We were lucky enough to be able to spend a week in Hawaii last week. Not only was it a great break from Oregon weather, but we all had a blast and we got to spend a lot of time with each other and lots of other family members. The trip was not without its kinks. Our mishaps included my brother needing emergency surgery while we were there, setting off the hotel smoke alarm, and Elias getting stung by a Portuguese Man of War. But more on those in other posts, and no permanent damage was done. For now, I’d like to write a bit about our first day.
Our flight left Portland at 7 am, so we had to leave home about 4:30. I had tried to explain to Elias the night before that we were going to wake him up really early and it would still be dark, but I don’t think he really got it until it happened. We met Uncle Scott and Auntie Kristy at the airport, and boarded the plane.
Both of the boys did really well on the flight. Simon only had one minor melt down and a couple almost minor melt downs which were averted with M&M’s and my mom’s ipad. For 6 and a half hours in a cramped space that is pretty good.
We finally arrived on Oahu, and met up with my parents on the bus to the rental car place. We all made it to the hotel, and had a sigh of relief.
Auntie Kristy and my parents immediately got to work planning our grocery shopping list.
Nathan wanted to rest, but was actually just pretending here. No rest even on vacation when you have small children. (Actually that is not true. We went with my parents, and brothers and sisters in law and they were gracious enough to help out and give us some rest. )
Uncle Scott got to work teaching Elias how to mess up the hotel bed by jumping on it.
Soon it was time for my parents to go pick up Uncle Greg and Auntie Shaina from the airport. Uncle Scott and Auntie Kristy went grocery shopping. We were left alone to enjoy ourselves. After only an hour or so I had already forgotten that it is November, and was changed into my flip-flops. Eternal summer is the best! We hung out on the lanai and enjoyed the view.
I tried to get the boys to take a picture with me, but they were very resistant. Simon cried and I don’t know what sort of weird face Elias is making. I think he was shaking his face back and forth.
So as you can see, we were getting a bit restless. I tried to convince Elias to go swimming, but he kept insisting he wanted to wait until all the family was together. It was a very sweet thought, but not very practical for two little boys who had been cooped up all day. I told him we would just go for a walk and see the sights. We stopped on the beach and the beautiful lagoon was just too much temptation. Both boys were in the water in their clothes.
We went back upstairs to change and then came back down to play.
After everyone made it back to the hotel, and we had played a good long time on the beach, we headed upstairs for dinner. It was great to be with family. We got to enjoy our first sunset on Oahu!
And here are Nathan and I where it all started. Eight and a half years ago we had our honeymoon in Hawaii. It’s good to be back here together.
Our first day was a great one. There was a lot in store for us! More to come later!