The Saddest Day

I didn't sleep a wink on the 12-hour flight back from Hawaii. I spent most of it in tears. From the moment my mom dropped us off at the airport's security gate, the waterworks turned on and I couldn't get myself to turn it off. I planned on taking a picture with my mom before we left but I started to cry so hard, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Before we entered the security gate, I begged Jeff to let me stay in Hawaii with my family. I grabbed his shirt and squeezed him tight to keep myself from full-on sobbing. He had to push me through the security line because I wanted to turn around and go home. It's incredibly sad to be back in Peoria. I wish my family was awful so I'd enjoy my space from them but the truth is, they're so wonderful and it's the only place on earth I feel unconditionally loved by the only people I can fully trust. I'm grateful to throw myself into a full work schedule starting tomorrow morning. It's a great time for me to be a work-a-holic so I can forget about my life and all that I'm missing.
Speaking of work, Jeff decided to go straight from our drive from the Chicago airport to work today. He didn't sleep on the flight, either, and is fully wasted, so if you could throw up a prayer for him to get through the day and drive safely, your prayers would not be lost on him!

A Hui Hou...

...means until we meet again in Hawaiian. Jeff insisted on surfing another two hours this afternoon in Waikiki Beach since it's our last full day on the island. I think our skin color resembles light toast from the sun. I was mesmerized by the water...I could've sat on the shore all night.

This afternoon we enjoyed Dim Sum with Mitch's wonderful family. His sister, Shari, is so much fun and built a gorgeous home with the nicest kitchen I've ever seen. She moved all her dining room and living room furniture out on the porch where they enjoy a view of the ocean and sunset. It's a perfect party house! It was nice to connect with family.

Here's our final picture of a sunset. I cried on the beach this evening when I realized it was the last sunset I'd see in Hawaii this year. I love my family, I love the beauty of the islands, and I love the multi-cultural food and atmosphere...it's always hard to return to Peoria where a six-month winter awaits. It's been unbelievably nice to enjoy maid service (thanks Mom!), meals made every night (thanks, Mitch!) and free transportation (thanks, Grandpa!). My mom washed and folded our laundry every day, made our bed, gave us lunch money, bought us clothes...It was nice to be treated like a princess for once since I feel like I do a lot at home! I did not lift a finger. Now I know why my brother won't leave the nest. He has it too good.
Oh, well. My husband promises we will move here for good once his kids are grown. When Max turns 18, I will throw him the biggest birthday party of his life! Of course Jeff and I need to save like mad to move here. The average home in Manoa is over a million dollars! We'll be lucky to live in the projects!

Paradise Cove

Tonight my parents took us to Paradise Cove to enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau. During a demonstration before our meal, the announcer asked people to raise their hands if they've never tried poi (a taro paste that's a traditional Hawaiian staple). Jeff's hand shot up and he was called to the front of the stage to try it. It was hilarious. The hula dancer told Jeff to put his pointer finger and middle finger together and dip his fingers in the poi mixture. The expression on his face after trying it was priceless. His face scrunched up. The dancer asked if he liked it. He shook his head: YUCK! It's definitely an acquired taste!

Jeff and I also took a canoe ride along the shores of Ko'Olina before dinner. It was beautiful. The luau as a whole was a spectacular experience with authentic hula dancing, music, Hawaiian games, lei making demonstrations...I highly recommend it.

I'll leave you with another snapshot of a Hawaiian sunset. We took a million pictures of sunsets we've had the pleasure of watching this past week and all are so beautiful, the camera can't do them justice.

Taking a Hike

Jeff and I huffed and puffed our way up to the summit of the Ko'oolau Range. We endured a strenuous hike up "Mariner's Ridge" located in Hawaii Kai to enjoy a perfect panoramic view of the island. The trail is pretty steep and we had to navigate rocky terrain to pull our way up the path but it's a local favorite and Jeff was determined to climb it. Let me tell you, it's not easy hiking in a dress! I wore my least favorite dress in case it ripped.

This is one of the pictures Jeff took...Our photos fail to capture the beauty of the panorama. Frankly we were too exhausted by the time we arrived at the top to care much about the quality of pictures. We were more focused on collecting our breath to get back down. I exercised more on this trip than I had all summer. That being said, I woke up this morning with an awful headache. I think I over-exerted myself. Thankfully Jeff was understanding and we spent the morning indoors watching a movie and he gave me a great head massage for well over an hour. We spent the rest of the afternoon surfing and shopping. Funnily enough, during the hours we shopped--particularly in Ann Taylor--my headache melted away!

We ended the evening with yet another walk on the beach. I want to memorize the way the ocean sounds, smells and looks as it crashes on the shore. It's unbelievably peaceful. Hawaii is my home, no doubt about it. There's no other place on earth I'd rather be.

From Dry Land...to Catamaran

Tonight Jeff and I enjoyed a romantic stroll along the waters of Waikiki Beach at sunset. GORGEOUS.

Earlier in the evening, we took a sunset Catamaran cruise. It was the most romantic evening we've spent on the island so far. The Catamaran set sail off the shores of Waikiki Beach at 5...and we sailed past Diamond Head, enjoying the mist of the ocean and the company of those aboard. The drinks were unlimited, which was a nice perk for Jeff... It was incredibly relaxing to witness the magic of sunset over the mountains and city landscape.

Can you see the rainbow stretching across the cityscape of Waikiki? Hawaii is called the Rainbow State because of its spectacular and frequent rainbows. I've often seen double rainbows, which is quite a sight to behold!

Here's a picture of our Catamaran sailing out to sea once again...As Jeff and I strolled on the beach we reminisced about what a wonderful and carefree time we had on board...with music blaring, beautiful sights to behold, perfect weather, lots of fun and laughter. We don't want to return to Illinois where responsibilities and demands await us! But alas, all good things must come to an end.