A Day of Fun in the Sun and Water!

Thursday July 19th we got up early and made the drive to Hanauma Bay.  After watching the informational video we took the stroll down to the Bay.  What a beautiful place!  Travis and I bought snorkeling stuff earlier in the week, so we were able to dive right in.  There were tons of brightly colored fish and beautiful coral!  I love it and was so glad that we made the trip.  Travis had been anxious to get in some good snorkeling, so this was the highlight of the trip up to this point.

Hanauma Bay, on our way down.

Beautiful blue, clear water

Lots of people, but so much fun!  We would all live quite a bit more crispy than when we arrived (especially Travis, probably should have applied sunscreen more than once...) but we all had a wonderful time exploring.



When we got done snorkeling we headed back to the condo and Dad, Mom,Natalie, Emma and I headed back down to our own beach to try and make every last minute count.  It was an awesome evening.  Dad bought us all fancy Hawaiian drinks and Travis joined us.



This is a picture of the development where we stayed.

Emma and Natalie brought the boogie boards and gave them a try.  They were out on the water for nearly an hour floating around on them.

I really can't think of anything more wonderful.

Sad to see one of our last days come to an end.  We've had a fantastic trip and every day I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to be there with Travis and my family.  I can't imagine a better way to spend a week in July.

The Reverence of Pearl Harbor

Day 5... Wednesday July 18th we got up early and made our way to Pearl Harbor.  (Helpful hint:  whenever you get to go to Pearl Harbor reserve your tickets online!)  I've loved Pearl Harbor since the first time I was there 11 years ago.  There is a special feeling there.  It is a beautiful tribute to those who gave their lives during World War II. 

On the boat on our way out to the USS Arizona Memorial.

USS Arizona Memorial

One of the other ships in the harbor

The gun turret of the USS Arizona

On the USS Arizona Memorial

The whole gang

A diagram of the USS Arizona

A list of those killed on the USS Arizona. 1,177 people

God Bless America

Another perfect day!

Day 4... Lots of Walking!

Tuesday July 17th began early for Dad, Travis, and me.  We got up early and left the condo to hear toward Diamond Head Crater.  We hiked up the crater and spent some time enjoying the beautiful view.  The last time we were on Oahu we didn't do this hike, so it was a first and I loved it.

Dad and I at the top!

Travis and I

Waikiki in the background

One of the old bunkers used during World War II.

This is the view looking into the crater.

We climbed into one of the bunkers.  This is one of the paths to make it to the top.... 99 stairs.  We chose the path with fewer stairs and it got us to the exact same spot.  Our knees thanked us.

Dad and Travis looking out of the bunker.

It would appear as though Travis had a rough morning.  Perhaps that means I out-hiked him...  I win!

We went back and got ready for the day and picked up the rest of the clan and headed back to Waikiki to explore, just so we could say we've been there.  Seeing how crowded the beach was made us even more grateful for our little lagoon!  It was a beautiful day, couldn't have asked for better weather!

Travis trying to throw me in the water.  Someday he'll need to be kicked.

Can't keep me out of the water!

We headed back to the condo to spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach.  Look at the cutest floppy hat you've ever seen!  My aunt Merrilee bought it for me.  It was perfect.

After dinner we sat down for an exciting game of Uno.  Now, I don't know what your opinion of Uno is, but it sure is exciting to play with my family.  There's all sorts of cheating and shouting and laughing involved.  This hand was too perfect not too document.  This is how it was dealt to me.  Five 5s and two Wilds, not even lying.  Epic!