Our much-anticipated trip to Hawaii has finally arrived!
We have planned to be gone for two whole weeks!
Can you believe it?
Two whole weeks?
John has about four months of vacation saved up . . .
because he never gets to take a real vacation!
I am hopeful that he'll actually discover how to decompress and really enjoy a much, much needed and deserved holiday.
Our friends Mic, Stephanie, and Monroe (across the street and my 5th child) planned to go to London for the Olympics. It just so happened that we were to be gone the exact same time, which couldn't have been planned any better for the kids to have their bestie's vacation coincide to perfectly.
Not only are they gone the same two weeks, but their flight is the same airline and the same hour as us!
So we decided to join forces instead of paying the exorbitant daily airport parking rates and get a car service to the airport together. The only thing large enough to hold 9 of us plus our luggage is a stretch Hummer limo. The kids were ecstatic!
Riding in style.
Then we had so much time before our flights, the kids got to play together even longer and spent time playing UNO and Crazy 8s.
The time came for us to separate to our respective gates.
We are excited to be off to paradise!
And look! We've arrived! And it IS paradise!!
On our way to the hotel from the airport, we stopped at Walmart for snorkel gear and groceries, then hit the beach after we checked in to our room. 
This is the view from our room on our first night. I can't get enough of these colors! It turns out that this is the same view in the morning, just vibrant jewel tones. I can get used to this.
On Friday morning, we all awoke early (it's a time zone thing) and headed out to hike Diamond Head.
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| walking up and up and up and up |
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| lots and lots of stairs |
It was a great work out with awesome views.
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| Sisters walking |
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| Shave ice makes the perfect ending. |
After the hike, we headed over to Waikiki to play on that {crowded} beach and rent surfboards.
The water is so crystal blue and gorgeous, but I'm so glad we are not staying in Waikiki.
Not my favorite area; it's way too crowded and touristy.
John and Madison hit the surf...
Ashlyn and Christian had fun body surfing.
Brooke had fun taking pictures.
Then a late lunch and shopping at the International Market Place, and back to the hotel
for more swimming in the awesome pools.
It's good to be in paradise, especially together as a family.
1 comment:
Looks fun! We were in Hawaii for 10 days but two full weeks sounds so much more fun!
Enjoy!!!
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