For those 10 days we enjoyed day after day of swimming in the pool, hitting the waves at the beach, boogie boarding, Coconut smoothies with chocolate swirl, strawberry smoothies, fruit galore (especially honey dew and pineapple), great tasting Opah (fish), salad bars, best tasting hummus, great fitness center, beautiful sunshine every day, laying by the pool in our cocoon( it was like a bed with pillows and cushions to lay on by the pool), getting a nice tan, a dinner out just Todd and I and the nice weather in the evening that allowed us to walk along the beach and see the gorgeous moon every night. Just writing this is making me sad that we still aren't over there.
Ellie had her 2nd b'day while we were there. It wasn't the typical b'day celebration that we are used to and so we will celebrate with candles and cupcakes this week some time. She had chocolate mousse with a strawberry on top for her b'day dessert. She is so dang cute. I will have to write a post all on it's own about Ellie turning 2.
Our flight to and from was much better than I thought it would be with all 4 kids. I was well stocked with all of the kids favorite snacks. The morning of our flight to Hawaii was a bit hectic. We stayed at the Marriott next to the airport the night before so we would be close. As we were loading the shuttle with all of our goods, I realized that the boarding passes were in the car so Todd ran to go get them. The shuttle driver then said we have to leave. I said well, my husband is getting our passes and I can't leave without them. Mind you all of my kids are sitting on the shuttle with our luggage in the there waiting to leave. I ended up having to get on with the 4 kids, all of the luggage and head to the airport without Todd. I was a bit nervous as to how well the kids would listen to me at the busy San Francisco Airport. It was quite interesting how I just went into survivor mode and got the job done somehow, someway. I knew Todd would be getting the next shuttle over so no big deal on meeting up with him. The problem was that I had six bags, 2-3 carry ons and each child had a back pack on that I had to manage getting from the shuttle drop off into the line for check in. It was interesting but we did it. I had to fill out little tags for every piece of luggage while the kids sat patiently. The kids were so good. I was so happy that I wasn't having to chase Ellie anywhere and that the older ones kept a watch out for me. Todd met up with us while waiting in line. My body was physically shaking once I got rid of all of the luggage, put Ellie down and was able to catch my breath. Everything was just too heavy to handle myself but I managed. The boys and Emily were a big help!!
We then were able to board the plane and get situated. We took Ellie's car seat which was the best thing we have ever done. She loves her seat and climbed right in. We were to leave at 9:30. The captain came on at 9:30 and said they were going to have to repair a seal on the engine and that it would be a while. Todd's face was priceless. He doesn't like the flying part of the trip and wasn't thrilled to say the least to hear that kind of information. Poor guy. It ended up being an hour and half sitting there in the plane waiting to take off. The kids did well. Ellie didn't want to get out of her seat. She stayed in for a long while and then got out. She does really well. Once we got into the air, we discovered that the boys had left all of their DS games in the truck. We happen to have one game that they could share. Another bummer was that the 2 dvd players that we brought that I so diligently charged the night before were dead and not able to play a movie. The power button got switched on and ran down the battery. I thought what in the world are we going to do with these 4 kids for 5 hours. Casey pretty much ate his bag of snacks in the first 30 minutes. The poor kid was bored stiff. Ellie did sleep for about 2 hours of the trip. She was manageable and did great. The kids love flying! It was a bit stressful for me because the people that were sitting in front of the boys were so not kid friendly. I could hardly stand the looks that they would give when the boys would put down the trays (it would move their seats and apparently they didn't like it one bit.) It was killing me.
We got there and enjoyed our stay at the Kauai Marriott. I was able to get a massage on the beach under the cabanna the day before we left. WOW!! I have never had a massage and this was the life. I can see why people get them often. It was so incredible. I was so relaxed and enjoyed it so much! I've got to figure how to get them here at home often. :D
The hardest part of the trip was dealing with the kids and the lack of sleep that they were getting. My kids don't sleep in and so they were up so dang early every day. It was a bit taxing to deal with the irrational little ones day in day out. It was nice to get out and go to dinner just Todd and I. We enjoyed a nice view of gorgeous trees, ocean, tiki torches lit up, and wonderful food. I realized how often I can't enjoy my dinner when the kids are with us. It's just too busy with all of them to really stop and enjoy my food. I can't complain. I had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back. :D
Here are some photos............The beach scenes were the view from our room. It was so nice to just sit and watch the waves. At night we would open the doors and listen to the waves crash as we laid in bed. It was a little bit of heaven and I loved it. One of these pictures was the view of our pool that we sat at and swam in every day.
Here is Emily and her friend that she met on the plane. It was so funny how Emily was so comfortable with this lady and pretty much acted like she was her grandma. What was funny is that this lady named Pat told us she had 3 grandsons and so she was having a ball with Emily. At one point, I looked over and Emily was putting Pat's glasses on Pat's head. I just about died. Emily was talking non stop but they had a great time. Emily would be up on her knees talking to Pat so up close and personal. Emily would come to my seat and make pictures that she told me were for her friend Pat. It was pretty cute. The lady wanted Emily to put her name on the picture. Pat switched seats so that Emily could look out the window at different times. She was awesome. Pat saved us!! She was great and so I had to ask if I could get a picture of her with Emily. She was more than happy to.
More photos........
Now back to reality.....scout camp is going on this week 8-3:30 every day for Mitty. It's been pretty brutal having to get the other kids out of bed to take him. Another issue is having to drive 80 miles a day to get him there and home. Oh boy. I hope he is really loving it and having a good time. :D We are just getting back on CA time. It's been a bit rough the last couple of mornings but oh well the vacation was well worth it.
This has taken so long that I have to end and get to work around here.
