HAWAIIN CRUISE DAY TEN

Our last day was spent in Lahaina. We took a tender to port and Mother, Ron and I walked around town for a short while. Aunt Cosie and Uncle Bob stayed aboard this day. Mother then went back to the ship to rest and Ron and I did some more shopping. Along the way the coastline was as beautiful as always.

It was our last night on the Norwegian Pride of Aloha. So Ron and I went back to our favorite martini bar, The Plantation Club. Then it was our final dinner with Mother, Aunt Cosie and Uncle Bob. It was a precious and memorable vacation.

HAWAIIN CRUISE DAY NINE

On the tenth day we came to Kona on the big island of Hawaii. Ron and I had previously visited our friends, Mary and Paul Burch there seven years ago when they were living in Kailua-Kona. It is such an amazing island. Black volcanic rock everywhere.

We decided to take everybody to the beautiful Hilton Waikoloa Village. This resort is one of the most fabulous resorts anywhere. It occupies acres and acres of oceanfront property. I guess that is why they call it a village. There are restaurants, art galleries, shops, a place to swim with dolphins and even a boat to ride you all over the resort. We enjoyed seeing all these sights. And now I am sharing many of them with you.

DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT

Actually we spent two days docked in Maui. In addition to renting the car one day we used the other one to just enjoy the Pride of Aloha. We relaxed (again) and ate and visited. One the eighth day we did the same as we sailed the coasts of Lanai and Kahoola. There is always something to do on ship with the various activities.

One of my favorite things to do was to find some quiet spot with a fabulous view and to read my book. This was easy on this beautiful and not overcrowded ocean liner.

HAWAII CRUISE DAY SIX

On Friday we went to the island of Maui. Aunt Cosie wasn't feeling well. Uncle Bob and Mother decided to stay on board with her. Ron and I had a car rental waiting for us so we picked it up and decided to see some of the island. Our port this time was Kahului. We drove through the valley-like isthmus to Lahaina. This was a small tourist town, lots of shops and touristy stuff. That was OK, but like most tourist spots. There was a lovely homesite just above the city that had possibilities. It overlooked the ocean so we parked the jeep and dreamed.

Leaving there and before we returned the car we drove along the beaches of Mai Poina Oe lau, Kalama, Kamaole and Makena. The little park in Makena had grass growing right down to the water or lava rock or whatever. All I know is that it was breathtaking. Wow!

We returned the car and rejoined the rest of our loved ones on ship. And this was the night of the dress up lobster dinner. The captain's table wasn't far away and we sat right by the white baby grand piano.

HAWAII CRUISE DAY FIVE

Thursday morning found us docked in Hilo on the big island of Hawaii. We rented a car and visited Volcanoes National Park. Breathtaking! We even took a little hike on Devastation trail. We got a wheelchair for Mother for this walk. The flora and the fauna were such fun as they reemerge where lava once covered the land. Ron and I even took a walk through a lava tube.

HAWAII CRUISE DAYS THREE AND FOUR

On day three we didn't leave Nawiliwili port until midday. This means we cruised the rest of that day and all of the following day. We sunned by the pool, ate, drank and made merry. The sights were heavenly. The Napali coast is indescribable. I will include some photos. Films such as King Kong and Jurassic Park were made here. We also got nice views of Molokai and the island of Lanai.

HAWAII CRUISE DAY TWO

Our first port was Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai. Here was a beautiful island. We rented a car and drove north along the shoreline. We stopped to take a short hike by the water. We rested awhile at Hanelei Bay. This is where much of the movie SOUTH PACIFIC was made. What a thrill this was for me as that is one of my all time favorite films! We also drove the the Wet/Dry cave. Far out! and Far In! It was a deep wide cave with a very low ceiling, unlike anything I've ever seen and so fascinating. We also saw Kilauea lighthouse. And for you, Patty, I found the most lovely home with a wrap around porch. Had to stop for that picture just for you, my dear sister.

OFF TO HAWAII-DAY ONE

After a late night at the wedding festivities we arose at 5:00am and took a shuttle to L.A. International Airport for our flight to Honolulu with Mother, Aunt Cosie and Uncle Bobby. Just getting through the long day and arriving in our stateroom on the Pride of Aloha was exciting enough. Aunt Cosie, Uncle Bob, Ron and I had a nice dinner in the Crossings Restaurant before turning in for the night.

OOPS!

So sorry I completely forgot the groom. What's wrong with me? Here are some photos with Tony on them.

SOUTH FOR A WEDDING AND A CRUISE

On Thursday, September 6th, Ron and I flew to Los Angeles for his God-daughter's wedding and then on to a Cruise. We took Mother on the cruise and Aunt Cosie and Uncle joined us. While in L.A. we enjoyed a Friday night dinner out with Jose and Diane. We spent a couple of days just being with Mother.

Saturday was Danielle's wedding. It was absolutely beautiful. It took place at the Porter Ranch Country Club. Everyone looked fabulous. Check out how gorgeous Aunt Marie and Mother look. What about the joy on Barbara's face? My favorite part was when Danielle danced with her brother, Aren. It was quited touching really. The food, the setting, the people. Everything was just perfect.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2007

It is Monday afternoon and everyone has returned home. We had a delightful weekend I believe. The men watched college football on Saturday afternoon while Amy and I had paninis downtown and then went shopping. May had work to do at the house. She also made game food for the guys. Saturday night we ate on the deck as we love to do and visited and visited.

On Sunday Rick left early for the coast where he surfed in Crescent City with friends, Ian and Gabe. I fixed breakfast for Ronnie, Ron and myself before they took off to golf. I went to church. After church Amy, May and I went shopping in Medford and had some lunch there. We returned home for naps. In the evening we had spaghetti on the deck once again. Then we watched an HBO program on DVD that Rick and May brought down. It was called "Extras", quite funny actually. Many big film stars make appearances as extras.

Hopefully everyone was able to do what they wanted and relax a little. Of course I just love having them here and will miss them.