Hawaii

Everyone asks how my trip was and all I can say is that I wasn't going to come home.

Paul made me.

He also said the kids needed us.  I told him he could fly home and bring them back to Hawaii.  No go.

I am back in Chicago and back to "normal" life.

Running errands, refereeing, cleaning, cooking, laundry.

It is not nearly as much fun as:

surfing, paddle-boarding, snorkeling (although I had a panic moment), shopping, going to a luau, experiencing the polynesian cultures, and checking out the north shore.

In short, we had a blast!

The lagoons in front of our hotel.  Very peaceful

 I loved the Polynesian Cultural Center.  It was so fascinating to me.

Paul was bored most of the day, but humored me.  Until I asked if he wanted to learn how to hula.  So I learned a song on the ukelele instead.

 The USS Missouri (nickname Mighty Mo) 

This ship was not stationed in Pearl Harbor during the attack, but was the site of the Japanese surrender .

It also served during the Gulf War and is now decommissioned.

I didn't know anything about it, but found it so interesting.

the USS Arizona Memorial

very inspiring and sacred.  I was so glad we spent time here

Hanauma Bay for some snorkeling

 Best Shaved Ice ever in the town of Hale'Iwa.

Super fun surfing town.  

We also enjoyed some fresh shrimp and delicious fruit from roadside stands.

The Laie, Hawaii temple is gorgeous.

I think if this is what paradise will look like, I will be happy!

I probably should have put a lei here before my surfing lessons!

Yes, I know there are no pictures of me and Paul together.  We were together for the entire time.  

Paul's not much for being in pictures and I'm too chicken to ask people to take one for us. 

We are not a good picture pair!