Hawaii Part 6: Paradise Cove

It's common knowledge that when in Hawaii, you must attend a luau. I kept thinking we didn't have to go to one and feared they were overrated, but Shane and Scarlett booked one at Paradise Cove and completely proved me wrong. It was amazing! Every bit of it, from the food, to the entertainment, to the scenery, was completely perfect. Such a great night!

Yes, this is legit. The red one on Scarlett is named Foxy. :) 

matchy matchy matchy

All Zach's idea. He says Bear will thank us when he's 17.

Yes, that's a man up there! He climbed this tree in a matter of seconds.

Bear got on stage to do the hula!

This was one of our favorite nights in Hawaii and we'll never forget baby Bear doing the hula on stage...or all of us nonchalantly holding parrots to pose for a photo. I'm sure Zach won't forget the hula dancers anytime soon, either ;).

Can you believe it's already Thursday? Where has this week gone? Little Man's down for a nap and I'm off to get a few chores done before he wakes up. Hoping tomorrow brings warmer weather in Texas and to all of you!

Hawaii Part 5: Pearl Harbor & Hanauma Bay

 

 By far the most meaningful and important thing we saw while in Hawaii was Pearl Harbor. There are really no words to explain the feeling you get while standing in the memorial, atop the USS Arizona. Knowing that there are hundreds of men buried below you, their lives taken while bravely serving our nation, is an unforgettable moment. It's something I hope all Americans can experience once in their lifetime.

 

 

 

After leaving Pearl Harbor, we went to visit my brother at Hickam Field. Such a beautiful base!

Another spot we really enjoyed on the island was Hanauma Bay. It is absolutely, straight-out-of-a-movie gorgeous. Little mongooses running wild, giant palm trees, and a coral reef that makes for fantastic snorkeling. It was actually my first time! I loved it but got a little freaked out at times when I felt "stuck" and wasn't sure where to turn. Luckily Zach and my brother, Shane, were right by my side. Best quote of Hanauma Bay came from Shane (in a very excited voice): "Come look down here, Britt. It looks like something straight out of The Little Mermaid!" It totally did. :) I'm proud he remembers the movie I made him watch 87 times.

 

Thank you for sticking with all of these Hawaii recaps. I'm limiting myself to only two more. It's just so hard to narrow down pictures from a great trip!

Hope you had an awesome weekend! Can't wait to catch up on your blogs.

 

Hawaii Part 4: Waikiki

Trying to pick a favorite beach on Oahu is like trying to pick a favorite candy bar. They're all just really, really amazing. 

Waikiki is a perfect people-watching spot and a great beach for our busy Bear. The view of Diamond Head alongside downtown Honolulu is such a gorgeous view. Add white sandy beach, beautiful turquoise water, "just right" weather, and it really is paradise.

Behind Bear is The Royal Hawaiian, a main island landmark. Movie stars and big-swigs have been known to stay here.

If you're ever at Waikiki, you've gotta eat at Duke's on Sunday. You won't regret it.

Diet Coke ad?

We are missing Hawaii big-time. Looking back at these pictures makes me long for carefree days on the beach, with our biggest worry being that Bear's eating fistfuls of sand.

But we can't complain too much...the weather is perfect in Houston today. Bear got his first haircut this afternoon, which will require a post of it's own. Luckily he did great; Mommy's the only one that shed any tears :'(.


Hope you're having an amazing weekend!