Ahhh... Paradise!

I planned on posting much sooner, but was too busy enjoying the gorgeousness that is Hawaii... And now I should really be doing my homework, but the questions I should be responding to are lame and they make my head hurt, so I'm taking a little break. Let's be honest, would you rather reflect on a recent trip to heaven-on-earth or answer this question: What was the impact of developments in the market and in economic growth because of changes in technology after 1815 (transportation, technology, factories and the clock), plus the role of the Supreme Court?

Me, too.

First off, you have to understand what an incredible contrast my little trip was. This might help:

12/19/07 - 9:00 am

12/19/07 - 3:00 pm

Here's a rough breakdown of our activities:

12/19 - Arrive and relax. Oohs and aahs over Hawaii in general, and Mark, Ellie and Griffin. It had been way to long since I'd seen them, and I was loving my fix! Plus, they have the cutest house. Thanks, Fin, for sharing your room! I especially loved spending time out on the lanai. I was like an exuberant sponge - happy to soak everything in that I could because I knew my time in paradise was limited. I'd been dreaming of going to Hawaii since my parents went in 1990 (if not before), but couldn't believe that dream was coming true.

12/20 - Morning at the beach - Ko Olina Resort; Evening in Waikiki waiting for dinner at Duke's while people were arriving (all 4 remaining members arrive today). Mark helped me to get over some of my irrational fears of the water. I especially struggled with the logistics of snorkeling. It seemed a bit suicidal - I mean, who puts their face under water and then intentionally take in a big breath? It was exciting to get over those fears, though. Thanks, Mark, for making me do it!

12/21 - Pearl Harbor in the morning; evening at the temple in Laie (I think). Pearl Harbor was an amazing and eerie place. It felt like a sacred and special place. I've always felt love and appreciation for our military, particularly the veterans of the early wars which always seemed so much more confrontational and brutal to me. Visiting Pearl Harbor felt like I was saying "Thank You" to those men and women who gave their lives both that day, and in defense of our country in general.

12/22 - Polynesian Cultural Center with luau and the night show! I think YUMMY sums up this day. Oh, and the food was good, too. Did I mention we saw The Hoff there? Check out Ellie's blog for a pic!

12/23 - Sunday at the Mililani 4th Ward. Then napping and relaxing to recoup after several long days.

12/24 - Christmas Eve (though you wouldn't know it by the weather). Morning at Hanauma Bay - more snorkeling! - and then a moonlit walk on the beach. Snorkeling was awesome. We saw some really beautiful and colorful fish. I couldn't believe how close they were - and how comfortable I got around them. I still had some irrational fears of the water. Especially after I got pushed into the reef and my knee started bleeding. Luckily I made it back to the shore before something scary started biting... :)

12/25 - Mele Kalikimaka! Presents from Santa in the morning; Afternoon at Bellows Beach for family pictures. Most everyone tried their hand at boogie-boarding, but our things were already washed and packed, and I didn't know swimming was on the agenda... So I sat back and took pictures. Hannah and Griffin had loads of fun digging and building in the sand - particularly after they commandeered someone else's hole and started building a little house together. Gotta love the innocence and joy of two kids playing together! Plus it was a nice change from the bickering of earlier in the day.

12/25 10:42 pm - Delta flight 1826 took us away from our fair Hawaii... Farewell Paradise. I'll be counting the moments until I see you again. Sniff sniff... (wipe a tear)