Hawaii Vacation 2010

We just got back from a FABULOUS vacation and I'm cherishing every last minute before I have to return to work tomorrow.  While the hubby and I have returned to Hawaii to vacation several times, it was our son's first trip.  Minus a couple of crying spells when he was hungry or wet, he was an absolute angel on the flights there and back home. 

The icing on the cake was that my bestest friend joined us, along with her brother, hubby and daughter.  Ava and RJ had an absolute blast together!  It was super cute how they would look for each other whenever one was missing.  We always knew when Ava woke up before RJ because we would hear her call "Arrgee?  Arrrgee?" outside our bedroom door. 

Ahhhhhhh, the memories of  wonderful vacation...

Friday/Day 1:  Arrived in Hawaii, hit the Commissary for groceries, checked into our rooms, grilled steaks for dinner, put the babies to sleep, BFF and I enjoyed the jacuzzi and pool before going to bed. 

Saturday/Day 2:  Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium where we enjoyed some major shopping.  Went to mass, on base, at the church where we were wed.  Dinner at Maui Mike's where we had some delicious chicken goodness! 

Sunday/Day 3:  First hike, we went to Kaena Point where it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!. RJ did very well on this hike and enjoyed riding in his hiking carrier. After the hike we went to the North Shore where Daddy wanted to show his son some really cool turtles. RJ didn't care very much for the turtles, but did enjoy going into the ocean for the first time. (Yes, that was his first time in the ocean... while we live in SoCal, the water here is realy cold so we haven't taken him into the water out here yet.)  Dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. 

Monday/Day 4:  Hike at Haunama Bay.  It was very windy, which RJ did not like at all.  RJ did not, I repeat, did NOT enjoy this hike one bit.  We only made it half way.  God bless the individual that left a patio chair behind - it was chained to a tree overlooking the bay and was the safest spot where I could change a diaper.  Lunch at Keneke's in Waimanalo - kalua pig and shoyu chicken are my favorites there! 

Tuesday/Day 5:  Punchbowl Memorial, Shopping at the Navy Exchange, then all of us enjoyed RJ and Ava's first Luau! 

Wednesday/Day 6:  Honolulu Museum of Arts, Tour of Shangri La (courtesy of the Paraiso family - thank you!), and dinner at Helena's, which was featured on "Man Vs. Food".  Best short ribs ever! 

Thursday/Day 7:  Hiked Diamond Head.  It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect for this hike.  RJ truly enjoyed this hike - which included a poopie diaper that we had to change in clear view of many other hikers (we apologized to those that surrounded us).  Lunch at Helena's (it was so tasty, we had to go back!)  Later, RJ and Ava played in the pool together then enjoyed their first bath together, where many pictures were taken to be used as blackmail when they enter their pre-teen and teen years!  Afterwards all of us enjoyed some appetizers at Happy Hour where Ava and RJ danced and enjoyed live music.  We made sure they were very tired so we could pack in peace that evening! 

Friday/Day 8:  In the early morning we finally had the chance to take RJ to one of the lagoons.  He enjoyed the water but did not like being in the sand.  We said Aloha to our lovely 2-bedroom room, enjoyed our final Sourdough Jack at Jack in the Box (for some reason it's waaaaay tastier in Hawaii than it is here in San Diego), and flew home.  RJ was knocked out and we were unpacked by 1:00am.  Not bad!