plane pretty clueless as to where we were going. We literally did not know one thing about the country (or if it even was a country) but on the flight Keith made friends with a Yapese man that taught us a lot. About an hour and a half later, we landed on what was the scariest runway I have ever been on. It was SO short and just after landing we had to make a U-turn. Scary! After landing we were greeted by two thick topless girls who gave us leis. It was the middle of the night and we were leaving the next morning so we spent the next few hours learning about Yap and talking to the people! United Airlines makes this flight like once a week, so the tiny airport was busy with Yapese people the whole time. We learned businesses (mostly selling drugs) fly to Guam every week to sell their stuff. Yap is considered part of Micronesia. Its known for its stone money and  has the same temperature all year long, high 87, low 74 (and it felt so humid compared to Hawaii) the Yapese people are so nice. They kept offering us food and drinks and were so curious as to why we were there. Haha! It was such a random night, but seriously one of the craziest culture experiences Ive ever had! It was definately a night to remember. 

Then we flew back to Guam and rented a car. We drove around the entire island and found some awesome spots, both "secret spots" and touristy spots. We first drove north to the very tip. 

We went to church! They were such a friendly and kind ward and they had an open air building. We got to watch General Conference again (because of the International Date line, they watch it a week late)

We went to Two Lovers Point. It had Billions of Locks... 

Kissing pictures. #sorrynotsorry ..lol

Then we headed South 

Took a nice nap in the sun. 

Found this swimming hole

It was a whirl-wind of a trip, but we had a great time. We slept in our car and then caught an early flight back to Hawaii. 

Spring

Spring in Hawaii has been beautiful. We don't really have a true spring here though, just wet season and dry season, and it's been ...WET. It's rained and rained and you would think that with it being my 4th spring in Hawaii I would be use to it, but it still surprises me. Keith and I drove down the H3 (highway) the other day and loved the dozens of hundred foot water falls that only happen when it rains hard this time of year.

 

Some updates on things weve been doing the past month or so...
Keith had never done Sacred Falls and so one muddy afternoon we made the trek. 

Hiked koko head 

Makapuu lighthouse 

Beach days 

The Temple 

The Nut Farm

Turtle Bay: 

Opal Thai with Sesi and Shelly 

I've also been hanging out with my girl Aberle. (and her parents Matt and Alexa) We've really enjoyed staying up late playing (very competitive games of)  pinochle, beach days and lots of fun with the McArthurs. We're gonna miss them so much this summer. 

The Drapers came to Hawaii for spring break and completely spoiled us. We loved hanging out at their Resort at Ko Olina. The boys played lots of pool basketball, we surfed at white planes (a new beach I have never been to!) went to the temple, paddle boarded at hukilua, body boarded at pounders and watched the firework show in Waikiki. And they fed us a ton, which we've been so grateful for because we havent been buying any food but just finishing up all the random things in our kitchen before we leave. (like lots of rice and dijon mustard lol oh the life of poor married college couples..) Thank you Drapers!! 

On my way to work, I flew to Arizona to see baby Rampton (who is still inside of Jessicas stomach, due April 26) It was very fun and I CAN NOT wait for him to be born. And then Keith and I went to Utah for LDS General Conference. I love conference and I am so grateful for a modern day Prophet and Apostles to guide us. It was fun seeing lots of family. Lex and I went to a cycling class and a yoga class which were also really fun. The only picture I have however, is of the March Maddness award ceremony haha, I got 3rd place. 

Keith finishes his semester tomorrow and we're flying out right after his last final. I'm very nostalgic about leaving Hawaii :( But we will be back in less than 5 months and I'm looking forward to our adventures this summer. Keith is taking the DAT on May 3rd, and then we'll really start applying and deciding on dental schools for fall 2015. Decisions decisions...! 

PS - I had to make this for a homework assignment in my film class, so I thought Id share.