HAWAII
It's a wonderful thing to visit your parents - especially when they happen to be living in Oahu, Hawaii.
First stop: the Pali Lookout. BEAUTIFUL (and obviously very windy...nice bangs, eh?)
The point.
I'm SOOO happy to be there!
We started our vacation off right.
The gorgeous Laie Temple - it was sweet to be there.
Check out the turtle. Wade even decided to get in the water and snorkel with them for a while. They were all over the place!
Daddy Boy
Sunday dinner with mom and dad. We loved their cute little apartment.
Hanama Bay behind us
Snorkeling was so much fun. The fish were plentiful and beautiful.
Puka Dog...Wade decided to call it PUKE a dog...he wasn't a big fan. I loved it though...and we both agree - we would go back just for the fresh squeezed lemonade! :)
Manoa Falls. It was incredible!! I felt like I might as well be Jenny of the Jungle. Talk about your tropical paradise!
Waimea Falls. Simply stunning.
We stopped along the North Shore a couple of times to watch the surfers and the big, beautiful waves. This picture doesn't really capture it...but pictures never do.
The Dole Plantation
Iolani's Palace
We decided to stay a night in Waikiki. We found the cheapest hotel we could (which was still expensive)...but it was serious quality...as you can see.
Perhaps the highlight of my trip: Pearl Harbor
It was incredible and fascinating.
Aboard the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial
We also got to tour The Mighty Mo (the U.S.S. Missouri) This is the ship where the U.S. signed the peace treaty with Japan. It was massive.
On the ship
In the ship
Coming out of the ship
The PCC (Polynesian Cultural Center)
I'm not gonna lie...I kinda wish I was polynesian.
Us with the Fijians.
Attempting to climb a coconut tree...WAY harder than the Samoan guy made it look.
Mom and Dad in their PCC gear. Don't they look adorable??
Wade. Need I say more?
If you ever find yourself in Oahu you must eat here...and get the cowboy burger. It's delish.
(and also go to Ted's Bakery, don't forget to try a malasada, and get some shaved ice from Aokis or Motsumotos (still can't decide which one was better)).
I about have tears in my eyes just thinking about all the good times...going through serious withdrawls. Thanks so much mom and dad for going on a mission! This trip never would not have been possible without you! We love you so much!
And a BIG thanks to the other grandparents for watching Janie and Addi...and also to my dear sister Amy for once again watching Ellia.
And Kate: You are the best little baby ever! You were such a good girl for the entire duration of the trip (even on the plane). Thanks for being so good natured. I would take you again anyday!
And to Wade: Best Christmas EVER! Thanks for taking me on a trip of my dreams! You are THE BEST!
