Hawaii Day 2

 We were up early to head out to Kualoa Ranch. We had on our itinerary to have a Secret Beach excursion...but it was POURING rain....we didn't know what to expect but we planned on a rainy beach day. Upon arrival, we learned that our excursion was canceled. Not surprised. We switched excursions to a jungle tour and just went with the flow. We walked around a small museum and learned that many videos were filmed there and it was a very popular well known place. And again we enjoyed the grounds and the birds.

China Man's hat island. Our beach we were supposed to be on faced this mountain. 

But instead we loaded up on this seated area on the back of a pickup truck and this old lady came up to us and told us she'd be taking us through the jungle in this big ol truck....ok... She tried to give us comentary on the way but between the rain and the bumpy road, it was hard to hear. We did make a few stops and since we were the only couple on the tour we could do what we wanted to. She pointed out that these were the Gods that hawaiians prayed to. 

We walked up to this holy ground and the tour guide said we had to make an offering to be able to enter. She offered her beaded lei as an offering and walked around the area with her lei held high before we could enter. I don't get it but you could tell it was a sacred thing to her. 

Film sets are scattered through the jungle. We came upon this crashed helicopter that was a set for the movie King Kong. So cool!

And did I mention it was POURING rain! We knew we would get wet today but we thought it would be in the ocean, not from the pelting rain! Even though we had a covering over us, we were traveling fast enough that the rain was just coming straight at us and off the top of the truck right into our faces. At one point all we could do was laugh because we were so soaking wet!! The lady wanted to take our pics everywhere and it was nice to see the beauty of this jungle with the amazing views!

We came upon the Jurrasic World set and that was so cool. 

The aftermath....soaked!

We sat and ate an acai bowl mostly for the experience. It was good. Most of it anyway....those slimy worm looking things were not good. 

Next up was the Byodo Temple. Again, we could tell it was sacred to the people. It was cool to see how they worshiped and what they believed. Inside this temple was a giant Buddha statue painted gold. People would come in and remove their shoes and light incense and pray to the statue. The grounds and koi fish and birds were stunning to look at. 

Then we were off to a beach! Finally! The rain had stopped but it was still cloudy but it was warm enough to go and enjoy the ocean. This was one of my favorite spots just relaxing here and being together until it was time for our luau. The sand was amazing and the water was warm. 

Some fun plants along the way. 

The luau happened after this but it needed its own post! We were just across the street so we changed into our luau outfits and took our hungry bellies to dinner! This place is just amazing!

Hawaii Day 1 - Pearl Harbor

I've always wanted to go to Hawaii and watching my brothers take trips there really made me want to go! We found that through our credit card points we could fly there for free and we would just have to buy our return flights. I was sold...and  after lots of planning, off we went to Hawaii!!! 

It was an early morning and we didn't even care because we were stoked to get out of the cold!

We landed half a day later in the stunning Hawaii! I couldn't believe how beautiful just the airport was! The scenery was so gorgeous!

We found our car and went straight over to see Pearl Harbor since it was by the airport. I loved seeing all the flowers and birds all over. 

Pearl Harbor is sobering and sacred. You can feel the hurt that has been there and the healing that has happened. Its a literal ashes to beauty story. 

We took a ferry over to see the USS Arizona resting site. Can you imagine that a ship like this rests just below the waters surface?! And is still there today with thousands of bodies still in side whose final resting point was the ocean. 

We were asked to be quiet inside this monument and let the sites do the story telling. 

This was the top of the ship that just pokes out of the water.. oil is still leaking from this ship and you can see the oil bubbling up and polluting the water still to this day. Some soldiers who died later on in life but served on this ship had their ashes placed in vases down in this hole to join their brother and sisters in arms for their final resting place. 

From this platform you can look down and see the ship directly below you. Eerie. 

This giant wall had all the names of those who died on that fateful Dec 4th. 

A large sub is there behind us. 

After that, we set off to Waikiki Beach to check it out. Again, stunningly beautiful. We checked into our hotel and freshened up and walked over to the water. 

We first ran to the water and let the ocean wash over our feet on this boardwalk. Ahhhh! Refreshing. 

Its a cute beach, but lots of people are there. Its a very busy area. We decided to stay though an eat at Dukes right on the beach there behind us. 

As we waited for our table, we sat on the sand. This is the BEST way to wait for a table at a busy restaurant! Until!!!! This very drunk man came and laid down right in front of us, loudly talking on the phone lots of jibberish and swearing. We got up and moved after I snapped this pic!

Table at Dukes. So romantic and such a fun ambiance!

We stuffed ourselves and we were sure we didn't have room for dessert. Our server told us we couldn't come to Hawaii and NOT try the Hula pie. Ok....twist my arm. You guys, it was the Most amazing thing and we ate ALL of it! So much for not having any room!!! It was worth the misery it brought! Haha!

We finished the night walking along the beach and around the town of Waikiki in the rain. This tree was quite amazing to me and it was fun to get a little taste of the night life in Waikiki. But there were too many people so we returned to our room and enjoyed the rest of the evening being full and together. 

 

Last cheer banquet

The 23-24 cheer season was a tough one! Phew! It was full of drama, bad grades, bad choices and had consequences. But at this banquet it was nice to look back and see all that they had accomplished and survived! Alot of my favorite gals are leaving this year and it won't be the same without them. But I know they all have bright futures!

Great job seniors!

We had our typical Olive Garden and awards and gifts. It was a nice evening and this year we even had heat in the building! 

I was spoiled with new new fancy drinking cups and some gift cards! Yeehaw! Thanks girls!

I didn't know it but this would be my last THS cheer thing, as Jennie decided to resign in the summer. But I'm ok with it. I did my time, loved it and i'm ready to do something different!
 

Another trip around the sun

39! Wow, my last year of my 30's! Hard to believe I'm here already! Chad and I went and tried out the New Bout Time restarant in town. It was ok, big portions and really the salad wasn't all that great. 

But look at this thing! Chad really liked his burger that had grilled cheese sandwiches for a bun!

The girls spoiled me with foot rubs. 

And I got my usual cupcakes that Chad and Ry made. Yum. 

I took the night off of work and just relaxed! And it was a good, relaxing day. 
 

Track and Field

I was thrilled to death when Carter mentioned he wanted to run track! When it starts to warm up in the spring I still get the itch to go running outside. Too bad this old bod doesn't like it! We attended his first meet and I was just so proud! He is running the 1600 & 800 races and he did amazing! For a freshman, he was right in the middle of the pack and finished so strong! He is a really strong runner and I'm very excited to see where running will take him. 

And whats more, the unity and history this team has is inspiring! Carter has just been enveloped with this crowd and they are a group of really great kids. He's made friends and gained confidence and is such an awesomer kid than I ever was. His head is on straight and he has heart!

Run Carter Run! Go wherever the trails take you. I love you and I'm so proud of you! You can do hard things and you are so awesome!