Hawaii

Going on a vacation rules.  Our family just recently returned from a week long stay in Oahu, Hawaii.  We've been talking about going somewhere and doing something for vacation all year and we finally decided to just book a trip and go.  The timing was right and we all needed a vacation together.  One of our concerns in coming up with the idea for this trip was taking Jackson on a plane and trying to pack him up for a trip away from home.  It was totally worth the trouble and it wasn't even any trouble.  First of all he's free on the plane as a "lap child" so taking him on a trip like this when he's only sixteen months old saved us a few hundred dollars.  The only real problem was when he blew out his diaper just as we were beginning to taxi for takeoff coming home.  We had to wait about twenty minutes or so before we could change him even though he had poop escaping from his pants.  As far as packing for him goes, we ended up renting most of what we needed from Baby's Away.  They deliver baby stuff to your hotel and then pick it up when you leave.  It was convenient and allowed for some of the comforts of home (high chair, decent stroller, toys, car seat, etc.). 

The time spent there was truly wonderful and I don't use the word "wonderful" too often.  My mom went with us so it was the four of us taking a day at a time and making up the agenda moment by moment.  This was one of those vacations where we didn't set up very much to do and had no set plans or schedules.  Since our lives are so regimented these days it almost seemed necessary to really relax and have a good time.  Allison and I even got a few date nights while we were there because grandma was able to look after Jackson.  Jackson got to experience so many new things on this trip and having him with us was a big part of what made the trip so great.  He did so well all week and we wouldn't hesitate taking him just about anywhere for vacation.  We stayed at the Resort Quest at Waikiki Banyan and that worked out really well.  It was affordable, fairly close to the beach and has a kitchen.  It's nothing fancy but I'd recommend it.  One thing I found kind of funny and had never seen before were the many coin operated barbecues they had out in the patio area. 

The rented a car for three of the days so we could go to different beaches and visit other parts of the island.  We've been there before so we had already done some of the touristy stuff like Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor.  This time though we did go to the Dole Plantation.  Our hotel was close to the aquarium and zoo so those were easily accessible on foot.  One slight disappointment was the missing Mynah bird at the zoo that entertained me so much our last visit.  I was blown away at how cool this bird was and when we went to the zoo we saw a sign that informed us that Toby to talking Mynah bird was retired and now in an old bird's home.  Allison managed to find some footage of Toby.  Click here to be amazed and delighted.  Awesome. 

It's always nice to come home from vacation but we immediately missed being there and want to be back on vacation.  The best part was just being together for a whole week.  Being near the ocean and spending time on the beach was great.  I did suffer a nasty little cut on my foot early on our trip.  I was swimming out by the sea wall and cut my toe on some coral.  Ouch.  It didn't slow me down too much though.  Jackson was a little freaked out by the tide but we didn't manage to get him out in the water and once he loosened up he seemed to enjoy it.  Another highlight was all the good food (tasty but not necessarily healthy).  We enjoyed some Hula Pie and many other tasty treats with reckless abandon.  One morning we had breakfast at a place that had the biggest pancakes we've ever seen.  You didn't have to pay for them if you could eat an order by yourself.  The waiter mentioned that one of the Sumo wrestlers that were in town for a big tournament couldn't finish them so I knew I stood no chance.  I only got a bout half way through it.  The gooey blender drinks were a treat as well.  There is nothing quite like enjoying a cocktail on the beach. 

Our vacation went by quickly but we'll never forget it.  Chalk it up as another successful vacation and Jackson's first big vacation.  He's been on smaller scale trips with us but this was his first on a plane and for a whole week.  I have a feeling it's going to be a while before we can take another one but it's always something to look forward to regardless. 

You can check out our trip photo album here.

Comments

[Steph W]

I'm so glad the little guy made the trip well. I was thinking of you all - sending good thoughts and a bit envious, too! :-)

[Matt]

Cool pics - looks like you all had a great time!