Hawaii: Day 9 (10 June 2009)

As I look through the last few days of our "Hawaii Holiday" I realize that though we still had some really neat experiences ahead of us I think we reached the climax on day 8. Jordan and Dad left us in the morning of day 9. We dropped them off at the airport first thing in the morning and they flew off to the island of Kauai for a few days of hiking. Jordan, you should tell us about your adventures there!

As for the rest of us, Anne & the kids, mom, Amy, Laura and I visited the USS Arizona Memorial.

Though I have visited the memorial a few time before the spirit I feel there is strong. So many people gave their lives fighting for freedom in this harbor. What was even more amazing was the high number of Japanese visitors to the memorial and the feeling of friendship and forgiveness felt by all.

It gives me hope to know that nations that have fought each other so ruthlessly can overcome their animosity and hatred toward one another and become friends and brothers in the end.

Following our visit to Pearl Harbor we made our way to the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

It was a hot day. Amy, Anne and the kids went through the Pineapple Garden Maze, the biggest maze in the world. Mom, Laura and I were lazy and just walked around the store and had the best pineapple ice cream and juice ever! It was soooo good!

Today was also the day that Anne, Sera, and Evan had to leave us and go home :(
The kids wanted to get into the ocean again before they had to leave so we headed for Haleiwa and the beach.

They loved to play in the sand. They would dig holes, trenches and walls to keep the water out. Everytime the waves would come up and knock them over they would frantically re-build before the next big wave came.

We were also visited by a few turtles. This guy was pretty big though not quite as big as he looks in this picture. Isn't he cute!?

How's this for a nice little place right on the beach?

Again the sunset was beautiful.

What a nice day! We had our last dinner with Anne and the kids at a nice little Thai place there in town. I love Thai food. After dinner Anne left with the kids for the airport and we were all sad to see them go. When Mom, Laura, and I got back to the beach house it was just way too quiet! Our time on Oahu was coming to an end. Time goes by way to fast!