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 Four in Paradise

Sunday in a tropical paradise is always wonderful.

We went to church at 9 am, “Aloha! Brothers and Sisters.” Who doesn’t love to hear that? What luck, it was Fast Sunday, and we got to hear it several times. I love hearing of living outside highly LDS populated areas. They spoke of their love of the gospel, their gospel families, and their deep testimonies for their Savior Jesus Christ. Of course, as usual, hearing these things always makes me want to move. Not just to here, who doesn’t want to move here? But to a place where there is more variety and you have to fight for what you believe in, making your convictions stronger. I believe.

We enjoyed the early afternoon sitting on the beach. We brought books, towels and snacks. Just listening to the surf, relaxing and spending time together. Heavenly.
Later, the Road to Hana.

Both being from a really green, lush and wild place. (Washington) We felt right at home. Warmer, of course, and unique foliage. The road was incredibly winding, very narrow and if you don’t know where you’re going, hard to find a place to stop. We didn’t know where we were going.

Over all, we’re here for the beach. So after a couple of hours, Peter and I were done with the Hana Hwy. We partook in the forested walks, saw amazing waterfalls, and felt we had a taste of this tropical rain forest. But we were done. We didn’t make it near as far as some, but quite honestly, we were here to see ocean. So we said Aloha! to the mountains and headed for Wailea.

The Four Seasons has a fantastic, free, small show at sun down. With ‘local’ dancers, and the blowing of the conch shell, welcoming the sunset. It was lovely, especially with some fun tropical moch-tails.

Early to bed, but first a bath and a good book. Vacation. Ahhh.

Birthday Blog: Meet Minky

As you may, or may not know, my sister closest in age is not in fact named Minky. Her given name is Melinda, but most people call her Mindy. Nearly nine years ago, though, a person we have known most of our lives wrote her name as MINKY on a sales receipt. We laughed and laughed. And then thought, actually...that's a PERFECT name for you! So, there you have it. How Minks got her name. My kids only call her this. And if they try to call her Mindy, she won't answer. "Excuse me" she says, "It's Minky, to you."

Mindy was born March 30th, and is two years older than me. Growing up, if she and I weren't fighting, then she was mothering me. I'm pretty sure that the definition of her name means, "Giving." There really is no other word to fully describe her. She's the kind of person that when you compliment something of hers, she asks you if you want it. For real. I think it must make her kids and husband crazy, her offering their things all the time. But she does, and she means it. And it's not just possessions shes giving with. It's time and talents, also. She LOVES children, and is always willing to watch others, at the drop of a hat. (you may have noticed this, as I am writing this from Maui - leaving my children with her much of this time) She's also an amazing hair dresser. She always does my hair for me on my birthday. (more if I'd like, but I don't like to get my hair done a lot) I haven't paid for a hair cut in nearly a decade.

As a kid, Mindy was the peace maker. (still is) She hates contention and fighting. She has always been the one I go to with any troubles. She took me shopping for my first training bra; her 12 and me 10. She gave me all the pointers of 'becoming a woman.' (too much info, I know) She made sure I didn't look too dorky on my first day of junior high. Through our years of school, she let me borrow her clothes, kept me in the "know" of all things cool, drove me around, let me be friends with her friends, took me to dances, let me cry to her, rubbed my back when I was sick, wiped my eyes when i was sad....and much, much more. We were the last two at home, so we spent a lot of time together. Family trips consisted of just her and I as the kids. (this is one of the reasons she and I wanted to take another coosh vacation together-living the dream)

Mindy is sweet, kind and funny. She's always been, by far, 'cooler' than me. (or than most people I know, for that matter) As a teenager, she always had cutting edge clothes and hair. When she was 14 she shaved (nearly) half her hair on one side and kept the other long, to her chin. (called a 'stab' I think) It was very cool. My dad yelled and swore at her at the Alderwood Mall for this. She looked good though, and was the only person I knew that would wear the cut. My parents got over it, and she continued being a good girl. Still is. She had posters of Boy George, Marylin Monroe and the like, all over her room. She had lava lamps, cool art work, and burned incense regularly.

Get the picture? This was all during the full on Debbie Gibson, MC Hammer years. Believe me, she was the coolest.

So what happened to all this coolness?

She's still got it. Don't worry.

She's still the nicest, most fun and loving person. She's even forgiven me for telling my friend how much she weighed when she was in sixth grade and I was in fourth. She still has the greatest hair, house wares, clothes, and cars. She's an amazing mother, friend, and wife. She is wonderful.

Really.

When her first husband left her and her kids, five years ago, I couldn't believe it happened to her. The most unconditionally loving person. One who loves forever, was being treated like garbage. (yeah, I think you know that I'm not most the things she is - so I was REALLY mad and NOT forgiving.) I hated seeing someone so loving and trusting, be squashed by the person she loved the most. BUT, never fear!! She moved on and has found true happiness. She married a wonderful man that loves her and her kids to death. (and beyond) She is happy. And this, of course, makes everyone she knows happy. Because remember, she is giving.

She gives what she has.

And she has happiness.



*As you know, birthday blogs are for laughs. Don't fear, my devoted fans. (all two of you) When I get back to my computer at home, I've got some sweet pictures of her to post. Don't fret! You'll laugh!)

Whale of a Tail

I don’t like exaggeraters. Or liars. And, as you know, I myself don’t like to do either. (see my problem with over telling the truth, post)

So, when I tell you my ‘whale’ story, take it for what you like. I’m not even real sure of it, but it still makes me hold my breath when I think of it.

While snorkeling the first time, this trip, another couple told us they saw a turtle resting near the edge of the reef, quite a ways out. So, for our first trip out (Peter’s very first ever) we had to go out about 150 yards, or so. (think football fields, here, girls – one field, 100 yards) I’m not totally sure, but even I felt a little uneasy, the further we got out.
But, sure enough. There, taking it easy, was a giant green sea turtle. (among many, many other cool things) I thought that was it. I’ve waited 20 years to see one up close and personal, in real life. I dove down, said hello, and enjoyed every second.

While out there, I heard a noise. It sounded like what one might think of as a whale. But, of course, I certainly wasn’t hearing a whale while snorkeling in Maui, now was I? (I have since heard other people say, that yes in fact, you certainly can – phew! I’m not totally crazy) A little bit later, I asked Peter if he ‘heard that?’ He said that he had hit his kick board with his flipper, that’s all he heard. I said, “No. It didn’t sound like a bonk, it sounded like whining, kind of like a whale. Hmmm. I must be hearing things.”

After another four or five minutes out there, something caught my eye, about 40 yards (maybe?) from us. A really big black and white ‘thing.’ Like the top of a fin/flipper. It was in and out of the water a few times. Being out that far, although it wasn’t rough, we were defiantly in swells. So, I would see it, then couldn’t then could, then couldn’t. Isn’t this sounding like a nice calm story?

In case you didn’t know this about me; I’m a panicker. I mean really. Like, “HOLY CRA*!!!!!” Kind of panicker. So I get to Peter as fast as I could.

(Please remember that I was a synchronized swimmer, and feel right at home in the water. I am a strong and confident swimmer. Also, please remember that Peter’s mom gave me all of his stuff from being a kid, and in it are his pass/fail cards from years of swimming lessons. I’m pretty sure not one, says ‘pass.’ In other words, swimming is not his strong point. But with the ability to rent Rx goggles, he has been MUCH better. Apparently being able to see makes a difference, who knew?)

At any rate, I go to Peter. Grab his leg. Pull on it as hard as I can. Then pull on his trunks like a crazy woman. I’m giving his arm the death grip, and shaking him. ‘Holy crap! A whale!! (huff, huff, huff – panic, panic, panic!!) Holy crap! Oh, my gosh! A whale! (I’m getting louder with each word.) Peter is trying furiously to see what I am. But remember, he can’t see ANYTHING without glasses, and his mask is now fogged, and we’re bouncing in and out of ocean swells.

“Right there. Look! Right there! Oh, my gosh! A WHALE!”

I now see a dark, shiny back of something REALLY big in the water. It appears and disappears a couple of times, then is gone. I’ve now seen the fin (?) and the back. (?) The water visibility is good for snorkeling at the reef, maybe 80 feet or so. But, as I look below, I can’t see that far into the distance, away from the reef. Above, fins and backs. Below, I can’t see as far as where I’m seeing on top. Peter couldn’t see it in either place. But then again, we were right on top of the turtle, and he couldn’t see that for quite a while either. Being out in the water and snorkeling takes some getting used to.

“We gotta get out of here. Now!” I say.

This is whale season right now, here in Maui. They come from Alaska to have their babies. It’s very exciting. Unless, of course, you’re the only people in the water, with like two people on shore, at 7:30 in the morning, and you have no idea what a whale would do if you were too close to it, and quite possibly, it’s baby.

Next thing I know, I’m half was to shore.

I look back to see Peter, still where I left him. Looking into the distance. I can hardly breathe. I am in total panic mode. “Oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh…” We finally reunite, somewhere half way to where I left him.

All I can think of, is “Momma and baby in the water. Mother instincts can kill. Gotta go. Now!” I know that people say that these don’t attack, but I’ve seen discovery channel enough to know, that mothers do things they might not normally do if they feel threatened. And you know those “stupid tourists” who feed the bears at Yellowstone and are eaten to death? Yeah. I didn’t want that to be me.

I tried to calm myself a bit and stay out for a few more minutes. But in the end, I had to go in. Too nervous. I could hardly catch my breath.

“Thanks for leaving me out there.” Says Peter, once on dry land.

“Uh. Sorry. I was SO scared!” Then we had to discuss the noise I head earlier, and what not. Within 20 minutes or so, about ½ mile down the beach, there were whale watching boats. So, at least I knew I very possibly wasn’t totally insane. (well, not at least for this instance, anyway)

As Peter headed off to the bathroom, he turned around and said with a laugh, “I don’t want to hear about you seeing the Loch Ness or Big Foot while I’m gone, now.”

So there you have it.

The end.

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, day 2

Ever been boogie boarding?

It’s the greatest.

I laughed so hard. I haven’t been since I was 12. It was sooo fun. Make sure you try it next time you get to the beach.
I didn’t even mind that my suit, every last inch, was crammed with sand. Top to bottom.

It’s a childhood past time that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Sitting and watching the sun set, with a family of whales swimming by, isn’t too bad either.

They really are amazing animals.

The sun set into the west, hanging low for such a long time. With all the colors of the day being pulled down with it. The cool ocean breeze, the streaks of clouds in the evening sky. Sitting with the one you love, enjoying God's creations.

What could make the day better?

A chocolate chip cookie dough blizzard in one hand, L and L Hawaiian BBQ chicken katsu in the other?

Yep. You’re right. That made the show complete.