Hawai'i: Two

Co-Captain's Log - November 14, 2009

We started off the day with a crazy storm! It's really not usually like this in Velzyland, but we definitely got some fantastic weather. Mike still went surfing as it was calmer down the way, while the rest of us ate a yummy breakfast made by Erica. We hung out during the AM (I had to write the update as well, which took a while) and waited for Mike to return.

After Mike got back, we decided to head over to a very famous North Shore establishment called Ted's Bakery. Ooooooh my...goodies galore and yummy food dripping with fat and grease. We all ordered some fantastic meals and waited for our food, patiently and calmly. While we were waiting, Mike, in a very serious and direct way said to Erica, "Get the camera. I'm gonna do something really gay right now." You won't see Mike starstruck...really ever. But, when it comes to surf legends, that's another story. There at Ted's, brewing coffee for the guests, was the famous innovator of surfing in the 1970's, Mr. Buttons Kaluhiokalani! Mike was as giddy as a school boy, so we got a picture of him with the legend. I've honestly never seen Mike like that, so it was a treat to watch.

When our food finally came up, we decided to head back to the house to eat lunch. There were too many birds around the tables for Mernie to relax, so we took shelter at our house to eat in peace. After eating our magically delicious lunches, it was time for Dane to get a nap. I also was in dire need of some rest as well. While Dane and I rested, Mernie and Erica decided to take a bike ride down the North Shore to get a glimpse of some of the famous surf spots in Oahu. They hopped on their beach cruisers (courtesy of the owners of our cute little rental) and headed out for a ride. Stopping along the way, they got photos of Pipeline, Log Cabins and Shark Cove. What they WEREN'T expecting was running into someone that they knew! I mean, after all, we are on the North Shore of Oahu. Who do we know here? The girls decided to taunt me when they got back with the mystery and kept saying they saw a famous celebrity. I tried guessing who it was and they said I'd never guess. They showed me a picture and sure enough, it was my good friend from San Diego, Erin Smith! (You know her, dad, she was in the wedding.) What a small world! Erin and I have been trying to get together for the last two years unsuccessfully, and somehow we're both here at the same time. Unreal. So mom and dad, I guess you're right. As you get older, the world gets smaller...even as small as North Shore, Oahu!

Once the girls got back and Mike returned from surfing at Log Cabins (which by the way, is the beach where Erin is staying), we decided to head out to the tide pools at Shark Cove. It was so amazing walking around and watching Dane's excitement/fear as he discovered new and frightening "aminals." Dane wouldn't touch the "seacumbers," but he was very excited to watch the rest of us do it. We found a lot of interesting creatures, one of which Mike thought was a Portugese Man of War. So what did he decide to do? Yeah, he thought it would be a good idea to touch it. Fortunately, the lack of swelling and excruciatingly painful inflammation that usually occurs when stung by a Man of War led us to believe that indeed it was NOT a Man of War. However, we are still in the dark about what it is. Stay tuned...

Refreshed and one with nature, we returned happily to the house to eat some dinner. Erica cooked a lovely penne pasta dish smothered in meat sauce with a side dish of spaghetti squash. Yummy! After dinner, I had a surprise for Dane. Earlier in the day at Ted's, Dane would not stop pointing at this chocolate cupcake with rainbow sprinkles. He finally let the fantasy go and went outside. I just had to buy that thing for him. So last night, we surprised him with the cupcake and he scarfed that thing down like it never even existed! It was the cutest thing! We got some great photos and video of it.

Co-Captain's Log - November 15, 2009

Yesterday was our least eventful yet, but make no mind, it was still a great day:)

We woke up to another wonderful breakfast that Erica made. Yum! The weather was so much nicer than the last couple days, so it was going to be a day out for sure. Mike had gone surfing with Bob Sabatini at Diamond Head on the other end of the island, so while we waited for him to get back, we walked over to Sunset Beach to play in the sand a bit. When Mike met us out there, Mernie and Erica took the van to try out some snorkeling. Mike, Dane and I just hung out for a while to build some sand castles and play in the water. Dane got tired pretty soon after that, so we walked back to the house for his nap.

The girls didn't have a very successful snorkeling experience because of the recent rains. The water was still churned up pretty good, but at least they made a go of it. I guess they looked pretty ridiculous, according to their recollection of the event. They decided to get some shopping done in Haleiwa, though, and have some yummy food at the lunch truck.

When they got back from their little adventure, Mike took them to hike up to Waimea Falls. I stayed back since Dane was sleeping - also since I can barely move anymore! Unfortunately, the falls were closed, again due to the fact that the rains had flooded everything. Another failed attempt, but at least they tried! (Note: They tried to go again this morning and they made it to the falls this time!)

After they got back from their second failed adventure, we all got cleaned up and went out with Mike's friend Jamie to a restaurant in Haleiwa called Jameson's. It was a bit pricey, but BOY was the food good. After all, the girls had to have one last yummy dinner before they left. We had a wonderful time with Jamie and chatted about life a bit. The girls were also quite smitten as he is not only a hot surfer dude, but he's a sweetheart as well. And he's not even their type! :) Erica also noted that he said "rad" about 100 times. She didn't care, though. He was cute, after all. While we were at dinner, Dane said something about needing his diaper changed. We thought he'd wet his diaper pretty good, but I was hesitant to check it because we didn't have any more with us! Well, I decided to take him to the bathroom to see what was up. Turns out, his diaper was dry! He wanted to pee pee on the potty! AND HE DID! This is the first time it has happened where he's told us he has to go. We were SO excited and made a huge deal out of it at dinner. He was a very proud boy. In honor of his accomplishment, Jamie made Dane a super-sized straw with all of our straws at the table (Dane loves straws). It was a "BIH ONE!" It was a great moment for us...

Once dinner was over, the girls were going to try out a bar called Breakers to see if they could catch some night life before they left. Jamie offered to take the rest of us back to our house in his car. Dane was so attached to him already - it was so cute. "Jamie! We go in your car!" But when Jamie didn't come in the house, Dane said, "Where Jamie go?" "Dane, he had to go home." "Ooooooooooh:(" Don't worry, though. We'll be seeing Jamie again on Tuesday when we go to the Sabatini's house for a BBQ. Good times!

About 30 minutes after we got back, Erica and Mern walked in the door. Ah yes...dive bars in Haleiwa are a little different than in Pomona. And I guess it was pretty dead, too. Oh well...at least they tried...again...not much night life here in the North Shore! Oh, but right when the girls walked in the door, there was a little baby gecko perched on the couch. It was so adorable! Erica tried putting him outside, but he jumped to his death before she could place him on the balcony. Rest in peace, little gecko.

Co-Captain's Log - November 16, 17, & 18

I'm sorry about the lack of updates the last few days (although I'm sure your inboxes feel the relief). It got pretty quiet once the girls left, and I've pretty much been resting most of the time. I've walked to the beach with the boys a couple times and gone swimming. That felt REALLY nice for my large belly:) But otherwise, I've been laying low to ease the pain I'm having. Mike has gotten in some surfing over the past few days to get it all in before we leave today. Unfortunately, there was no surf this morning...

On Tuesday, before the girls left, we decided to head over to the Soap Factory in Waialua to check out the yummy goods and to see how soap is made. The smell in there was amazing and we couldn't resist buying the beautiful soap they had on display. There was another shop right down the driveway called the Coffee Brewery at the Waialua Sugar Mill. It had tons of goodies in it, including the most fantastic smelling coffee ever! Erica was having a tough time deciding which coffee to buy. It was all so good! Dane just liked the Billy Bass they had on display and danced to "Don't Worry, Be Happy" the whole time. It was pretty cute. After we left there, we had to grab some lunch for the girls one last time at Ted's Bakery. Then they packed up and Mike took them to the airport.

The only other thing to report is our visit to the Sabatini's for some dinner and fellowship with friends. Bob and Sonya were great hosts, and their family came over with their kids to play as well. Jamie met us there, too, along with family friend (and Mike's friend) Bob "Rooster" Reusterholtz. It was a full house and the noise was deafening. If you can believe it, it was even louder than the Nocita house on a Sunday! That gives you an idea of the action going on. Plus, Bob Sabatini knows how to talk. I think Kim and Bob should have a storytelling contest!

After dinner, I played tickle monster to all the kids (there were 5 in all) and they loved it. The guys chatted in the kitchen while the girls watched the kids. Surprising:) It was a great time of laughter and play. By the time the night was over, though, we were ready to head back. I was exhausted! I had no idea how much energy it took to be THE tickle monster, especially when you're pregnant!

The other thing to mention is Mike's one year anniversary from alcohol. Last year, November 17, he decided to lead a healthier life and say no to alcohol for one year. So, on Wednesday, the anniversary of his promise, he had a drink in celebration. It was nice to celebrate it with him among friends. The best part of it is, on our way back from the visit, there was a sobriety check point on the highway! He hadn't been through one of those in ten years, and on the night of his anniversary, we hit a checkpoint?! Luckily, he'd only had a small amount, but we just thought that was so ironic and downright funny!

Anyway, that's pretty much all I have to report. We're looking forward to hugging you all and beginning the holiday season. Right now I'm just packing things up while the boys are down at the beach. I'm sad to go, but I'm ready to be home again.