Swensen Sentral

Started the day off with a pastry and breakfast sandwich from our favorite place, Ted's Bakery. We also met someone that looked kinda familiar?? Then a horseback ride through the Banyan tree forest and along the beach. Again, like riding through a fairy tale. Breathtaking. Relaxed one last time on a hammock on the beach. Checked out of our hotel and headed for the airport (after one last stop at Ted's for lunch ;) We've had a fabulous time, wish it didn't have to end. But we are a little excited to gets hugs from some special little people back home. Thanks to my sister Heather for being the best babysitter ever and making this possible for us, and to my many wonderful friends who checked in on my littleuns while we were away. Thank you, thank you!!!

Opened the day with a hike to Manauwili Falls. It was the most beautiful forest I've ever seen, with knarley trees and roots all over the ground, and trees growing right over the trail and vines hanging from trees and beautiful colored birds flying around chirping. Looked like it came out of a fairy tale. And yes, we did jump off the waterfall (even I). Followed that with snorkeling a Hanauma Bay. Saw really brightly colored fish, some very large, and even swam with a sea turtle like a foot away! SOOO cool! Exhausted we ended the day with a quick soak in the hot tub for our sore muscle.

Early morning walk along the beach (you can tell by my face that it's early). Found myself a Hawaiian warrior. I'm going to keep him. Saw turtles swimming in the water near the beach. Checked out the shrimp trucks and had garlic shrimp and fresh coconut juice for lunch. Visited the Polynesian Cultural Center and saw the night show. So cool.

Took an early walk along the gorgeous beach. People were out surfing at the crack of dawn. Saw a guy fishing that caught an eel, had to be almost 4 feet long. Relaxed in the hotel hot tub. Definitely a favorite. Checked out of the Waikiki Marriott and drove across the island to Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore. Saw some breathtaking views along the way, and ended with the best one from our balcony! Spent the evening chilling on the beach and soaking in the warm sun. Oh, and I had my first experience taking photos of a lesbian couple in their matching bikinis sitting on each others laps. Service is service!

First stop, food at Dixie Grill. Not really Hawaiian but hey, we were hungry. I did have Hawaiian BBQ sauce on my greasy burger however. Then the swap meets where we picked up some great buys for the kiddos! When we checked into our hotel Rick used his magic with the concierge who upgraded our room to an ocean view. We were amazed when we walked in and saw this view! (P.s. You'll have to excuse my appearance. It's an "I went to bed at 1am and got up at 4:15 am" look.)