Pictures from Hawaii

Humpback whale, putting on a show.

Rain forest, Hana.

Here is a little nibble into our trip to Hawaii.

Can you hear the waves?

Can you feel the sun?

Mmmm.

This was at a beach called 'Secret Cove' early one morning. Waiting for a wedding here.

Black beaches. The sand, around the island, is white, red, and black - depending on where you are.

Our hotel lobby, all out doors.

Sunset from the hotel.

Pool at the resort.

Trees all over the resort, and lined the entrance as well.

Water fall on the Road to Hana.

Taro growing up a huge tree in Hana.

I know, lots of pictures of plants. You should see how many I didn't post. Lucky you.

Aloha.

Maui fun!

During our first sunset in Wailea, whales welcomed us here. A family swam the entire length of the horizon, not too far off shore. We could see their backs, then them surfacing and spraying, and jumping as well. They are so amazing.

Yesterday, we went for our last morning snorkel. Once again, a third time, we were happy to keep company with a huge green sea turtle. They are so graceful. I can't help but smile each time we have an encounter. I just love them. Also, while snorkeling, the whales were singing like crazy for us. You had to be pretty far out, and quiet, but we could hear them really well. The deeper you dove, the louder their songs. I think I love them so much because they are family. I love the fact that they travel together, and raise their babies here. It really is magical for me. (just in case you think I was hearing things, Peter heard it too. AND someone leading a snorkel tour not far from us, told us that's what we were hearing.)

We walked by 'the celebs' again, it's fun to people watch as well. We tried for the 8 and then 9 o'clock flights last night. But didn't make either - not enough room for standby. We'll try again tonight.

I love that Peter is so full of adventure. Lot's of people would be really bugged, and grouchy. He just takes it. We are worried about work first of all, in regards to getting home. And the kids, of course. But the kids seem to be loving every second, being with their gram and grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins. So, they're okay.

I'm missing my little family terribly, though. I love each one so much. I hear their sweet little voices, and want to hold them so much. I am feeling rested and so ready to come home. My 'bucket' has been filled.

I feel so much closer to Peter, more than I have in many years. I'm so happy to know that we are still best friends and crazy for each other. I haven't held his hand so much in a very long time. It's been wonderful. I am SO thankful for him, and all he does for the kids and I. I truly do love him.

So - there you have it. Day five, in a nut shell. We explored the island a bit as well. Went up island, and a little west as well. We're having a fantastic time. I couldn't be more thankful to all the people that made this happen.

I love you.

Day Three in Paradise

Again today. In the water by 7:30. We went to a tiny little beach. It's very private, but a local told us yesterday that she always sees turtles there. So, off we went. We hurried to get in the water, before a beautiful wedding started on the beach. (we've seen four, now) And could you imagine the sight of me, in my bathing suit, ruining your wedding for life?! How awful. So we had to get in before it started, and out, after it ended.

Once in, we were in heaven. The reef was perfect. It was so cool to hear the conch shell being blown from the shore, as their wedding started. And about 20 minutes into the swim, I looked to my right, and saw the most graceful green sea turtle en route. He was HUGE, and perfect. I squeezed Peter's hand, getting his attention. Just like in Finding Nemo, he just swam right on by. Didn't even take a second thought to us. We could have reached out and touched him. Truly one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

We 'beach hopped' all day. We went to another really great spot in West Maui, then up north to Honuloa. (sp?) We had such a fun time, just being together, being adventurous. It's been a long time since Peter and I have had time alone. (Like, nearly nine years) It's been so wonderful to just be us. No interruptions during conversation, no one has to wait in the car with the kids while the other goes into a store, no arguing, no schedules. Just being together. I really am so glad I married my best friend. I can't imagine what it would be like to not be friends with, and love your spouse. I feel very blessed.

We also saw a mom and baby humpback whale having, 'whale lessons." Or, at least I like to think that. It was like this:

Mama, "Okay baby. Now slap your giant flipper as high and hard as you can. Like this!" SPLASH!
Baby, "Like this, mama?" SPLASH!
Mama, "Good. Baby. Like this." SPLASH!
On and on.
Then it was, "Now jump as high as you can out of the water, baby. Like this!" JUMP/SPLASH!
Baby, "Like this, mama?" JUMP/SPLASH!
Mama, "Good baby. Let's do it again."

We must have spent half an hour just doing this. They are the coolest. What amazing creatures.

In the evenings, before the sun sets, we walk around the resort areas and see what the other places are like. Like I said, the Waldorf-Astoria is pretty awesome. Last night, we went to the Four Seasons. More sightings here. But this time, is wasn't animals, it was people. Lots of beautiful people.

Again, in an effort not panic or to startle Peter, this time I just jabbed him in the ribs when Arnold Scwartsanegger (NO idea how to spell that) and Maria Schriver walked by with their kids. That we pretty neat.

But not nearly as wonderful as all of the amazing creations nature has to offer here in paradise.

Believe me, if you ever get a chance to come here.

Do.

Evening in Paradise

Where do I begin? How ‘bout with the fact I can’t upload pictures on the computer. Bummer.

Don’t worry, not all is lost. I’ll share later.

Yesterday we drove around exploring the area. Spent the evening enjoying the scene around the resorts. Saw the ‘fire dancers,’ fun. We got caught up in the lobby of Waldorf-Astoria’s Grand Wialea. Wow. Those are the only words for that place. And the pool and grounds were amazing. Really, wow. Google it sometime, just for fun. I have pics, somewhere.
We sat in the hot tub and relaxed most of the evening.

Just one word here.

Ahhh.