Fun Photos of our Stay in French Polynesia

Next Tuesday we plan to leave Tahiti and set sail for Suwarrow in the Cook Islands.  I am excited to get on with our travels but sad to leave Tahiti behind.  We had such a wonderful stay here.  The people are so kind and giving.  The scenery is intoxicating with it's lush, green peaks, beautiful waterfalls and perfect climate.  Throw in the lagoons with their turquoise waters and this makes it a dream-like setting for any traveler chasing the sun.  I can see why this is the destination hotspot for many honeymooners…  and me.

It's not going to be easy to leave paradise behind.  However, I say that "tongue and cheek" because our trip for the next four months is going to bring us more tropical settings and even more beautiful waters and views that will be just as noteworthy.  So maybe it's the people that I'll miss even more.  Maybe it's the fact that I spent a lot of my time here with my family, and family makes it all the more memorable.  I start to think about my family leaving and it makes my heartstrings tug a little more than usual. I have really loved sharing this time that Martin and I have had here with them.  We'll have these memories forever and many of them are unforgettable and stories will be shared for years to come.

I wanted to do a little "recap" of what made our stay here in French Polynesia so memorable.

First, there was our meeting up with Jeff and Morton Palmer and Jeff's family.  We loved his family in the Tuamotu's and then meeting Jeff and Morton in Papeete solidified our friendship with this wonderful family.
Pictured is Morton Palmer (top left) and Jeff Palmer (top right). At the helm are Jeff's boys, Mananui and Henere.

Going up the mountain with Jeff is an experience we aren't going to forget for a long time.

Other highlights and photos that I haven't shared...

Getting provisions for the Kimball clan to come for a visit.

Hiking to all the amazing waterfalls.

The beauty of Moorea.

Lily spending time with her cousins.


...and with her mama.

My sister, Courtney, and her lovely girls.

Lily enjoying the beach at Huahine.

"Island Night" on Amara.

Lily's love of coconut water.



Leah at the helm.

Our next boat... Dreaming.  This is boat is owned by a russian billionaire and we were mesmorized by how beautiful it was.

We made it to Bora Bora!!



Trent, Courtney and Lexi taking in the beauty of Bora Bora.

It got a little cold on the trip into Bora Bora, so I pulled out my foul weather gear.

Hanging out on Hilton's private island.


Bailey and I ready for a day of snorkeling.

Courtney and me stealing a few moments together.

Spa day.  Let the real fun begin.


Martin and me switching roles with David and Sue and fixing our own dinner.  It's about time.



The kids beachside at the Hilton.

Our friend Gael, who we met in town and became our new best friend.  She leaves for a LDS (Mormon) mission in September to New Zealand.

Courtney and Trent rented a home on a Motu (island) and this dinghy came with the deal.  Pretty sweet ride if you ask me.

More photos tomorrow about our day at the Bora Bora Stake activity and other fun photos.