Larry and I arrived in Kauai just moments before Alan and Sue. Our timing this time was superb. We had such a nice vacation we seriously did not want to come home. When we all arrived and got our car we went to L&L for some dinner and then to the store and condo. We were all excited to be together to visit and relax. I wasn't sure Alan was going to be able to just chill but he did a good job at it. We did things every day but spent plenty of time just chillin.
Our first day (Friday) we went miniature golfing and couldn't help but remember the very first time we went when the golf course was first built. All the plants were small and now it's a regular botanical garden. Everything has grown so big and beautiful. We had a great time. I started out the best but ended up coming in second to Alan who started out the worst. I lost to him by one shot. We at pizza at the 76 Station for lunch. Our kids found that place to eat and so we try to go there at least once while we are there. Alan cooked a yummy fish dinner and I really wish I would have remembered to get a picture of our dinner because it was probably my favorite of the trip. We also had broccoli and fruit. The plate was beautiful and very yummy.
Saturday we went Zip-lining. The weather was cloudy which kept it nice and not hot. I really enjoy zip-lining now. Our group was a fun one. Our guides were Shari and Adam. We had Shari last time we went too. (we might have had Adam as well-he dressed like he was cold and the one we had last time did too) This time we also had lunch with this group and went to a swim hole that had a little waterfall and place you could jump in. It was refreshing and nice. We all enjoyed ourselves. Shari suggested a few places for us to try eating at. We went to The Fish Market later and all liked our choices even though there was a cockroach that greeted us at the door. Larry helped it back out of the door and Alan affirmed that Mr. Cockroach was a sign that the place was good. haha I ordered a fish wrap and it was so big I saved half of it and had it for breakfast one morning. It was Conference weekend and so later that night we watched the Priesthood session.
Sunday we watched both sessions and went for a drive between them. I loved watching a listening to the waves just below our condo. It was a great environment. Larry and I cooked a spaghetti dinner. We had garlic bread and salad and fruit. I loved having a big bowl of fruit we could craze on anytime we wanted. We had pineapple, banana's, mango, papaya, and dragon fruit in our fruit salad.
I liked our relaxing Sunday and listening to conference. I always enjoy Conference Weekend. I was happy that our kids still went to the Priesthood Session together and out to dinner even though we were gone...it made me so happy.
Monday we decided to go to Poipu. We walked on the beach, went to spouting horn, did some shopping and had a wonderful late lunch at Keoki. Sue spotted a seal while we were there. I never saw it but thought it was cool that Sue did. I bought 5 Crowns at one of the stores since I forgot to bring ours. We had a few fun games of it a couple of nights. It helped us stay awake. The time change is hard getting use to.
Tuesday we rented some Kayaks and went and played in Hanalei Bay. The river was high and peaceful. The ocean was fun to just be in. Kayaking is one of Larry's favorite things to do and so we usually go while we are in Hawaii. I really like it too. A few days we visited our swimming pool and hot tub. We tried going to Bali Hai's pools one day and were informed that we can not longer enjoy the pools at the different resorts. (we use to be able to) For dinner we went to the other place that Shari had recommended. It was J O2. It was a nice place and an expensive one. I wouldn't want to go there again. I ate too much and didn't feel real great afterwards. I know I ate more than I should have because of the cost and paid for it later.
Wednesday was our last day. We decided to go Kayaking again since we could go free for a few hours. I have never seen anything prettier. We were on the water around 8 and the reflection was like a postcard. The water was like a mirror and it was perfectly beautiful. We went up the river this time and after returning the kayaks we went down to the ocean to play in it again. The water we played in didn't seem as salty or sticky because the river flowed into it. We really had a good time. We went back and I washed our clothes. I like bringing everything home clean. We watched another talk from a Saturday session while we waited. We got packed and left in time so that we could stop and eat at Duke's. We really like that place and usually stop there before we leave. I am really glad that Alan and Sue text us to go to dinner with them in Hawaii. ☺ The Winters are such great friends and we love traveling with them. They still had another night and so they dropped us off and we said our good byes.
Larry had really wanted to stay longer and was so close to arranging things so we could but after praying and reading the scriptures, his answer was plain and clear. I never thought we would stay longer. Larry had mentioned staying a few extra days before he even booked our flight and had decided against it and so I was pretty sure we wouldn't now. As much as I would have liked to stay longer I was not disappointed at all. I knew we needed to come home. The thought of coming back to everything caused me stress but for the days we were gone I really was able to disconnect myself from any worries. I'm thankful we were able to get away and relax. I think everyone should make time to do that once in awhile. I'm grateful for Larry and our kids and for having such wonderful friends.
Larry used a little extra sky miles and flew us home first class. It was the nicest seats I have ever had and I've been blessed to have flown first class to Israel and to Italy but these seats went into a bed and were the nicest ever. It was so worth spending those extra sky miles on them. I only wish we could have flown all the way to SLC on this flight. Fun way to end our vacation.
