Hawaii: the rest of the trip

The second half of our trip was not documented with as many photos, so here is a summary of the rest of the trip. 

We took a rare morning off from the beach to drive to Hilo.

As soon as we got there the sunny skies turned into torrential downpours. 

Hannah had a massive meltdown.

It was lots of fun. 

I bought some soap. 

We had lunch.

We went home.

But on the way home we stopped here to check out the view:

It was very nice.

On another evening we were driving to dinner and  happened across a pack of wild sheep eating snacking on the golf course green. 

We had a final group dinner together at Tommy Bahamas.

Here is Eli, “waving” to everyone. 

We sang Happy Birthday twice to my grandma and once to my cousin that night.  Every time we finished Hannah took it upon herself to go up to them, give them a hug and a kiss, and wish them a “Happy Birthday”. 

I had pie for dessert. 

Key Lime.

On the final day I remembered to document Eli’s “bedroom” for you all.  Our room had an extra bathroom and I thought it made for the perfect sleeping quarters for our son! 

Our last few days brought very gusty winds that kept us away from the sand-flying beach.  Of course, it was beautiful the day we had to go home. 

Through some bad timing on our parts, we barely made it through the airport lines in time.  If we hadn’t “cut” in the security line we would have missed our flight for sure.  So many thanks for my cousins for being in line and letting us “cut” in (and especially for the people behind them who allowed us to “cut” too). 

Now we are home and have lots of pictures and memories of our trip.

And of course, souvenirs.  

We hope to go back next year.  Perhaps to Oahu or Maui. 

I am definitely NOT already looking at hotels.  :-)

Aloha Friday #6

Welcome to Aloha Friday!

If you want to play along visit Island Life!!

In Hawaii, Friday is the day to relax and take it easy. So why not take it easy on a blog post too – I will ask a simple question and if you want feel free to leave your reply in my comments!

Here is my question:

What will you do, if anything, to celebrate Easter?

We don’t have many traditions. I am hoping to color eggs this year (probably using last year’s unopened and unused box of egg dyes). In the morning, Hannah will wake up and get her Easter Basket and hunt for eggs. Later, we will go to Grammy’s for another egg hunt and a yummy meal!

Hawaii: day four

Another beautiful morning – perfect for our daily trek to the beach.

That morning my sister and I got massages near the beach (in that little white hut below).

After lunch we tried to get Eli down for a nap so he would hopefully be bright and perky for an afternoon photo shoot. 

It worked.

Time to get ready for our pictures!

My grandmother didn’t know that we had hired a photographer to take shots of the group.  In this picture she is waiting, wondering what was going on, shortly before we told her. 

She was very touched.

Then we all headed outside for the shot. 

Or shots I might say. 

Many pictures were taken – both by the photographer and by each other. 

Here is my family waiting, while the photographer sets up:

And the kids, practicing their poses:

“How you doin?”

Sisters….

My mom and her mom…

And we even attempted a shot of grandma with all the great-grandchildren.

This was towards the end of the photo shoot. 

Kids were tired.

Bribes were made. 

But still hard to get “the” shot. 

Grandma – You look fabulous!

After the pictures, time to head on the shuttle to a sister hotel for the luau!

How many pictures of Mai Tai’s can I take?

Apparently, a lot.

Father and daughter.

This was about all Eli saw of the show.  He fell asleep before it began and slept through the entire event even though he was in the front row!

Hannah could not wait to go up on stage!  She kept asking if it was time.  Then she got her big chance…

Hannah was thrilled with her stage debut, but she didn’t like the guy who spit fire during the show!

I think Hannah is wondering why these women were just wearing bras! 

Time to head back to the hotel and crash…..

Hawaii: day Three (and my 100th post!!)

The day started with smiles and another trip to the beach.

But before too long….

The kids were worn out….

And almost asleep (and it was only 10 am!). 

Hannah revived herself and joined her brother in the sand (but you can see my nephew in the corner of the picture still napping).

Then we got cleaned up…..

and went here for lunch…..

And then we went to Kona.  We must have had one extremely cranky toddler a fabulous time because I just didn’t have energy time to get out the camera. 

We left early got back in time to have a drink play at the pool.  We had snacks in our room for dinner because of our late lunch. 

On the docket for tomorrow?  A massage, family photo shoot, and Luau! 

Hawaii: Day two

Most of our days on vacation had a similar pattern:

7:30: Breakfast

8:30 – 11:  Beach Time

12:30 – 4: Lunch and sightseeing

4:00 to 6: Pool

6:30: Dinner and evening activities

It was a pretty nice life. 

Day two was a relaxed day and we only left the hotel to head back to the airport to pick up Macy. 

Watching the sun rise from our lanai:

First trip to the beach:

And in case you’re wondering, here is a good way to rein in your kids so you can sit back and relax at the beach:

 

 

Eli was pretty impressed:

Pool time.  Welcome Macy!

Pool time also means “time for an adult beverage”! 

And to all you husbands out there who insist that “you’ve got it” when applying sunscreen to your back:

Might want to ask for help next time! 

Another great day in paradise!