I've delayed working on this post I think because even though we said goodbye to Hawaii a while ago, if I didn't write it up then somehow it's still in my present, not in my past. I realize that makes no sense, but really, Hawaii was such an incredible adventure for our family and I will forever be grateful.
On our final day, Brent and I were up bright and early to meet family at the temple for Reagan and Doug's sealing. It was so beautiful and peaceful, I could scarce believe we were there.
We rushed back to the Vrbo to pack up and take one more longing look at that gorgeous ocean view we had enjoyed so much!
Everyone was meeting at the Polynesian Cultural Center which we had popped by before the sealing. I fell in LOVE with Hawaiian bread! This was just buttered but when we returned with the girls, the chef in the food truck offered to put peanut butter on it. That is was heaven tastes like. It was divine. The peanut butter must have had some honey in it because it was a bit on the sweet side and with that thick, buttered toast... I'm drooling just thinking about it.
We headed inside and man, if we could change one thing about our time in Hawaii it is that we would have spent much more time at the PCC. The demonstrations were so incredible and entertaining and we were blown away by all there was to see and do.
Somehow Joey got his hands on a Jazzy scooter for my dad and it became a THING! He guarded that little scooter with his life and had plenty of fun using it as well.
My dreams of the girls trying out some hula dancing came true!!!
The buffet was incredible! I'm glad we raised the girls to not be food fussies- here Ireland tried out a taro roll which is just as pleasantly purple as it appears in the photo! The braided crown was something we picked up at the gift shop along with a nice, big conch shell which I'd been wanting to snag before we left the island. Sydney and I also grabbed some cute frames for the house.
The fresh fruit was fantastic and the display was just stunning! You can see Ireland also loaded up on kiwi and I couldn't help but grab some as well.
Did I mention they also served Dole Whips? YUM! The grounds were beautiful and included a river where you could take a boat ride to see the various villages. These trees with roots growing over the rocks were super cool.
One of the things I loved the most is how the girls scattered to be with different friends and family. Natalie sent me this video and the thought that my daughter was showing off her ukulele skills to my BYU roommate just warmed the cockles of my heart.
Brititta and Bailey were two peas in a pod.
The performance Ha- Breath of Life was unbelievable. Liesel commented that there was so much to look at, her ADD was just on fire. Speaking of fire, there were fire
effects and fire
walks and fire
dancers. The costumes and dances from so many beautiful parts of the world was just candy for the eyes. As soon as it was over, we had to rush to the airport and so we did a big group hug and said goodbye.
As reality set in, Gita's emotions did as well. She sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. Hawaii really made it's impression on her little soul.
When the airline attendants did their safety schpiel, Ireland obediently pulled out the pamphlet and studiously examined it. That endeared her to him and he was incredibly kind to her throughout the flight. He gave her fist bumps and treats which was really sweet.
Another layover in LAX and we were on our final leg to Sweet Home Chicago.
We descended from a bright sun against an azure sky into a thick soup of grey clouds that was never-ending. When it felt like we would finally emerge and catch a glimpse of the city below us, the plane abruptly accelerated back up, up, up. Ireland nearly hyperventilated and I grasped my arm rest so hard the whites of my knuckles showed. The captain said the control tower told them we were too close to a Southwest flight and we needed to get out of the way and circle the runway again.
Eventually we did land and as we taxied to our gate we passed an army of snow plows readying to clear the runway. I was already missing the warm sun but I have to say I was really proud to see that. Yes we have winters, but Chicago knows how to handle the winter!
Everyone was happy to sleep in their own bed again and we fell into them awash with so many incredible memories!
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