Aloha!

Aloha means "Hello" or "Goodbye" or "Holy Smokes We're Gonna Be Parents in 3 months, We Have Time For 1 Last Peaceful Vacation."

We spent 8 days in Hawaii (aka Hawai'i if you really wanna get proper), mostly on Oahu with a day trip to Kaua'i.

We stayed at the military hotel, The Hale Koa, on Waikiki beach. Our hotel resembled a retirement community with all of the silver-haired retirees shuffling around. We felt like extras on the set of "Cocoon." Most of the conversations we overheard walking the hallways pertained to blood pressure meds, cholesterol levels and the early-bird discount down at the buffet. They were a very friendly bunch and loved sharing their military experiences with us. I hope we're that happy when we reach their age.

Outside the Hale Koa on Waikiki Beach. That's Diamond Head in the background.

Sandy Beach in Oahu......this was our favorite beach, we went on our 1st day and on our last day.

This was a blast, these waves were so powerful. Jo was angry w/ me that I wouldn't let her get tossed around by Mother Nature.

Waimea Canyon on the island of Kaua'i. Mark Twain called it "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

On Day #2 we hiked up  Diamond Head, then enjoyed some Shave Ice as we cooled down afterwards.

Oahu's finest dentist, Kevin Leong, served as our informal tour guide. It was good to see Kevin again, we met up w/ him several times including a Valentine's double date.

One day we showed up to his office unannounced. Jo was holding her jaw, pretending to be writhing in pain. I told the receptionist that "Dr. Leong did a root canal on my wife Monday and now her face is swollen, she can't swallow, is having difficulty breathing and she tastes bleach coming out of that tooth. We get married in Maui tomorrow and if he doesn't fix this I'm gonna wring his neck!" 

Stock photo of Hanauma Bay. We went snorkeling here----it was probably the highlight of our trip. We got to swim w/ all of those neon colored tropical fish.

You're not supposed to touch the coral reef in the bay. As we floated along the surface, Jo's belly bottomed out on the coral a few times---she didn't find it nearly as funny as I did.

USS Arizona @ Pearl Harbor

This was alot of fun too. We hiked up to Manoa Falls, a 100+ foot waterfall near Honolulu. About 5 mins before we reached the falls, the guy in front of us proposed to his girlfriend. They were spalshing around beneath the falls looking pretty excited.

One night we went on a dinner cruise. The food was terrible and the entertainment on the main level was poor so we hung out on the top deck and enjoyed the sunset and the skyline view of downtown Honolulu----so pretty.

Baby on Board!

The Pacific

Needless to say, Josh, Turtle, and myself get a little tired of looking at the same thing all the time......whether it be the base, my urgent care, the house, Josh or Turtle's face (I love my puppy).....it was getting old and Josh agreed! Instead of tearing up thinking about our friends and family back home and in MS....we decided to go for a drive north of San Francisco.

STINSON BEACH here we come. It was absolutely beautiful. We enjoyed the beach and the ocean waves all day long. Turtle loved chasing the waves around and playing with other dogs.

Getting her to take a timeout for a photo wasn't easy

I particularly did not enjoy chasing the turd she dropped off in the ocean waves as they went in and out.....I'm sure Josh enjoyed watching me dodge getting hit by the bombs and then chasing to pick them up.

Here are some picks for ya'll to enjoy!

Moving right along, we went to Point Reyes National Park. Despite it's beauty, we were only able to enjoy a picnic in the sun. Turtle was uninvited to join us on the trails and most of the beaches.....but of course we got her a little more beach time down the road.

Turtle made friends with people, dogs, and even a horse (it was taking a stroll on the beach).

Our little girl enjoyed her day at the beach and then enjoyed closing her eyes all the way home. I unfortunately did not have an enjoyable ride home. I guess if you put a pregnant woman in a car and drive up and down and zig-zag the nausea returns.

All in all, it was a gorgeous day spent with my favorite puppy and my wonderful husband! I can't wait to go again, but maybe when car rides don't make me sick!!