Welcome

The Big Island

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:14:41 -0800

There are two major parts of the island that you can fly into. Hilo and Kona. We flew into Kona. The landscape is surreal miles of black lava rock desert at the base of a mountain. That changes as you head east. But for now we'll stay in Kona.
We stayed at the Hilton Waikolo village in the Palace Tower. A small distinction as there are five destinations, the main lobby. the convention center and the three towers each with it's own flare. Ours had an impressive fountain. There is also a tram system as well as a motor boat that takes you to the various destinations or the beautiful walk/breeze way and meander viewing art and artifacts. We've done both. This is a Resort in every sense of the word. There is so much to do and see on the grounds. Shops, restaurants, paddle boats, flamingos, turtles, dolphins and more. http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/ I'll just say WOW!

We did eventually the resort and explores parts of the island. Loved it! All of it! Where Kauai is the oldest and wettest of the Hawaiian island, Hawai'i is the youngest and still growing. Literally land mass is being produced as I type this. Kilauea, the very active volcano, black sand beaches, Akaka waterfalls, and Mauna Kea, the tallest Mountain in the world.
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/ http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanoes/maunakea/

The highlight of our adventure in Kona was…swimming with the Dolpihns!!! Yes, that is why we stayed at the Hilton Waikolo Village among the vast things I did not mention, the Hilton is home to Dolphin Quest. http://www.dolphinquest.org/. It was very cool. Beautiful and intelligent creatures I was in awe and moved by them as much as I was of this amazing island. Man! It's good to be alive. Better yet it's great to be me!

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Sights of Kaua'i

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:22:53 -0800

Kauai, there is an ease that comes over us. It's everything good, the warmth from the sun, the scent of flowers. Everything slows down and there is time and space to do it all. Sleep, eat, boogie board, surf, build sand castles, play board games, tour the island, or nap the day away.

Getting in the mood

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:06:45 -0800

I have a confession. I LOVE downtown Seattle the day after Thanksgiving. We have had a tradition for the last five years that even the kids love.

0630 wake up!
This part the kids do not love.

0730 In line to visit Santa!
Freezing our tushies off, sipping hot chocolate or hot cider, munching on cookies (provided by Santa's elfs). We've never been first in line. There are even crazier people than us who have been waiting longer. Santa receives visitors at 8a. The children of course (within earshot of the parents) tell Santa what the one thing they would like for Christmas.

0845 Macy's Holiday Parade.
Which if the line to visit Santa is really long you can see the parade from inside Santa's shop window. Funny thing the parade ends with Santa coming down the street in his sleigh, but he's also sitting in his shop visiting hmmm. We also like to go up on the sky bridge that connects Nordstrom and Pacific Place and watch the Parade from above.

1000 Breakfast buffet at Sheraton Hotel
Sheraton Hotel displays Gingerbread creations. We visit the gingerbread display because on other days because this day it is soooo crowded.

1200 Napping on the living room couch.
After an already full day we deserve a nice nap, after which we put the lights up.

I so love our little tradition. So if you are wondering if there is anything to do the day after that doesn't involve shopping till dropping, consider downtown Seattle to put you in the holiday mood.

Except for the Santa photos we order from the visit, breakfast at the Sheraton and parking. We spend no money.

What do you do to get in the mood?

Sun, surf, friends, and a birthday party!

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:46:26 -0800

You thought I forgot. I didn't, just a little busy. Let us now reminisce, back to vacationland where everyone is happy and the sun is always shining.
Where there were two families sharing time away from dreary Seattle, there are now three families! Yes, it's true at the end of week two we all met up at the Lihue airport in Kauai to welcome The M's. Surprise! And they were. There is nothing better than taking a five hour flight exhausted at baggage claim then being met with tanned enthusiastic friends welcoming you at your arrival. It felt like we were the Paparazzi and fans snapping pictures, shooting video.

Catching you up:
Farmers market in Kapa'a, Surfing in Kalepaki beach, Luau with friends, boogie boarding, body surfing, and little Bambino celebrates her birthday with friends.

More photos in Photo albums

Amazing Grace

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 13:57:04 -0800

How sweet the sound that save a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

And so I have been feeling since Tuesday evening.

I also think of Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream that my four littler children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character".

God bless the United States of America!