Sleepless in Seattle

I'm finally back home. I got in early Friday morning thanks to the red-eye flight I took the previous evening. The only problem with this flight is that I get home at 7:00 am and I'm ready for bed. So that's what I did. I went to bed. And woke up at 4:00 pm. That has screwed up my sleep patterns. I got up this morning at 11:00 am and now it's 3:00 am.

Anyhoo...one of the good things about being back home is how cool it is. It's been in the low 70s. Smile. I LOVE it. While it is wonderful here in Seattle, I thought I'd add a couple pics of Hawaii. These shots are from the Valley of the Temple, near my mom's house.

My favorite pic from this vacation

I've taken a lot of pictures this vacation, but the one I love the most doesn't even feature anyone's face. Instead it emphasizes a dad and his daughter. I just love this shot.

Kailua Beach

One of my favorite beaches is Kailua. The water is usually clear and warm, and the waves/surf very calming. I'd say gentle, but that sounds sissy. Anyway, here are two shots of the beach.

A Morning Wedding

The other day Carolyn and I got to the beach before 10 AM when we found this couple having their pictures taken. It was perfect.

Ninnikuya

I had my first Ninnikuya experience over 10 years ago in Tokyo. Since then, I've visited their restaurant in Honolulu twice. BTW, ninniku is the word for garlic, and the suffix ya denotes a store/establishment. Everything on the menu has garlic (except for some of the desserts. Here we are, post-garlic menu. It was all good.

Reid & His Energy Drink

Carolyn & Suz

Dean & Sheri

Reid & Sheri

Comings and Goings

So John, Cindy & Maggie left at 1:30 pm on 7/8, and my cousin, Carolyn, and her mom flew in at 2:30 pm. Since then, we've been going to the beach and shopping. We've mainly been hanging out at Kailua Beach. We've also been to Ala Moana Center and the swap meet. Last night, though, we had fun. My cousin Reid set up his craps table and we gambled the night away (well, in small denominations). Here are Auntie Queenie, Carolyn, and Dean around the table.

Hangin' Out

When my friends, John & Cindy, were here, we had some time to hang out with family. That can also be a stressor point, as well...you know, worlds colliding and stuff like that. Well, it turned out OK...actually more than OK. John & Cindy enjoyed meeting my family and my family got to rag on John. Everyone was happy. We shared meals together and played some card games (I will describe them loosely as card games). Here's a shot of Dean and Sheri at table.

Here are Reid and John at the poker table.

After-Shark-Dive-Snacks

We were all feeling pretty woozy after the shark dive (except for my brother & cousin) so we headed over to Matsumoto's Shaved Ice for some medicinal treats. While the rest of us needed the shaved ice, for Dean and Reid, it was just icing on the cake.

Enjoying the shaved ice

Here are John, Cindy & Maggie with their treats.

Hawai'i Shark Encounters - A Hit!

Here's a shot of all of us and the Hawaii Shark Encounters people (all 2 of them). The tour took about 2 hours. The water was a little choppy going out, but nothing like when we entered the cage. Even through the nausea, though, we got to see Galapagos sharks...around 15 of them. The sharks anywhere between 6 - 12 feet. Totally cool.

Dean

Here's a shot of Dean after the dive. And it was a good dive.

The Good and the Bad of Motion Sickness

Here's a shot of Dean, Cindy and Maggie. Notice how Dean is smiling and Cindy isn't? Yeah...I was in the same shape as Cindy.

Reid

My cousin Reid came with us on the dive. Both he and Dean were the only ones who weren't hit with the nausea.

Hawaii Shark Encounters

One of the highlights of the trip so far was the shark dive. Here we are at the boarding area for the boat. Notice how happy and well we look. Different story at the end of the trip.

A Room with a View

The hotel in Waikiki has a pretty good view. Check it out.

Poolside Treat

John & Maggie having a popsicle at the pool.

Checkin' In

We're staying at several hotels, but here's the family at the first hotel. The Waikiki Resortquest has been renovated in a retro Hawaiian theme.

Looking Cool in Paradise

Here's Maggie ready to hit O'ahu.

Hangin' Out and Waiting

John and Maggie waiting for the luggage.

Aloha - From Hawai'i

I got to Hawai'i on 7/1, and on 7/2 John, Cindy and Maggie arrived. Here's the family shot.