Morning With Sharks

We started our morning bright and early in the Hawaii traffic.  It didn't last too long since we were headed to the North Shore, known for surfing.

This is the Dole Pineapple Plantation.  The fields seemed to go on forever.  We didn't stop to take the tour because I have a 15 year old son that probably is not too interested in learning a whole lot about pineapple growing.

I am starting to understand why the Hawaiian license plates have a rainbow on them.  I have seen multiple rainbows on the island since I arrived.

We arrived a bit early and we stopped off at a small beach area nearby the marina.

Since we were out early in the morning and going out on a boat, I dressed to keep warm.  I quickly realized how warm it can be in Hawaii in December.  I didn't need the jacket or the pants.

Beautiful scenery was in every direction.

Jack is terrified...absolutely terrified of sharks.  Everyone knows he cannot even watch an episode of Shark Week without having a pillow ready to hide the television screen.  So, for him to agree to get into a shark cage is amazing.  Jordan tagged along and was his snorkeling buddy.  I stayed on the boat with my camera and Dramamine.  The swells made both Jordan and me very nauseous.  Jack didn't seem affected one bit.  I had to keep looking at the horizon so I wouldn't loose my morning coffee.

Thanks Zach, for letting Jack wear your wet suit. He is also eating all that unhealthy food you've left in the house. (Sadly, I still have not met my son-in-law Zach.  He is on deployment for a while.)

There were a few different types of shark, that circled the shark cage.  An aluminum shark cage.  With plexi-glass.  No thank you.  But, they survived just fine.

Once our stomachs settled a bit, (which didn't take too long), we headed to this fancy restaurant.

You definitely won't find this on the Waikiki strip.  But, that is the great thing about getting off the touristy path.  You experience the part of Hawaii that most people do not.  Thanks to Jordan, we burped shrimp scampi all day long.  I'm still tasting it.  She, then took us for some famous shaved ice.  It was what we needed since it was started to get very warm.

Yes, they were huge, but we had not problem downing them.  Next, we headed to a beach at the North Shore.  I had read in travel books to not swim at the North Shore beaches during the winter because of the strong currents/waves.  But, today was absolutely perfect.  Jack and Jordan braved the waves.

Some people were actually jumping off these rocks.  It looked too risky to me.

Hawaii life suits me.  I miss my husband and my girls so much, but I'm sure enjoying spending time with my big girl and Jack.

Tomorrow...we get to ride in a submarine.

Tuesday and Wednesday in Hawaii

Jack and I traveled all day Tuesday to Hawaii.  We left a rainy East Coast and arrived to a very warm, sunny Hawaii after about 10 hours of flying.  We arrived early enough in the day to drive around a bit.

Jordan took us to Pali Lookout.  And, it was so windy and chilly up there, that Jack got back cramps from shivering.  I cannot believe the differences in temperatures here on Oahu.

Today, we went to Diamond Head.  It wasn't as steep as the Great Wall, but it was a good hike up.  The scenery was beautiful.

Lots of wind.

It seems there are always lingering clouds on this area of the mountains.

 Waikiki Beach

We attempted to go to the beach today, but the rain showers followed us around everywhere we went.

After dinner, we went for a walk at Pearl Harbor.  It was a very warm, lovely evening.

Early tomorrow morning, we are heading out to enter a shark cage.  Well, I'm just going to observe Jordan and Jack inside of the shark cage.  I'll just stay in the boat.

Icy

Yes, we are in the path of nasty weather today.  I woke up before dawn to the sound of ice pelting on our roof.

Needless to say, we didn't make it out to church this morning.  It is supposed to ice all day long and not get above freezing.  So, the girls had to get out and enjoy a bit of the cold.

Upon closer examination, I realized that they really weren't dressed well for this weather. 

But, after being a mom for 23 years, I decided that if they are cold, they will come inside.  I'm just thankful they put socks on first.  Seth and Jack played all day long in 45 degree temps with just sweatshirts on when they were little; on a daily basis.  A few minutes on the deck wouldn't hurt the girls.

Notice their little message?  Afterward, they came inside by the fire for some reading, Legos, and hot chocolate.

Yep, I think I'll miss these girls as Jack and I head west in a few days.  Maybe we'll visit here:

And, I get to meet Jordan's dog, Kona.  He looks sneaky and spoiled.

Bon voyage!  Aloha!  Mele Kalikimaka!

Feeling Festive?

Yes, this is my daughter, home almost 4 years.  Thought you might want to see what that could look like if you adopt a 7.5 year old orphan...beautiful.

http://youtu.be/hmjkpO5u_CA

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2013

I sure have a whole lot to be thankful for.

Games

Conversations with sisters-in-law

Sons

Mother and Sister

 Cousins

Photo Bombers

Someone who loves cranberries made by their dad

A son who lets me take his picture

Rest...after eating too much cranberry sauce made by his father

Thankful for a husband who never fails to take care of us all. 

"They Match!"

Last night, the girls and I headed out to Wally World for a couple of items while Jack was in karate class.  I needed something for my phone and asked for help.  The lady was very pleasant and quite helpful.  She glanced at my girls, and said, "Aww", which I was sure was referring to their cuteness.

(You have to understand that now that I am a seasoned parent, my kids do not always look great when we head out.  Ivy is growing like a weed, so her pants are usually too short.  Plus, she never dresses for the weather.  Eva, of course, is always wearing camouflage and a Marine t-shirt, along with her hunting boots, and/or a hat with her uncombed hair .  Joy always looks the ragamuffin part with her hair a mess and a sneaky grin on her face at all times, a coat hanging off her shoulders.)

So, initially, I wasn't getting the lady's "Aww", but that was okay.  I continued making my decision about my purchase, then the lady said, "They match!".  I turned around, looking embarrassed at the way my girls were dressed.  Then I looked back at the lady and said, "Match?"  She replied, "Yes, they match!"  I turned around, stunned, because obviously, I slowly figured out, she was referring to their ethnicity, not their clothing.

Really?  If I had brought in my 3 biological children, I would never have gotten that comment.  I didn't just pick them up out of a line-up and think, "Wow, these girls will look great together as sisters because they almost "match" each other.  They were orphans.  No family.  No love.  They walked into a store with their Caucasian mother and helped her pick out an iphone accessory and some hair gel for big brother.  Afterward, they went to Wendy's for a chocolate frosty on a cold, windy night.

Sometimes, they can match...