Hawaii 7

The major highlight of the 15th, being a Wednesday, was the Aloha Stadium Flea Market. We were able to get most of our gifts, as well as replace a suitcase that gave up on us on the way to Hawaii. We had a lot of fun, but of course, it got expensive.

After a nap, Kristen and I got our nails done, Hawaiian style with a flower and jewel. It was a special treat, as it's not something we do at home.

Finally, we captured some pretty sunset views at Hickam Beach as we fulfilled our vow to get salty each and every day.

Teri

Picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Hawaii 6

On the 14th, we visited the Buddhist Temple, took the Macadamia Nut Farm Tour and saw China Man's Hat Island. The big kids played at a windward beach. We spent the evening with Anna and the kids, picking up sea glass on Sandy Beach and eating pizza back at the base.

Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

Hawaii 5

Anna had training up at the hospital on the 13th, so Cole stayed with Nora. Sydney and Mack piled in the rental van and we headed out to the Ko'Olina Resort lagoons on the southwest corner of Oahu. We wound up at Lagoon #1 (of 4). Mack enjoyed playing in the rocks, hunting crabs. Amelia liked watching him. The older kids and Paul snorkeled. For man-made lagoons, the snorkeling was surprisingly good. Paul caught some angel fish, a green sea turtle and more on our ruggedized camera.

After lunch at Zippy's (yes, it's a local chain), including fresh hot malasadas (doughnuts), we went to the Dole plantation, something we didn't get to do last time.

We made it back to base in time for Cole to go to swimming lessons. Not bad for a busy day.

This free photo slideshow created with Smilebox

Hawaii 4

The 12th of June was Sunday, so we took the opportunity to re-visit the Kawaiaha'o Church. On our last visit, we enjoyed the service so much we definitely wanted to go back. The Lord's Prayer is SOOO long in Hawaiian, it's almost comical. And it's nearly impossible to sing along in Hawaiian, even with the syllables in front of you. Like last time, the message was true to scripture and enjoyable.

The church is across the side street from the Kamehameha Statue that we spent so much time in front of the day before, during the parade. We walked over to get more pictures and also check out the banyan trees on the grounds.

We met Anna and the kids for lunch after church at Bellows Beach. Since this is part of a military installation, it's not as crowded as the public beaches on a weekend. The sea was way too rough for Nora and Amelia, but the older kids enjoyed boogie boarding.

Free picture slideshow generated with Smilebox

Sage

These photos are of Sage at 13 days and, on Sunday, at nearly 4 weeks old.

Teri

Picture slideshow generated with Smilebox

Hawaii 3

We were fortunate enough with the timing of our trip to see the King Kamehameha Day parade for a second time. There are more horses in this parade than any I have seen on the mainland, barring the Rose Bowl parade. This is quite a feat for a tiny island to provide stable mounts for all the participants who require one.

You'll notice shots from the ocean daily. We tried hard to do something salty every day, even if it was just to wade in at sunset, or in this case, go to the beach right on base.

Teri

This free slideshow design generated with Smilebox

Hawaii 2

Create your own free picture slideshow

Hawaii 1

Here's the first installment of our Hawaiian vacation pictures. As the slideshow suggests, this is a reprisal, our second trip to the islands as a family. Of course, it's Amelia's first trip.

Our last trip seemed to center around seeing as much as possible, since we figured we'd never go back. This trip centered around family. We also tried to do the things we missed last time on Oahu and revisit some of the most memorable items.

To keep the slideshow sizes manageable, I'm breaking this into trip days. I may have to break them down even farther. We'll see how it goes.

Teri

This free slideshow design personalized with Smilebox