Day 12 : Home Sweet Home

We arrived in Atlanta early Monday morning after a long and sometime bumpy ride from Honolulu (I actually slept most of the trip) and made a mad dash to the next gate just in time to board (the Atlanta airport is huge and it seemed as if we would never reach our gate). The flight home was made in no time and before I knew it I was back at home sweet home. We called Nicki when the plane landed and after we got off of the plane we headed to baggage claim, picked up our bags and then preceded to the front to await our ride. To our surprise both girls pulled up in the van to greet us. (Do you think we might have been missed?) I know I missed them and had to keep myself from once again falling apart and crying. I shed a few tears the morning we left when I said goodbye to Nicki and again in Hawaii when I talked to the girls a few days before we came home. It didn’t help that even the little cousins were saying its time for me to come home or that my mom had said she was missing her baby (me). I consider it a blessing that we are all so close and it’s hard to be away from them for so long. Glen and Shelly’s youngest daughter reminded me of Nicki when she was younger, especially the very first day when she said excuse me doing a conversation in the van after they picked us up at the airport. I must say she stole my heart in part because of that reminder. Also, there youngest son “Peanut” as he is called reminded me of my son when he was young. Those kids pulled on our heartstrings and we will miss their energy. Glen and Marc may be apart for many years but when they get together you would not know it has been so long since they were last together. I gained a big respect on this trip for Shelly. She has a tough job and she does it without fail and with very little if any complaint. I admire all that she has taken on and with the grace and which she does it. I really enjoyed our time together. We loaded up the car and headed home. It felt good to be home. In some ways Hawaii seemed like a beautiful dream. When we arrived home there were “Welcome Home Mommy and Daddy” signs all over our front door and on our bedroom door courtesy of “Mama” Quisha ( Quisha had stated several times while we were gone that she wanted me to come home and be the mommy because she didn’t want the job anymore).

Day 11 : Last Day in Paradise

Close to 2pm we said our goodbyes and loaded up the van for the ride to the airport. Marc had been itching to see the boat that Glen worked on all week long. We had a few hours left before our plane left so we stopped at the base briefly and got a modified tour of the boat and then headed to the airport. Glen pulled up in front of the leis shop and purchased us one last goodbye gift. We pulled in front of the airport and unloaded our bags and said our goodbyes. The one sour note in the whole trip occurred when we put the new luggage up on the scale and found out that we were overweight on the souvenir bags. It cost us an additional 50.00 which made Marc hot, but I reminded him of the beautiful ten days we had shared together and that they were priceless and in the end this would just be a blurb in an otherwise beautiful vacation. I would need to remember this a few minutes later when I got tagged by security for a complete search of me and my bags. I must say that was the most unfriendly time of our hold entire Hawaiian experience. I reminded myself about what I had said to Marc only a few minutes before and the fact that I had nothing to hide and handled the whole thing a lot better then a younger Cyndi would have.

Day 10 : Downtown Honolulu/Waikiki Beach and the Windward Side

We hit the pavement in search of the Ioloni Castle, the king’s statue, and the Mission Houses and the Kawaiahuo Church. It took a while but eventually we found them all with the exception of the Dukes statue. We did get lost on our way back to the parking lot, and as we continued on the rain started to come down. Perfectly fitting since this was technically our last day (it rained the day we arrived). If I didn’t know better I would have thought that the island was crying because we were leaving (smile). We did stop at a Jack in the Box to get lunch (I hadn’t eaten all day and I was starting to get a headache, plus I had not packed a hat and today despite the rain seemed very hot indeed). Hot, tired and a still a little wet we finally made it back to the car. We decided to check out the swap meet one last time (it would not be open on Sunday due to the Pro Bowl). We ended up buying an additional piece of luggage and a small carry on bag for me to use as a purse in place of my big bag. I really wanted to see the Duke statue before I left so we headed downtown for the second time that day in search of the infamous statue. I began to tag it “Where in the World is the Duke”? We parked across from a army war museum that unfortunately had just closed, briefly walked along the beach near all of the big name hotels. You could tell there was a big event on the island that weekend because the streets and hotels were packed and more people seemed to be poring in.

Day 9 : Dole Plantation/North Shore

We hit the gas station to fill up before hitting the highway bound for the North Shore. I do not think there was one person who did not suggest no trip to the island was complete without a ride around the north shore. We also wanted to visit the Dole Plantation. Within minutes it seemed we had passed the plantation and had to turn around and go back. Not sure how we missed it because as soon as we opened the van door you could smell the strong scent of pineapples! We did a quick check around the gift shop and then headed out near the maze to pick up tickets for the train and garden tour ( I had decided early on the skip the maze ( glad I did because they weather had gotten very hot that day. The train ride was a 20-minute trip through a sample of a working pineapple field and also various other plantings including flowers, sugar cane and even coffee bean. We then headed out to the garden tour which was very impressive. The train ride would have been more fun with a group of small children, but I was very impressed with the gardens. Marc and I strolled around taking lots of pictures of the various foliage and trees. We did a quick run through the shop for dole whips and postcards and then hit the highway North Shore bound.

Day 8 : Bishop Museum and Paradise Cove Luau

We left around 1 pm for the Bishop Museum where we learned quite a lot about the Hawaiian history and heritage. We stayed for a few hours and then headed back to the house to change for the luau. The luau started at 5pm. We were greeted with shell leis, and a drink (non-alcoholic for us). You then were shown your seating area and allowed to walk around to various booths for games and crafts. We also watched the sun go down and listened to traditional Hawaiian music. There was a fisherman’s demonstration, tree climbing and shower of flowers presentation. I even learned how to create an authentic leis for my wrist and headband. We set down for a live show with hula dancers, fire throwers and a buffet meal of rice, chicken, pork, pasta; macaroni salad and poi (get definition). Dessert included fruit (pineapple) and cake with coconut.

Day VII : Plate Dinner/Beachcombing

After another day at the Swap Meet..........We headed back towards the HI exit, but stopped at a L&L Drive Inn to try our hand at a “plate meal”: A dish that is popular in Hawaii with the natives. The average plate cost about 7.25 and includes either barbecue (teriyaki) or chicken with rice (or eggs) and coleslaw or macaroni salad. Marc ordered the barbecue and I had the chicken. After we finished eating we drove around a bit and then headed back to the beach cottage. I did finally get to speak to TJ today after nearly a week. We had a good conversation and then I said goodbye as Marc and I headed back to the beach. We were trying to get back before the sun set so that we could walk around and just enjoy the view. We changed into our bathing suits and hit the sand. We walked a little, took pictures of the surfers and Marc even sat in the sand and let the water wash over him. At first he thought he might actually get a chance to swim in the ocean but the area below the surface was very rocky and he didn’t want to take the chance on getting hurt. After a while it started to get chilly so we headed back to the cottage, rinsed the sand off of us and set on the porch to watch the sun set.

Day VI : Ala Moana Mall/Build a Bear/Coldstone

After cleaning up the cottage we loaded up the van (with our cameras) and headed towards HI. It took us a little while to find the area we were looking for, but we did find a free parking area near the Ward Center. I was actually looking for another shopping area but the free parking was worth it even if we had to walk a ways. At least then we wouldn’t have to worry about getting back to the car to refill the meter. The Ward center had lots of offerings, but I was on a mission to find a build-a-bear shop and the Hawaiian shop I had seen in the advertisement. We probably walked about three blocks before we asked someone where the mall was. Seems we were not far from the parking garage and the mall itself. The Ala Moana Mall (sp) is huge! We ended up staying for hours, checking out the stores and the scenery. Every time there was a open area we would go look and see some of the best views (Marc says there are no bad views in Hawaii), We stopped in several shops including a Disney store, the Hawaiian shop (where we got some great coupons), Build a Bear (where I picked up outfits for Marc and my bears) and a Taco bell for lunch (thanks to the Hilo Hattie shop where we got several coupons for buy one get one free). On our way back to the car we stopped at the ColdStone Icecream shop where we had our first taste of ColdStone (figures I would have to go all of the way to Hawaii to have coldstone).

Day V : Beach Cottage/Morning Walk

Marc and I slept in for the first time since our world wind vacation started. It’s very easy when you have the sound of waves and the breeze of the ocean coming in through your bedroom window (no air conditioning anyway). But as the sun began to come up we were curious to see what our surroundings looked like. So we got dressed in our beachwear and hit the sand. A funny story, Marc got up before I did and went to look out the windows. He excitingly came running back to the room to get our camera because he thought he saw dolphins on the water. Only to find out that the “dolphins” he thought he had seen were surfers (lol). We spent about an hour on the beach taking pictures, collecting coral and taking in the beautiful scenery. We had only briefly grabbed a couple of bananas, juice and coffee before hitting the beach.

Day IV ( and a few more days in between) : Shopping at Aloha Stadium

After lunch we went to the Aloha Stadium where they have a swap market set up three days out of the week. We were able to pick up some souviners for the family ( we got there right at the end of the day, so we may go back on Wednesday to pick up some things for the girls and my mom that we missed out on ).

Note: We spent several days over the coming weeks at the Aloha Stadium ( and not for the Pro Bowl that was held there the last weekedn we were in Hawaii ). This place is the best. We saw some of the same stuff we brought here for way more at the Outlets and Malls. The vendors set up every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. If you are ever in Hawaii ( Honolulu to be exact you will not regret stopping here to shop ). Wear comfortable shoes and a hat because you will walk and the heat was intense some evenings ( even with 72 degree weather ).

Day III : Pearl Harbor

This morning was awesome. I only recently saw parts of the Pearl Harbor movie. The fact that I am here and seeing the site first hand has been amazing. I cannot even describe it. I will have to send pictures for you to get the full effect ( as much as you can get seeing it through our eyes ). We left this morning and went immedietely to the war memorial. The whole exhibit is free , but I reccommend getting the audio tour ( $5.00 per person ) . It made all the difference while we were doing the tour. You start out viewing a murial of the ship ( The Arizona ) and then go through a series of displays about the base, and the different events that lead up and included the Pearl Harbor attack. You then are called to see a video presentation about the days following up to and actual footage of the attack. After this you board a boat out to the wreckage of the ships and the memorial to those who died and are still entombed (sp) below the memorial. It was very sobering and to think of all of the lives lost that day is mind boggling. It also served as a reminder to me that my stepfather served during this time and the irony of his recent death. Marc and I walked around the museum shop after we returned from the memorial area. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to have been here and to have seen a part of history in person. Its also amazing to me that we have stayed on the very island in which all of this occured. I can almost imagine what it must have been like for the wives who watched from the windows of their base housing as there spouses and friends were attacked . Its as if paradise put a spell on you and for a moment in time our people forgot the reason for which we are here. As beautiful as it all is , one must rememeber this is a military base and that are men and women are here for a purpose.

Day II : Waikiki Beach

We finally pulled ourselves together enough to head out around 10:00 am ( we did stop to take pictures of our surroundings ). The navy has it pretty good if you ask me. When we came in last night I did not realize we were on the water. This morning while heading out to the car I was amazed to find myself surrounded by mountains and water. Gorgeous! Our friends have given us the use of their van for the week. So there will be lots of opportunity to explore. We thought we would head downtown near the beach to check out the area and grab something to eat. We got lost and did circles around the area downtown for a while. Eventually we found the restuarant we had been looking for. It was a dissapointment ( if you are ever in Hawaii ignore the chinese buffet place that advertises in the vacation brochure ( I think it was called Perry's restuarant or something ), but it filled me up enough to take a walk down to the beach to see the Pacific ocean on Waikiki . A very beautiful view. We strolled around for a while , took lots of pictures and then walked hand in hand back to our car.

Surprise, your headed to Hawaii !

So many people have asked to see pictures along with the report that I have decided to do excerpts from my trip report with pictures of the days we spent in Hawaii. For the full report visit my Disneyqueen website. The pictures above are of us the night we arrived in Hawaii ( as you will notice, Marc got lots of sleep on the plane, I on the other hand look like a dead women walking ). So here goes..........Cyndi


This was the email I sent out to family and friends the day before we left :

I won't be around for the next ten days because......



scroll down ( drum roll please )











Marc just surprised me with a ten day trip to Hawaii ! I leave tommorrow morning . I'm still in shock. Don't know how to act, but I guess I will get that much needed rest now. (lol) I have less then 24 hours to pack for a trip I was not expecting. We will get back the day before Valentines day. But he will get to celebrate his birthday in Honolula ( how cool is that ? ). He has a friend stationed there so I know this is a trip he has wanted to take , just never thought it would be possible. I don't even know where I am staying , just know its a bungulow. So glad we have the new camera. Hope I can sleep tonight. Thank goodness I brought all of those new clothes this pass summer. All I have to do is pack . I already have a list of stuff to do, not to mention making sure the kids are ok. Please check on them.

Well going to look up Hawaii on the net and finish packing ( yes I am almost done ). I can sleep on the plane (leave 6 am tommorrow morning for 24 hour flight). Please keep us in your prayers.

Aloha Cousin

Paradise Found

Wow! Its been over three weeks since my life went through some rather drastic changes. Seems like I have been living out of a suitcase for the last three to four weeks. So much has changed since I last wrote. My stepfather passed away nearly four weeks ago. To say that it hasn't changed some things in my family would be an understatement. And before I could fully grasp the lost and the legacy he left behind (not sure he ever fully understood that himself, but it hit me hard as a brick while sitting at the funeral with my mom, sisters, neices, and nephews and several other family and friends) out of the blue my husband announced I had less then 24 hours to pack for a 10 day trip to Hawaii ! I had spent four days with my mom preparing for the funeral, and upon my return home got sick. It was 4 days later when my husband informed me (while I was in bed recuperating)that I needed to get an ID card by tommorrow, pack and prepare for a 10 day trip. That was all he told me. The rest is a blur (it took me days to come out of the fog, even when I stepped foot off the plan in Oahu I still was in shock). I did get the word out though and our friends and family declared it a much needed trip and cheered us on (mostly Marc who had now become the "man",the "bomb", "husband of the year" and few other names that made him beam and stick his chest out). Its been a wonderful 12 days, and I came back with renewed spirit, 1800 pictures, a new suitcase (actually two) filled with gifts for family and friends, and a tan of all things!

What I learned from this trip:

Hawaii is a beautiful place, and even though it was never on my list of must see places I am very glad I was blessed with the opportunity to go. I would not have traded my time with Marc for anything. I also learned a lot about Marc, and that is that he is a very special man. Not that I didn’t know this after nearly 23 years of marriage, but the fact that he would take the time to surprise me with such and awesome gift. Hawaii has always been a place he wanted to visit and he actually wanted to share it with me. I also learned just how much I can count on my family. My uncle and my mom took good care of our "children" while we were away. I also realized how much I love my children and even though they can be a pain at times, and test my sanity on a daily basis, they are my life and I don’t like being separated from them. But I understand the importance of them learning to stand on their own and for the importance of Marc and me putting our relationship first because they may be my babies, but they are adults. I know this will not be our last trip alone together. We are in the process of planning an Alaskan cruise for our 25th anniversary. I also have learned the importance of giving back to someone the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Glen and Shelly were a blessing to us and so many ways (many I may not ever fully know). I hope in the future that we can do the same for someone else. I also see how much faith they put in God and his plan for not only their daily life, but there future. I think Marc learned a few things this trip also. Firstly, that he must take time to enjoy life (and not just work, and work) day by day. And secondly I know for sure that he has learned that God has a plan for his life and he need to only walk in faith that it will happen in God’s time and is his place. Yes, Hawaii can be described as a Paradise, but I found Paradise already existed in my marriage to Marc, and in my relationship with family and friends.