Hawaii Vacation 2016

We just returned from a week in Hawaii and y'all, it was amazing. The entire extended family (my side) met up in O'ahu at the Disney Aulani Resort to celebrate my parents 25th wedding anniversary. It was such a blessing to spend a full week together, free from distractions and day to day responsibilities. What a way to kick off summer! 

I keep asking Brandon if we can pay a little visit to Hawaii every June, to you know, celebrate the start of summer, but he just smiles and ignores me. Which means no. :-)

Here we are arriving at the airport early Saturday morning. Oh wait, let me back up. After a quick visit to Target, a few days prior, for stickers and other misc "keep my hyper toddler busy for eight straight hours on a plane activities," she spotted a Camille-sized, Minnie Mouse suitcase and started begging for it, claiming she would pull it on her own. I made her practice, following me around Target for a ridiculous amount of time, and she pulled that suitcase like a champ. I was still a bit hesitant, but then realized she could easily be in charge of all the things.

So for $19, I chanced it. 

Total. Success.

She felt like such a big girl rolling that suit case all over the airport. And mama didn't have to carry anything. 

#Winning. 

The girls did absolutely amazing on the flight. I was nervous, no doubt. Ok, really nervous. Because eight hours with two little children. And let me take a minute to remind you of the flight that was October 2015. But I am so thankful to report that they rocked it and time passed rather quickly thanks to lots of stickers, fruit snacks, and baby doll mothering. So very proud of my girls! We landed on Hawaiian soil, and Brandon and I locked eyes with the look of WE MADE IT AND DIDN'T LOSE OUR MINDS!

We stayed at the Disney Aulani Resort. in O'ahu. This was the view out our balcony. Such a fun family resort that includes activities for all ages (think multiple splash pads, lazy river, kids pools, adult pools, lagoon, direct beach access, snorkeling, etc!)

We woke up bright and early on Sunday morning, (think 3:30am, thanks, jet lag) and headed to the local swap meet. We were all up and out the door by 7am. The swap meet is basically a huge farmers market with all sorts of Hawaiian vendors. It was a very unique experience! Of all the things, the girls were obsessed with stuffed animals and a plastic frog swimming in a plastic box.

Brandon ate some sort-of-something wrapped in seaweed. He said it was "phenomenal." If you know Brandon then you know it must have been absolutely amazing because his typical response to food when I ask him is "It's not bad." Should I be offended that my cooking has never received the response of "phenomenal?" Maybe I just need to buy some seaweed. Moving on.

Cannot handle the sass. . .

Sugar Land tomatoes :-). . . 

Monday morning we made a visit to Pearl Harbor. A somber experience for sure, but thankful for the opportunity to pay a visit to the site of such a historic event.

We enjoyed breakfast with the Disney characters at the resort on Tuesday morning. The food was great and the kids (well, all but Clara) enjoyed all the attention from Minnie and Mickey.

Clara trying to escape. . .

Regardless of Clara's hard feelings towards Minnie Mouse, we managed to snap a pic. If she could talk, I imagine she would have been begging us to get on with this nonsense and just get back to the pool.

Camille, on the other hand, was eating up every second. All week long she would yell (regardless of location), "MINNIE, GOOFY, MICKEY!! WHERE ARE YOU?? I LOVE YOU!! I'M HERE!"

We have been home for three days and Camille is still yelling for Goofy. I hate to break it to you, kid, but Goofy didn't come home with us.

We also attempted a trip to the North Shore, but the girls lasted approximately 30 seconds. They decided the sand is not their friend and instead, prefer the pool. So we packed it up and did a little exploring + shaved ice eating around that part of the island. They sure did look cute for those 30 seconds.

The resort has a super fun club house for kids, Aunty's Beach House, and from 8-9:30am everyday we could take the girls for open house. After 9:30am it is only open to older children. So fun! Camille especially loved dressing up as different princess characters.

One of the (many) pools at the resort, and where we spent the majority of our time! The girls are now officially ready for a summer filled with sun and swimming.

Camille found herself a pineapple . . .

A little sight seeing. . .

On Wednesday evening, we attended a Hawaiian luau. It was amazing! Lots of pre-show activities (such as the parrot holding below), boat riding, dinner, hula lessons, and the main show.

 The whole crew . . .

 More pool time + meeting the characters . . .

Sweet thing fell asleep on me one day while taking a break from the pool. . .

 Pure joy . . .

So many more pictures I could share, but I'll leave it at that.

Thank you, God, for precious family, your beautiful creation, and a little rest and relaxation (well, let's be real', as much rest and relaxation as one can get while traveling with small children).

So long, Hawaii! We are officially in love with you!