The Temple and the Polynesian Cultural Center

Today, Catherine and I got up early and went to the temple to do baptisms.  Dave came with us.

This is the 14th temple that Catherine and I have been to together.

Morning view from the side of the temple.

Pretty flowers surrounded the grounds.

After baptisms, we took Catherine home, got mom and Anneli and came back for a session.

Then we we picked up everyone else and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Mom wasn't feeling very good and opted for a wheel chair.

Feeding the fish

Our group got separated and I ended up taking a boat ride with Dad, Christine and Riley on our way to see the island dancers canoe pageant.

The show begins.

The pageant royalty.

Each island in Polynesia was represented by their own boat and dancers.

Mom liked the show, but felt really sick afterward and ended up going home to rest for the day.

Learning how to throw spears in Tonga.

Catherine's turn

My turn :).

Inside of a Tongan hut.

This is part of a Tongan palace

Riley was very excited to paddle his own canoe.

We also watched a drum show.

And danced the hula.

Pretty view at the PCC.

I took Riley on the canoes again.  He LOVED paddling them.  It rained on and off during the day, hence Riley's poncho.

Cute!  Riley is the same size as the gingerbread decorations.

Seated for the evening luau.

The Royalty has arrived to start the luau.

Mom said she felt better later so Anneli went back to get her for the luau and the fire show.

The luau pig, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked underground, is uncovered.

The big is revealed.

Dinner is served!

Island dancers entertained while we ate.

Dancing at the luau

Playing on stage after the party

Heading to the fire show.  I wish mom had bought this hat.  She looks great in it!

Waiting for the fire show at the Easter Island head (which is no where near the Easter Island exhibit).

No pictures were allowed during the show, but the performers posed for pictures afterwards.  They did a spectacular job!  We had front row seats, got splashed with sand, and could feel the heat from the fire.  It was awesome!