Our Flight Home

Our flights were on time and uneventful. We got to fly the first leg of out trip on this pretty plane. Of course you can't really see the lovely plane from inside! 

My venting: From HNL to SEA we had the most obnoxious children sitting in front of us that I have seen in some time. Not only did the children talk so loudly during announcements and instructions, the parents made no attempt to soften their children's conversation. This was a family of 5 with the father and 2 girls approximately 4 and 6 years old. The mother was across the isle with the demonic 2-year-old boy that screamed, not cried, but screamed at the top of his lungs about 30% of the trip when he was not getting his way or when his sisters were abusing him in some form. They passed the boy back and forth multiple times to try to keep him happy. Neither of them knew what he wanted though they tried frantically to make him happy. But the child who bothered me the most was the 4-year-old girl. She and her father were having some sort of discussion the little girl told her father, "You can't talk to me like that. I am not a baby and you can't treat me like one." The father mumbled something about the fact that she might want a spanking and that made her even madder and louder. She repeated the above phrases so loudly I am sure several rows heard what was going on. She repeated this over and over, not just a few times. Finally the father stopped trying to talk to her. She had "won" the battle. I wonder if they ever had any control over these children? If they did, they no longer did. I pity them when those kids are teenagers unless they get some help in parenting before then. There was a demand for food that followed, the little darlings didn't like what the parents brought along so the father bought a snack plate, that didn't suit the child either and she tossed some of it on the floor. It was almost time to land and that meant the 2-year-old had to be in his seat. Oh boy, the wailing never stopped until he was released again. I can't see how parents expect their children to behave on an airplane if they aren't expected to behave in day-to-day life! At this age, I blame the parents for lack of discipline. I only hoped they were not continuing on to Fresno!  

We had a short wait in Seattle with a bite to eat and then on to Fresno. What a contrast when a family of 4 got on the plane to sit in front of us. They had 2 polite young daughters that asked if the parents wanted some help. They quietly asked parents questions and parents answered them. Clearly there was love and respect between them. I complimented the mom on what well behaved children they had and thanked them. I told the daughters I hoped they knew how fortunate they were to have parents who cared enough about them to train them in a proper manner. What a difference! 

When we got to the airport Matt and Sierra had friends there to pick them up. We had arranged for the mentor family to pick up Julie. John and I took a taxi home with Scrip, which ended up costing us $5 even with the tip! I am glad we heard about this program and checked it out before this trip. A nice thing for seniors, such savings! I believe it is $25 for $100 in Scrip. John took care of it so I'm not really sure.  We won't be asking family or friends for 5a airport runs anymore!!!  

Anyway, we are home... and the reality of Mom being gone is overwhelming. It was much easier to be in denial when we were in Hawaii.

Our Last Full Day

Today we have the dreaded task of packing because we will be picked up at 7a for our flights. John, Julie, Sierra, Matt, and I are all on the same flight home. Deb, Sam, Spencer, Soren, and Jeff have an afternoon flight. Steven and Saira have a full day on Oahu tomorrow as they have an overnight flight that leaves at 10p. Steven will be the one to turn in the car for us. I spent a good portion of the day collecting my things and cleaning up around the condo for departure. 

The DeLa Pena's including Matt and Julie went to the Dole Plantation. 

Steven and Saira went to the beach area.

Then we all walked down to Waikiki Beach and took the Catamaran Cruise

I'm not sure what the others did after the cruise but I know they walked quite a ways to go someplace they wanted to eat. John and I went to nearby Rum Fire. We had planned to come here and have a drink at the bar one evening while watching the waves, but that didn't happen. I was  so hungry for a burger so we had a burger and Tater Tots! Yes, Tater Tots, that's one of the choices with the burger - so why not? Haven't had those for years. This is a nice restaurant near the water and near a lovely pool with surrounding flowers. We had a leisurely walk back to the condo stopping at the ABC store to cash in our receipts for a free beach towel!

Sierra's Birthday

Today is Sierra's BD! This was the event the trip was planned around. We are all avoiding talking about Mom and I am only crying in private. Mom would not want the trip to be overshadowed by her passing, but it is hard. 

I decided I would fix breakfast this morning as we have a lot of uncooked food. It was pancakes with Liliquo'i or Coconut syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon, and a variety of juices including Sierra's new favorite POG. The meal was devoured by all! We all took our time getting around that morning. Sierra made this plan to go to Doraku Sushi for lunch and all but Jeff decided to go. John and I are not big sushi fans, well not sashimi fans anyway... but we loved this restaurant with the multiple choices. The lunchtime Bento Box was our choice. I remembered delicious offerings of these in Japan. We had the most delicious oyster shooter I have ever had. It was so fresh and tasty, it also had a quail egg! I took a photo of the item on the menu in hopes I can recreate it. Their menu was really nice for those of us who are unsure in sushi restaurants. They have "cold" selections and "hot" selections, which indicate what is cooked and what is not. The decor was interesting and well done with many rustic and earthy items. We sat at a lovely long table that was one long piece of wood nicely preserved even with the natural ruts and crevices of the wood remaining. That table is quite a statement in the restaurant. It was very enjoyable. They even sang Happy Birthday to her. 

Doraku Sushi

After the meal John and I headed back to the condo. I'm not sure where everyone went but some of them, including Sierra, went to a place (maybe da big kahuna?) and she got a drink made in a fish bowl! I really can't recall what everyone else did because I am actually writing this a few weeks later but we call came together again for the Luau in the afternoon.

We were  to meet the bus at 3:35p and depart by 4:45p but that didn't actually happen. I have forgotten what time we did leave but we got there in about 40 minutes and we did not have to be concerned about the traffic on the bus. As we checked into the Luau Sierra and Matt went ahead and I wasn't able to get a family photo upon entering. She didn't know I wanted one and it was too late by then. We will get one tomorrow night on the catamaran. After being shown where we would sit we all walked around different areas. Some pitched spears, some wove bracelets or head pieces, we could watch a fishing net demo, and also see the traditional shower of flowers. I believe there were additional things to do that I don't recall now. After that we headed to the Emu ceremony with some additional dancing to be seen then on to  our assigned tables. This luau is served as a buffet line, but it went quite fast as there were about 8-10 lines. The food was not spectacular but the macaroni salad with potato in it was tasty. The show was typical and for first timers I am sure they enjoyed it. Back to the bus for our ride home. I don't think anyone is going out on the town tonight as we are all pretty tired. 

Paradise Cove

Around The Island

I DO want this trip to be as positive for everyone as possible so I am smiling and encouraging them all to have a good time - go - do things - this is what Gma would want, and that is the absolute truth. It is just easier said than done! I am not feeling well myself so John and I stayed at the condo most of the day.

Sierra and Matt when on the bus to a Jurassic Park Adventure. Jeff went fishing with Maggie Joe's. Deb, Sam, Spencer, Soren, Julie, Steven and Saira went to Hanauma Bay. Everyone had fun doing what  they did and by the time they all got back I was feeling better. Some of  us went out  to dinner at Moose McGillycuddy's. John and I came back to the condo after dinner but the others all went and did different things, which was nice. 

Matt and Sierra

Hanauma Bay

Jeff Fishing

Oahu

Due to the events of yesterday it is a quiet day for us. We did go to Safeway and get a few things and had dinner here in the Condo. I really can't recall if we did anything else or not!!!

Steven and Saira

 Jeff Chillin'

 Our appetizer Sushi

 Shrimp Scampi made by Deb & Sam

Today...

Today was no typical day. The day started with a phone call that my Mom was headed to the hospital. She is weary and said she is "done" - Her heart, her kidneys, and her breathing are all in very poor condition. Why I am here in Hawaii instead of with her? I am here because she insisted that we continue with this planned trip. We went to Pearl Harbor today. I kept the morning phone call from most of the group so they could enjoy this longed for visit to such an important place.  Once we were all back from that trip I told all of them and then just a few hours later we got the call that my beloved Mother has passed to eternity. No photos of Pearl Harbor today. Just my Mother... I love you Mom. 

Lenore Zelda Brial Land 1943

I kissed her good-bye not long ago and told her we would be back to see her directly after the Hawaii trip. We won't be seeing her that soon after all I guess. I don't know when I will see my Mom again... but one day I will. I miss her already. It doesn't seem real to me. Thinking about my beloved Mom reunited with my other family members who have gone on before me. Death is part of life and we should be ready at any time, pressing forward for the goal that awaits us with Jesus. 

Honolulu Today

We had a great day! We lingered around, well not for as long as you would think but since we are on PST time it was still early when we headed out for Brunch Buffet at Duke's. John & I had never been there before but Deb & Sam had and gave us good reviews. For $17.pp you get an enormous buffet of delicious foods. I had a Kahlua Pork omelet and some Taro bread pudding, topped off with a Lilikoi Mimosa. There were multiple options and everyone had their fill before we departed. Most of us headed for the beach to walk back that way. Jeff, Sam, and Spencer went back directly by sidewalk because Spencer is still using the "boot" for his broken ankle. It is healing nicely but his leg is weak from being in a cast for so long. I did get my feet wet but Soren went all out and was out about 100 feet swimming and having a great time. We waited for him to become tired but that didn't seem to happen so John whistled for him and we headed back stopping at several shops along the way. When we got back it was time to gear up for Super Bowl. While they did that I managed to update this blog for the past few days. Sadly, Deb's team (which we were all rooting for) lost --- but we are in Hawai'i so who cares! This afternoon Sierra & Matt ventured out shopping. She got me a special Starbucks mug. I can't wait to drink coffee in it! After the game Julie, Spencer, and Soren went swimming in the Condo pool, that was a bit easier for Spencer than the trek to the beach including waves and sand to swim! We played cards and ate, then off to bed. Tomorrow we plan to take the bus to Pearl Harbor.

Duke's

Waikiki Beach

 Downtown Honolulu

 Relaxing

 Super Bowl Jell-o Shots

 A gift from Sierra

The Day Has Come!

The kids arrive today, we are happy and excited about that.  I am sorry it is sprinkling and very overcast today but we can't control the weather. Our first stop was back to Costco in Honolulu to try to get the rest of the things we need. Oh my, it was SO crowded but we did get all but a few things. After delivering them back to the Condo we headed to HNL. S&S were delayed in their flight so it ended up that they were arriving just 2 minutes before the DLPs and Jeff (1p). Therefore, John went to meet S&S and I waited for the DLPs & Jeff. Of course the locations were totally different parts of the airport.  Despite figuring that all our two groups got on two different shuttles to Dollar Car Rental and met there about the same time. Sam and Steven were added to the car and as I was calling for the King Shuttle Service to pick up the 7 of them, they drove up! This first group of arrivals are on their way to the Condo. Now John and I took the shuttle back to the airport to await the arrival of Sierra, Julie, and Matt. Their flight is on time (3:25p) and we are glad of that. Of course we probably parked in a poor location but there were not many places to choose from. We had to take the Wikiwiki shuttle to the other side of the airport to wait for their arrival and then back again to get to the car. It didn't take long and we were on our way, also the traffic was not near as bad as the other trip. The weather seems to be clearing a bit but there are wind warnings for tonight - up to 50 mph gusts. 

SO - finally we are all reunited at the condo and happy to be here. It is Jeff's birthday so after we are settled in we headed to Moose Mcgillycuddys for something to eat. Some people had just appetizers and some had a meal but we all had a GREAT time! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF! 

We did have a cake but everyone was too full to eat it. Maybe tomorrow for Super Bowl. We all exhaustively fell into our beds with winds that felt like hurricane winds outside! One of the doors blew closed so hard it broke off part of the door jam! Thankfully, the nails are still intact so we can put it back in place. We are CA people, we are not used to real "weather" issues too often! 

West of Honolulu

We finally met one of our hosts this morning. I woke up at 5a (still on PST) so I was on Facebook in my nightgown when he walked in...whoops! Oh well... He is a nice young man who works at the University of Hawaii in Research. Annie, the other host works nights at Nordstroms. He said they came in about 11:30p last night but we didn't hear them.

This morning we are headed to Hanauma Bay but the "Eash Factor" was in full swing and the beach itself was closed due to an electrical problem. We really weren't sure what that meant but we just walked around to some of the look out points and enjoyed the views. It does look like an amazing place to snorkel. There was a small but informative Visitor Center to see. If you are going to swim or snorkel there you have to watch a mandatory film before entering the water. I think that is wise as the coral is precious and should be preserved. 

Hanauma Bay

We continued along H72 and thought about a swim at Sandy Beach but the water was too rough so we ate our lunch there and continued on until we came to Waimanalo Beach Park. This part of the island is very peaceful and seemed like mostly locals around. I say that because they had ordinary beach supplies, not the type tourists typically have. We took a swim and enjoyed the pristine white sand. The water was a beautiful turquoise until the clouds rolled in and then it was almost sea-foam green in color, just beautiful.

Waimanalo Beach Park

We headed back toward Honolulu as we were to meet the VRBO person at 3pm. We probably spent too long enjoying this little side trip as we are tired and now we need to go to Wal-Mart and take the first wave of food to the Condo as well. After Wal-Mart I realized I didn't have the "binder" with me and that had all my check in information. I didn't even have the woman's phone number in my phone either. I have been distracted with my Mom not being well so I was definitely not as organized for this trip as some other trips. Soooo... it was back to the Airbnb and then calling the contact Sarah, then on to the Royal Kuhio. We waited an extra half hour for her but she finally showed up. She took us to the unit, it is not as nice as the pictures would have indicated, no surprise there. However, I will say she is very accommodating and got us everything we needed, including extra blow up mattresses since we are missing a sofa bed and bagged ice because the ice maker doesn't work. All these things are small inconveniences. It was next to impossible to find a place that held 12 people so we can't be too picky I guess. 

After dropping off the purchases so far we headed to a different Costco in Keahole (there are 3 on this island!) as we were told it is much less crowded. We got most things but we have found Wheat Thins are pretty allusive at Costco or the ABC Stores. We will make a trip to Safeway for those!

One of 3 trips up - This was the smallest trip!

We don't have everything on my carefully made list, but the rest will need to wait, exhaustion has set in. We did stay up long enough to see the fireworks from the Hilton displayed over Waikiki Bay. We are excited about tomorrow and the arrival of the kids!

North Shore Oahu

We weren't sure what to do today, that's how it seems to us when we are waiting for others to arrive! We decided to go to Costco and see if we could find the Oahu Revealed book. We have used these on other islands in Hawaii and really liked them. We weren't disappointed in this little book (and it was much cheaper at Costco!) We headed across the island on Hwy 63 and then switched to Hwy 83. We passed the Macadamia nut place Sierra wants to visit and stopped shortly thereafter at a nice park called Kualoa Regional Park on the beach. We walked around and liked the simple place a lot. Great views, picnic tables, restrooms with showers, etc. from there we continued north making several stops along the way to admire the views. One of the best views was La'ie Point where a Tsunami made a big hole in this rock in one single day on April Fools Day 1946. I love the look of volcanic rock all about us. We passed by the Polynesian Cultural Center, one day we would like to visit again but not today.We also stopped at Malaekahana State Recreation Area park. It was even nicer because there was more beach area, fire pits, fish cleaning stations, outdoor showers, along with the bathrooms and indoor showers.I  might add, both parks had campgrounds available! Too bad we can't haul our Casita here...well we could but can you imagine the cost? It is so nice to be away from the crowds of Honolulu and Waikiki, although they are charming as well. 

Kualoa Regional Park

La'ie Point

Malaekahana State Recreation Area

(a fun tree for kids - or John!) 

Onward we went north...and low and behold we found Giovannis Shrimp Truck, we really hadn't even tried to find it yet. We immediately stopped and go in line. I thought it was nice there were only 3-4 groups ahead of us - I was right because before we left there was at least 40 people in line! The shrimp were fabulous and the garlic smothered rice was darn good as well. If I go again, I will as for MORE garlic too!

Just a half Order!

Now we are really in North Shore. It has become pretty crowded and we did stop a few places to watch the waves before turning into the valley and onto Hwy 99, certainly different than the 99 we are used to!  

North Shore is Beautiful

Heading back into Honoluly on H2 and H1 we were back in the traffic. We decided to drive up to the Diamond Head parking lot but we didn't really stay as it is only open 6a-6p and it was almost time for them to lock the gate. We made a quick stop at Safeway to buy some dinner ($8.99 per lb) and headed back to our room at the Airbnb. We still haven't seen our hosts but they freshened things up for us so they were here at some point. Another lovely day in Paradise!

Honolulu is not Kihei in Maui! LOL

Made It!

Steven picked us up at 5:30a and off to the airport we went. It was surprisingly calm and uncrowded at FYI (FAT), even the Starbucks line was almost nonexistent! Our flight was on time and we went to the same Alaska Airline terminal we expected. For once the restaurants were not crowded when we arrived. We ordered a mediocre breakfast and then waited for our flight. We found a few seats that had outlets in them so it was nice to be sure our phones were fully charged for the trip. It didn't take long and they called for boarding. We usually board now when they ask people to board who need extra time. We are slower than we used to be and don't want to hold others up. However, there are some young and energetic people who go pretty darn slow in putting up their bags in the overhead compartment. It was nice they had Hawaiian music playing as we boarded, makes you really in the mood for vacation. Our seats each had a power outlet, really nice considering they charge for a TV viewing tablet. Our flight was uneventful, a bit of turbulence but not much. I did dose off, was it because I had just 3 hours sleep last night or the Dramamine I took? Who knows, anyway it makes the time go faster and we even landed early! We had a complementary Mai Tai with the last beverage service, so now we are in full vacation mode! We left home in 33 degrees and it is 84 degrees here in Oahu with a breeze! So nice! Off to Dollar Car Rental and on to the Airbnb where we will spend a couple of nights. The owners are not home but they sent a really neat little welcome video showing us where and how to check in. Since I am a visual learner I really appreciated that! We did relax on the comfortable bed for a little while, then we knew we better get out and get some food or we would not be eating tonight. We drove past the Royal Kuhio where we will check in on Friday afternoon, then on to Foodland grocery store. We got a few deli items (we will pass on the fish tempura cakes next time - too gelatinous) but the pasta salad and greens were good. A glass of wine and we are set for the night. We aren't exactly sure what we will do tomorrow, we are contemplating a couple of options. For sure it WILL NOT include driving anywhere around Honolulu for very long! Crazy traffic! My pictures are not great but it is always exciting to fly into a place and see it from the sky. Eager for the rest of the family to arrive!

Flying Into Oahu

Pearl Harbor

Our View From Our Airbnb Room