We started our travel to the west side on the day the world was supposed to end, the 21st. Our plane took off away from the rain and towards the warm beaches of Hawaii on the 22nd. We were able to to enjoy our vacation since the world didn't quite end. During this week in the sun we spent time as a family, relaxed, and enjoyed the beauty of Hawaii. Even Jillian loved every moment of her vacation, she is such a beach baby!
Dec. 22-- Saturday
Landed in Oahu, Hawaii. Headed to our rental home which was right on the beach. The waves were about 15 feet from the backyard sometimes. Before we got to the beach house we experienced the traffic. The babies didn't care for the traffic so much. That night was a night to enjoy the beach and just relax at the home.
Dec. 23-- Sunday
We woke up to attend a Christmas program at church. Following that was the Aloha Stadium's market and Pearl Harbor memorial. At the market Jillian got a Hawaiian dress.
Dec. 24-- Monday
Lots of ocean beauty was involved this day! We woke up before the sun to travel to Hanauma Bay where Jason got to snorkel in the ocean. He saw lots of fishes and also a sea turtle! Jillian enjoyed being a beach bum and just wanted to play with the sand. She did end up eating a bit of it too. Then we headed off to Waikiki where Jason got to go Parasailing while Jillian napped by the sea.
Dec. 25-- Tuesday
Mele Kalikimaka!! It was a day to celebrate Christmas and family. The weather wasn't the greatest this day and was pretty windy. We relaxed with family at the home mainly but tried to head off to another beach on the island where Jason and his family boogie boarded and enjoyed the waves. It was pretty windy for Jillian so we enjoyed some extra bonding time. Jillian got to open her stocking and found that Santa brought her an ornament, cute Christmas jammies, and little girl barrettes.
Dec. 26-- Wednesday
Jason headed off early morning to golf. His Dad won and Jason came in third, out of 4. He got to golf at turtle bay resort. It was another great day for golfing. After golfing we spent time together at the Polynesian Culture Center. I am sure Jason liked to see some of the dances. We had dinner and enjoyed a luau show there as well, which Jillian really loved. She was so tired but really wanted to watch the show. The music and dancing really intrigued her.
Dec. 27-- Thursday
The babies got to go to Sea Life Park where we saw dolphins, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, sting rays, and some little sharks. It was a small park but really cute and we got to see some things that we otherwise do not get to see so we enjoyed it. Jillian was really excited at the main show when the penguin and the dolphins were doing some tricks. She also got to play in the kiddie park. For dinner we met up with the rest of the family to go to Germaine's Luau which had a really great show. Jillian of course loved this as well and wanted to watch the dancing.
Dec. 28-- Friday
On our last full day we enjoyed nature. We got to spend time at Waimea Valley where we hiked through a paved area surrounded by trees, plants, and flowers... and birds. All the things that impress little Jillian. At theend of the hike was a waterfall that most of our group got to swim to. While admiring the waterfall Jason was elsewhere on the island skydiving. He thought that was pretty crazy! We also went to this popular shaven ice place which was absolutely delicious and in the middle of the shaven ice was an ice cream scoop! Loved it. His sister Jenny and I also enjoyed a relaxing moment at the spa for a bit. Coming back from the spa we enjoyed one last night on the beach at the house. Finally as a big family we went out to eat at Lai Lai's which was also an amazing dinner. Jason loved his plate and thought it was the best meal of the trip.
Dec. 29-- Saturday
Woke up to finish packing and headed off to the market at the Aloha Stadium one last time for window shopping. What trip wouldn't be complete without some McNuggets from McDonalds. So, we had McD for lunch before taking off to the airport. Jillian was great for the plane ride and slept the first 3 hours then played like a good baby the rest of the plane ride.
We went from 80 degree weather with warm sun day and night to 30-40 degree weather for the next 4 months.
Some things I learned about Jillian is how much she enjoys the sound and feel of the beach. As usual she loves music and that didn't exclude the Hawaiian tunes and luaus. Her favorite food is squash without a doubt, and pears too. She is picky about sleeping arrangements... not all pack and plays live up to her standards. This trip provided lots of bonding time to bring us extra close together!! She has a pretty big heavy head... must be full of brain... but it caused my back and arm some soreness occasionally. Last of all, Jillian may be pretty small but she is the best traveler!
Looking forward to the New Year!!
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