Life on the Island...

Here is another attempt at trying to  show what life is like for us...

Grandpa on temple grounds

An interesting tree on temple grounds

We are enjoying all the Hawaiian Fruit

Looking out at Laie Point

A christmas party with some of our temple friends...The Gollaher's,  President Workman and Sister Workman, Us, the Ellis's, The Kealoha's

A little house guest we get every once in awhile...a gecko

Grandma's Christmas Tree 

Christmas eve morning, watching the sun come up on the beach

We thought this was funny.  There were a couple of bikes locked on the Bike rack so that they couldn't be stolen.  We wondered why anyone would bother them.

Grandpa's Hawaiian Christmas

Mele Kalikimaka!!

Hi ever one .  Mele Kalikimaka from the Winns in Hawaii.. Hope ever one is doing well. Were keeping busy here working in the Temple. This is a very beautiful part of Gods creations. Just wanted to give you are new address :

           Craig and or Grace Winn
           (For their address email them or email 
           raymondandnicole@msn.com...Thanks!)

           Our email address is craigpwinn@msn.com

Lots of New Pictures...

***Grandma just emailed me a description of the pictures so they have been added***




We had the opportunity to talk with grandma & grandpa on skype the other day.  They both seem to be doing well. They are loving the weather, the beautiful views everywhere, and the temple work.  They are hoping to get a car soon although Grandpa is loving the exercise from walking everywhere.  The temple is just across from their home so they are able to walk there easily.  Grandpa is also loving the opportunity to go walking along the beach.  They are slowly getting settled, they have been very busy with the recent dedication of the temple.  Grandma is already worried no-one will come to visit.  I assured her there are many of us that are wanting an island get away!  She is very much ready to see some family!

Their humble abode...

The beautiful views of the temple from their driveway--they really are that close

Grace-just after they arrived

Craig & Grace

The yellow flower is the Hibiscus.  It is the state flower. 

We walk everywhere; even to shop.  We had just gotten home from getting some groceries.  I found out you can't get nylons in Laie.

This statue is of a woman that cared for Joseph F Smith when he was only 15 serving a mission in Hawaii.He got really sick and almost died.  She nursed him back to health.  When he was President of the church he came back to Hawaii.  When he got off of the boat, someone was helping her up to see him.  She was old, and had gone blind. He ran to her and said "Maw Maw".  He had been and orphan when was sent on a mission.  His father was Hyrum Smith and his mother was Mary Fielding Smith.  He helped is Mother across the plains when he was about 6 years old.  His mother died  young because of all her trials. 

One of their beautiful sunsets

These flowers are common but very pretty.

The temple street called Hale LA'A--it goes from the temple to the ocean

More pretty flowers.

I don't know if you would remember the song" I'm going to the Hukilau. It is a little restaurant  that has been here for along time.  It is just down the street from us.  So we have eaten at the Hukilau. 

Two of the pictures were taken at the Cultural Event just before the dedication.  President Ursenbach was the Temple President here before the currant President.  He was also our Stake President, and Patriarch.  They came for the dedication of the temple and were actually seated by us.  It was funny because we didn't know anyone else there.  The one with the Prophet; I was trying to get a picture of the Prophet, but most of the pictures I took were of someone's back trying to take pictures of the prophet.   I finally found one that actually had him in it.  We were also privileged to be in the Celestial room for the first Dedication, and were about ten feet away from him.

President Monson

At the airport...

These cute folks were able to see Grandma & Grandpa off at the airport...

We have arrived...

nov 18....Just a   note to let you know we have arrived in Hawaii.  On our flight  encountered plane trouble.  The hydraulic system on the plane started to leak.  Our flight was diverted to Los  Angles.  The Pilot was reassuring us that everything was o.k and not to fear. However, when we landed we were greeted by fire trucks and police cars .  So, I was somewhat suspicious of the " do not fear" statement. With a three hour delay we begin our journey again.
     We are comfortably quartered in a typical one bedroom duplex.  The Temple is only a short walk away.  The apartment attached with our duplex is occupied by the Councilor and asst. matron to the Temple.  The home next to ours is where Mark Ubank, of channel 5 TV fame lives.  He is the director of the Polynesian Center.  We have been so graciously received by the leaders and people here.
     Pres. Workman gave Your Mother and I tour of the Temple yesterday.  It is very beautiful.  He also set us apart as ordinance workers.  We are now on the payroll.  it appears our work at the Temple, for the short term, will be training and supervising .  
     Pres. Monson arrives today in Hawaii.  He was scheduled to stay in the Temple Pres. home which is about half a block from us. However, that has changed and the rumor is he will be housed at the Turtle Bay Resort which is just short distance from us.
     Your Mother and I have premo tickets to the Temple Dedication Sunday.  We will be in the Celestial  room where Pres. monson , Eyring and elder Cook will speak.  We also have v.i.p tickets to the Culture pre Temple dedication activities on Saturday evening at the Romney field house on the B.Y.U-Hawaii campus. 
     I'm expecting a call from pres.. Obama for his gratitude in our single handily spurring the economy forward.  President Workman took us to Wahiawa where there is a Walmart and Costco store.  We filled the Van full of groceries to stock our apartment.  We rode along the North Shore to get there and viewed some very beautiful country.  The ocean waves were spectacular .  The surfing season is just beginning . This is truly a beautiful place.  We are starting to fill how blessed we are to be here.
     We are fine but miss our family. love you all                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

     Our mailing address is:

     Elder and Sister Winn
     P.O. Box 988
     Laie, Hawaii  96762 

Headed To Hawaii

So Grandma & Grandpa are headed to Hawaii!  They left Monday and made it safely!  Here are some final pictures from the MTC!!

Recent Pictures

Grandma recently sent me some pictures from the MTC.  As I was talking with her she said that things were going great.  Grandma does not like having to teach the gospel in front of people but she is adapting to it and conquering her fears.  Grandpa has never feared talking to anyone and is loving his time at the MTC.  

Mission Farewell

Grandma & Grandpa's mission farewell was great.  As a grand-daughter I grew up listening to Grandpa speak in church with his many years as Bishop & Stake President and as always it was wonderful. Raymond had never heard Grandpa speak in church before and was quite surprised that it felt much like a conference talk!  It was a new treat to hear Grandma speak in church, and she did wonderful!  There was a large luncheon afterwards.  Grandma & Grandpa are certainly loved and they had plenty of family & friends there to show it!  We are so grateful for the example that they have each been to their family! We all grew up knowing that they loved us more than anything and would do anything to support us!  We know that they will do wonderful on their mission and wish them all the best!

*I am Nicole, I will post updates just as often as Grandma sends them to me!

**There are lots of pictures, mostly for Grandma to see them!