Wahines on Tour - Hawaii and peek at Aulani! LAST DAY IN THE SUNSHINE UPDATE 8/6

[blessedmom4]

Tammie, I am all caught up! The DIS is driving me crazy!!!! I know you posted over on our TR and it disappeared with Kathy's post. I m LOVING all of the pics of my dream destination! I especially love the beach photos, that is where I want to retire, a small little house by the ocean (hurricane proof of course).

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Tammie, I am all caught up! The DIS is driving me crazy!!!! I know you posted over on our TR and it disappeared with Kathy's post. I m LOVING all of the pics of my dream destination! I especially love the beach photos, that is where I want to retire, a small little house by the ocean (hurricane proof of course).

I'm glad I'm not the only one having issues! Hopefully it is better now - although I still couldn't click on page 7 yesterday.

Ahhhhh, a house at the ocean - that sounds like a great retirement place - You'll have to have a bigger place, cuz everyone will want to visit you!

 

[pkondz]

Just back from Oahu, and I literally have 90 seconds to post! Love your shots of Aulani, I took a bunch too but haven't had time to really look at them. Yours brought back some nice memories, and you saw some things that I missed (and maybe vice versa). Can't wait for more!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Just back from Oahu, and I literally have 90 seconds to post! Love your shots of Aulani, I took a bunch too but haven't had time to really look at them. Yours brought back some nice memories, and you saw some things that I missed (and maybe vice versa). Can't wait for more!

Hi Welcome Back! Vacation goes by too quickly, doesn't it? I'm looking forward to your pics - don't forget to post a link to your TR!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

HERE WE GO AGAIN! I just spent 2 hours on an update, had it all done, and there is a "server error." I know I should do it in Word first - I just hate all that cutting and pasting and back and forth downloading of pics - so anyway, paying for it again. I'll be back - scout's honor!

 

[pkondz]

Hi Welcome Back! Vacation goes by too quickly, doesn't it? I'm looking forward to your pics - don't forget to post a link to your TR!

Thanks! And I will.

HERE WE GO AGAIN! I just spent 2 hours on an update, had it all done, and there is a "server error." I know I should do it in Word first - I just hate all that cutting and pasting and back and forth downloading of pics - so anyway, paying for it again. I'll be back - scout's honor!

Ugh! That's the worst, isn't it?

 

[dizneeat]

HERE WE GO AGAIN! I just spent 2 hours on an update, had it all done, and there is a "server error." I know I should do it in Word first - I just hate all that cutting and pasting and back and forth downloading of pics - so anyway, paying for it again. I'll be back - scout's honor!

Tammie, so sorry you lost your update! I have started to copy my updates before hitting post ...... lost too many updates by not doing so!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Today was a very special day for Jesse. He was going to have his long awaited swim with a dolphin! While he and I were waiting for Michelle outside, Jesse taught me how to use the macro setting or something like that for my camera – who knew?

Soon we were in the car and off to the windward side again.

Almost there-

We were headed to:

This is one of the things I love about Hawaii. Everyone is so laid back. We pulled into the gravel parking lot and the guy in the booth was right out of a Cheech and Chong movie! Small Hawaiian guy, with a big smile and long hair – one blue eye and one green eye. He was dressed in shorts and a T-Shirt and flip flops (which Hawaiians call slippers)
“Aloha! What are you doing?”
“Well, we thought we would park here and go across the street to Sea Life Park!”

“Oh, yep. This is the parking lot! Where are you ladies from?”
“Oregon”
“Whoa! I need to go there – they have beautiful women there!”
Hmmm, now that I think about it – maybe he wanted a tip!


We showed him our free parking coupon from a local guide book, and headed to the ticket booth. We got a military discount, so we got in for 50% off - $14.50! Mahalo!
When we got inside, it was a very “mini me” of Sea World, only with no rides. It was actually a beautiful sunny day!

Jesse’s appointment was for 3 pm, we wanted to make a day of it. We walked around and found everything, then went back for a dolphin show and visited the penguins and sea turtles. We decided it was time for lunch, We headed to the snack bar – they were serving hot dogs, corn dogs, French fries, popcorn, dippin’ dots, soda and funnel cakes.

I had a corn dog and pepsi. While we were eating, the sun went behind the clouds and the wind came up and it started raining! Jesse headed back to the dolphin tank for cover, and us ladies just sat and endured. In about 5 minutes, it stopped raining.

As soon as we finished eating, we joined Jesse under the cover. There was a performance going on just for the Japanese tour group! They had their own little tour guide – they would do a dolphin trick, she would announce it, then bow, and the audience would clap. Then another trick, announcement, clap, bow. Very cute! When it was over, she made another little speech, picked up the special sign that was next to her and put it in a little alcove next to the pool, and then ran back and escourted them out to the next attraction

TO BE CONTINUED:

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We saw a big dolphin show out in the “ocean” where the swims were taking place.

At Sea Life Park, they have the world’s only Wholphin- a cross between a dolphin and a killer whale. She looked like a large, dark dolphin. She performed along with the dolphins. She has also had a baby by a dolphin, Kawilli Kai. While sitting under the cover, it started raining in sideways, and it got so cold! But the view was amazing when the sun peeked through:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wholphin

We saw a really cute Sea Lion show, (I was saving my battery....) and the aquarium tank and stopped in at the Seal Lion Cafe – Michelle and Jesse had some shaved ice. It didn’t look right to me, and I was freezing, so I opted to wait for another day – surely I would get a shaved ice on another day… I decided a funnel cake was in order – after all, when you’re on vacation, the calories don’t count, right? Michelle and Jesse helped me eat it, so it was all good. Oh, and it was ALL good!

A couple of pics of tanks

And the dolphin tank where the Japanese show took place

Soon it was time for Jesse to get suited up and proper learnin’ for his excursion!

So for $184 he got the “Royal Swim.” He was the only white guy in the group, other than the white guy who was married into a Japanese family. They had a trainer who could translate for them throughout the activity!

You know how you look forward to something so much and you are so excited to document it, and then the camera battery is dead, or you forgot the SD card, or something like that? Well, this seems to happen to me all the time. First, Jesse gave me the assignment to take pics with his camera, because I’m a better photog than his mom – and that’s not saying much! So I took about 2 pics, and his battery was dead as a doornail. Michelle took out her old Kodak Easy Share and I used that – I had a terrible time seeing what I was taking but I guess I got a good action shot of THE moment – then her SD card was full. She was using my camera, got a few pics and then MY battery was dead! Here’s what she got:

While we were standing next to the fence waiting for the swim to start, we met a great couple from Australia. It was really fun getting their perspective on Hawaii, and their visits to the states.

So the Royal Swim goes like this.
-you get in the water and meet the dolphin, then he swims by and you get to pet her, and pose for a professional pic.
- Another one swims by and you give hand signals that it follows
- Then you swim out and put your arms out, and One, two, THREE! A dolphin swims up and puts your dorsal fin into each hand and pulls you toward the front.
- Then you swim back out and ICHI, NI, SAN! The two dolphins are under your feet and you ride in, standing atop the dolphins! Most of the riders did some kind of victory pose with their arms – looked very exhilarating!!!! Jesse said it was worth every penny he had saved up, and everything he hoped it would be! I’m so glad he felt that way about it!


***So, did I swim with the dolphins? No. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money for a few minutes, and I have seen them cheaper, so I decided to wait.*** Ellen’s comments about what an amazing experience it is have kind of made me wish I would have – guess I will have to close my eyes and book it the next time I have a chance!***

While we waited for Jesse’s pics, we shopped in the gift shop. I bought several items for the grandbabies and then I went out and visited my turtle friends again.

Soon we were on our way home to the boys, who told us it was hot and sunny on “their” side of the island all day.


We decided to stay at the hotel and BBQ our delicious steaks outside on the deck. It was the best meal of the whole trip! Jesse marinated and cooked the steaks, and we sat out until well after dark, drinking wine and beer and talking and just enjoying the warm evening! It’s so fun how the unplanned moments are so often the best and make the best memories!


Up Next: The Great Wahine Tour

 

[anewmac]

Today was a very special day for Jesse. He was going to have his long awaited swim with a dolphin! While he and I were waiting for Michelle outside, Jesse taught me how to use the macro setting or something like that for my camera – who knew?
How fun to swim wih the dolphins ive always wanted too. And I love when kids teach me how to use my stuff. I just had P sync my iphone again for me LOL

This is one of the things I love about Hawaii. Everyone is so laid back. We pulled into the gravel parking lot and the guy in the booth was right out of a Cheech and Chong movie! Small Hawaiian guy, with a big smile and long hair – one blue eye and one green eye. He was dressed in shorts and a T-Shirt and flip flops (which Hawaiians call slippers)
“Aloha! What are you doing?”
“Well, we thought we would park here and go across the street to Sea Life Park!”

“Oh, yep. This is the parking lot! Where are you ladies from?”
“Oregon”
“Whoa! I need to go there – they have beautiful women there!”
Hmmm, now that I think about it – maybe he wanted a tip!
Im totally picturing a dude that looks like Rob Schneider from the movie 50 1st Dates


I had a corn dog and pepsi. While we were eating, the sun went behind the clouds and the wind came up and it started raining! Jesse headed back to the dolphin tank for cover, and us ladies just sat and endured. In about 5 minutes, it stopped raining.
ha love that you ladies stayed and he went running for the hills

As soon as we finished eating, we joined Jesse under the cover. There was a performance going on just for the Japanese tour group! They had their own little tour guide – they would do a dolphin trick, she would announce it, then bow, and the audience would clap. Then another trick, announcement, clap, bow. Very cute! When it was over, she made another little speech, picked up the special sign that was next to her and put it in a little alcove next to the pool, and then ran back and escourted them out to the next attraction

TO BE CONTINUED:

Free shows LOL sweet! sounds like a nice relaxing day. So were the guys hard at work?

 

[anewmac]

We saw a really cute Sea Lion show, (I was saving my battery....) and the aquarium tank and stopped in at the Seal Lion Cafe – Michelle and Jesse had some shaved ice. It didn’t look right to me, and I was freezing,
Freezing in Hawaii.. doesnt sound right LOL

so I opted to wait for another day – surely I would get a shaved ice on another day… I decided a funnel cake was in order – after all, when you’re on vacation, the calories don’t count, right? Michelle and Jesse helped me eat it, so it was all good. Oh, and it was ALL good!
In my world calories dont count everyday.. probably the reason for my rear the size it is

You know how you look forward to something so much and you are so excited to document it, and then the camera battery is dead, or you forgot the SD card, or something like that? Well, this seems to happen to me all the time.
OH NO that sucks.. but your not alone mine does it all the time too. SO i have learned to buy extra batteries and sd cards.. which just equials more money to get the same results if i dont charge them or remember them LOL

***So, did I swim with the dolphins? No. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money for a few minutes, and I have seen them cheaper, so I decided to wait.*** Ellen’s comments about what an amazing experience it is have kind of made me wish I would have – guess I will have to close my eyes and book it the next time I have a chance!***
ya thats my biggest gripe about it too cost. i want to keep remembering its just money and someday we will be dead so we should enjoy it..

While we waited for Jesse’s pics, we shopped in the gift shop. I bought several items for the grandbabies and then I went out and visited my turtle friends again.
you are such a nice grandma!!! those babies sure do get spoiled!!

Soon we were on our way home to the boys, who told us it was hot and sunny on “their” side of the island all day.
poor guys LOL

We decided to stay at the hotel and BBQ our delicious steaks outside on the deck. It was the best meal of the whole trip! Jesse marinated and cooked the steaks, and we sat out until well after dark, drinking wine and beer and talking and just enjoying the warm evening! It’s so fun how the unplanned moments are so often the best and make the best memories!


Up Next: The Great Wahine Tour
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nice got to relaxe and not do the cooking too and let the teenage handle it SWEET! my kind of vaca too!

 

[blessedmom4]

This looks like my HEAVEN ON EARTH! My retirement home is right in front of this view ...or maybe to the side....

What a FABULOUS afternoon, and so much fun to swim with the Dolphins! I had no idea it got cold in Hawaii! Thanks for teaching me something today!

 

[pkondz]

Today was a very special day for Jesse. He was going to have his long awaited swim with a dolphin!

Nice! That was #1 for my DDs... but we didn't do it. I could see letting one DD do it, maybe both. But the rules stated that DD11 would have to be with a paying adult. I couldn't justify that much money for that little time. I'll let 'em do it when they're older... and can pay for it themselves!

While he and I were waiting for Michelle outside, Jesse taught me how to use the macro setting or something like that for my camera – who knew?

I love macro photography. Great pic!

Soon we were in the car and off to the windward side again.

I know where that is now!

This is one of the things I love about Hawaii. Everyone is so laid back. We pulled into the gravel parking lot and the guy in the booth was right out of a Cheech and Chong movie! Small Hawaiian guy, with a big smile and long hair – one blue eye and one green eye.

Sounds just like Rob Schneider in 50 first dates!

He was dressed in shorts and a T-Shirt and flip flops (which Hawaiians call slippers)
“Aloha! What are you doing?”
“Well, we thought we would park here and go across the street to Sea Life Park!”

“Oh, yep. This is the parking lot! Where are you ladies from?”
“Oregon”
“Whoa! I need to go there – they have beautiful women there!”
Hmmm, now that I think about it – maybe he wanted a tip!

Well he certainly deserved one!

We showed him our free parking coupon from a local guide book, and headed to the ticket booth. We got a military discount, so we got in for 50% off - $14.50!

Nice! Gotta love discounts.

It was actually a beautiful sunny day!

Well that's certainly a nice change from the monsoon you had earlier.

I had a corn dog and pepsi. While we were eating, the sun went behind the clouds and the wind came up and it started raining!

D'oh! You just can't win! You finally get sun and... bam! Rain!

There was a performance going on just for the Japanese tour group! They had their own little tour guide – they would do a dolphin trick, she would announce it, then bow, and the audience would clap. Then another trick, announcement, clap, bow. Very cute!

That's cool. So different from what I'm used to.

surely I would get a shaved ice on another day…

I hope you did!

I decided a funnel cake was in order – after all, when you’re on vacation, the calories don’t count, right?

Right!

You know how you look forward to something so much and you are so excited to document it, and then the camera battery is dead, or you forgot the SD card, or something like that?

YES! I know exactly what you mean.

Jesse said it was worth every penny he had saved up, and everything he hoped it would be! I’m so glad he felt that way about it!

That's great. I'm so pleased for hiim.

***So, did I swim with the dolphins? No. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money for a few minutes, and I have seen them cheaper, so I decided to wait.*** Ellen’s comments about what an amazing experience it is have kind of made me wish I would have – guess I will have to close my eyes and book it the next time I have a chance!***

Yup. It ain't cheap.

Soon we were on our way home to the boys, who told us it was hot and sunny on “their” side of the island all day.

Somebody told me that it's rainy on the windward side all the time.

We decided to stay at the hotel and BBQ our delicious steaks outside on the deck. It was the best meal of the whole trip! Jesse marinated and cooked the steaks, and we sat out until well after dark, drinking wine and beer and talking and just enjoying the warm evening! It’s so fun how the unplanned moments are so often the best and make the best memories!

That sounds just about perfect. Thanks for the chapter!

Oh, BTW, since you asked. Link to my TR now in my siggie.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Free shows LOL sweet! sounds like a nice relaxing day. So were the guys hard at work?

Yep. We were playin' while they were making the money to play on!

nice got to relaxe and not do the cooking too and let the teenage handle it SWEET! my kind of vaca too!

It was very nice! He did a great job!
We'll have to make a pact to remember it's only money and do the swim next time we have a chance - deal?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

This looks like my HEAVEN ON EARTH! My retirement home is right in front of this view ...or maybe to the side....

Oh yes, I can see it now! That is the swimming pool for your back yard - you just need to build around it!



What a FABULOUS afternoon, and so much fun to swim with the Dolphins! I had no idea it got cold in Hawaii! Thanks for teaching me something today!

Well you know everything is relative. When it's 20 here, 70 feels pretty darn warm. It's just that it was damp and windy and 70, and I wasn't dressed for it. I would definitely bring a light jacket next time.

Just think how I'll feel if I travel there from 110 deg AZ and it's 70 and damp and windy - When we were in North Dakota we'd put our shorts on and have BBQs if it got up to 40 in the winter!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Nice! That was #1 for my DDs... but we didn't do it. I could see letting one DD do it, maybe both. But the rules stated that DD11 would have to be with a paying adult. I couldn't justify that much money for that little time. I'll let 'em do it when they're older... and can pay for it themselves!

That would be steep for 3 people. I would let them save up for it and look forward to it too!

I love macro photography. Great pic!

Thanks! I didn't know my camera could do that!

I know where that is now!



Sounds just like Rob Schneider in 50 first dates!

That's it! I was trying to think of who he reminded me of!

Well he certainly deserved one!



Nice! Gotta love discounts.



Well that's certainly a nice change from the monsoon you had earlier.



D'oh! You just can't win! You finally get sun and... bam! Rain!

It was the theme of our vacation.

That's cool. So different from what I'm used to.

fun little interlude

I hope you did!

dah-dah-dah-dah

Right!



YES! I know exactly what you mean.



That's great. I'm so pleased for hiim.

I'm glad it was everything he'd hoped!

Yup. It ain't cheap.



Somebody told me that it's rainy on the windward side all the time.

I'm thinking they are right. Having 2nd thoughts about staying at Bellows in the future, although our friends spend 2 weeks there every Feb and they come back tan, so they must get some sun!

That sounds just about perfect. Thanks for the chapter!

Oh, BTW, since you asked. Link to my TR now in my siggie.

It was heavenly. Thanks for reading - I always enjoy your comments - and you are off to a great start on your TR!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I revealed one more answer this chapter - Did I swim with the dolphins? No, I left my money in my wallet. I gave a point for the right answer - everyone guessed No correctly. I gave bonus points to Ellen and pkondz for guessing the reason was the cost.

So Points total so far:

Ellen – 4
PKonz – 3
Drea- 3
Marv – 2
Glenn-2
Cynthia-2
Dan - 2

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I will try to check in this weekend - we are on a fun venture this weekend - our Oregon DUCKS are playing in an exhibition football game on Saturday and Jim and our oldest son Ryan get to go on the field with the team as part of a military day and trade an AF coin in for a Jersey!!! We are so excited!!! We've had season tickets for several years, and it is a good send off for Jim before moving to AZ!! I don't know what kind of pics I can get, as I can't go down on the field, but I will try to post some pics!

 

[blessedmom4]

Well you know everything is relative. When it's 20 here, 70 feels pretty darn warm. It's just that it was damp and windy and 70, and I wasn't dressed for it. I would definitely bring a light jacket next time.

Just think how I'll feel if I travel there from 110 deg AZ and it's 70 and damp and windy - When we were in North Dakota we'd put our shorts on and have BBQs if it got up to 40 in the winter!

You are exactly right about it all being relative ...but it CAN be cold at 70, especially in the damp and the wind. I will say, you will NEVER see this southern girl in shorts in 40 degree weather...unless I am inside and the heat is on 80!

 

[blessedmom4]

I will try to check in this weekend - we are on a fun venture this weekend - our Oregon DUCKS are playing in an exhibition football game on Saturday and Jim and our oldest son Ryan get to go on the field with the team as part of a military day and trade an AF coin in for a Jersey!!! We are so excited!!! We've had season tickets for several years, and it is a good send off for Jim before moving to AZ!! I don't know what kind of pics I can get, as I can't go down on the field, but I will try to post some pics!

HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!!!!