Welcome to our World

  Our time at the townhouse went by quickly and soon it was time to pack up, eat a fantastic breakfast at Ted’s Bakery, go thrifting, and check into Aulani. All of us found something we felt lucky to find.  We thought about going to the Dole Plantation like my mother had when she was young but it looked liked such a tourist trap that we were happy to drive past and see the pineapple fields from our car. Staying at Aulani for two nights was a dream come true and the perfect amount of time for us this trip. We got Mickey shaped shaved ice (cheaper and yummier than the ice back home), enjoyed all the water features, and felt very posh. Hubby and I watched the sunset from an adults only hot tub and it was beyond gorgeous. The weather was perfect to watch Inside Out 2 on the lawn. I was so impressed with their visual and audio set up and am convinced that watching a movie outdoors in Hawaii is the best ever. Day 2 began with a wonderful Eggs n Things breakfast across the street and...

 On December 30th we flew to Honolulu for a family vacation we put the deposit down for in 2020.  It has been amazing to finally be here!  After our 7.5 hour flight, car rental, and Costco run, and hour drive to our rental, we were ready to settle into our townhome and sleep!   But we made up for sitting for hours on end the last day of the year by walking over to Turtle Bay beach, going on a Jurassic safari at Kualoa Ranch, and spending the afternoon and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center!  Natalie and I had to watch Moana on the flight.  Michelle finished her Ender’s Game audiobook and I finished my With a Little Luck audiobook (her book was better but I’ve already read it).  Kate’s stomach hurt so she ended up laying across my lap while the boys sat in aisle seats.  We all agreed that it was cramped and long but we were so happy to have finally make it to Hawaii! Our AirBNB was a short walk to Turtle Bay so we tried to watch the sunrise ...

Our Christmas week included ice skating, tennis, and busting out the Nintendo Switch that probably hasn’t been used since last summer.  Michelle got plenty of ice time between going with Natalie and I on Christmas Eve, going with her viola section on Friday, and for half an hour as part of a tri-stake youth activity and her first Church dance. Beware of playing tennis with a baseball player, especially if he’s an outfielder. Poor kid had to take it easy on me after he accidentally hit me with the ball. Yes, there is a bruise, and in a place I have only showed my spouse. Lol Hubby made us a wonderful prime rib dinner for Christmas Eve and I bake ham for Christmas Day. My meal was much easier, especially considering he had so many leftover potatoes we used those instead of making new.  Natalie and I baked a cake for these meals using a Christmas tree shaped pan my mother had given us. She was an amazing helper this week!  One thing that apparently was long over due was clea...