Hawaii Advice (with kids in mind)

I sent and email to a couple of my friends about our trip and recommendations/ideas that I had from it...essentially travel tips and other stuff, and I thought it might be good just to put on the blog in case anyone else was interested.  This is all based on our trip to the Big Island (Hawaii) - I do have opinions on Kauai too, but we did not go there this time, so this is just about our recent trip. So here you go:

I am just going to tell you things that worked for us and did not work for us and you can apply that to your planning if you want or you can just disregard J

So the flight:

·         Tommy was great on the flight.  He sat directly in the airplane seat – no booster seat, no car seat, no harness, so that worked fine.  He had his iPad to play with, which he did most of the flight which was nice.  They also rented a “DigiPlayer” that played movies, tv shows, cartoons – so that would be an option for entertainment as well.  I would recommend flying directly if you can…it was nice to not have to change planes in Honolulu, Seattle or LA (which is normally what happens when you fly to Kona), but I think Alaska Air and Hawaiian Air both have direct flights.

·         Morgan was another story.  She had her own seat so we brought on her car seat (thinking she would just crash in the car seat)…no such luck.  I had Mike go on with the pre-boarding and install the car seat and get everything ready for us…then I waited until the last minute to board with the kids because I wanted them to run around and get as much energy out as possible.  That worked somewhat.  Morgan did not really want to sit in her seat at all and really just wanted to get down and walk the plane.  So after realizing that she was not going to settle down in her seat, that was exactly what we did.  We traded off walking up and down the aisle with her/having her on our lap.  It was similar to what we have to do in a restaurant with her…not the best environment for a 1 and ½ year old J  But we made it there and back and it was well worth it!!!

·         I had lollypops for the kids on take-off and landing and neither one of them had issues with their ears.  Actually for the flight home, Morgan was all about the fruit rollup on take-off and landing, but I figured as long as she was sucking on something it was good.

·         So as far as car seat on/off the plane, it was nice to have there to set her for moments, but also probably was not necessary.

Car:

·         As listed above we brought Morgan’s car seat – so that worked great in the minivan.

·         For Tommy we used a booster seat that we purchased prior to the trip.  He is 38.5lbs and you have to be 40lbs and 4 years old to do that…but our pediatrician said it would be fine for the trip in Hawaii.  So we just decided to fudge it a little and put him in a booster seat.  But I also know you can rent car seats as well (I will talk about rentals later).

Shopping (this is more if you are in a condo vs a hotel):

·         Bottom line everything is more expensive in Hawaii!  So just be prepared.  I had Mike buy mac & cheese for the kids and he said it was $4/box.

·         There is a Costco about 5 minutes south of the airport.  We did a bunch of our shopping there because it actually was cheaper than the stuff in the store (even though it gave us 3x the stuff we needed).  You can also buy alcohol there which is nice because you can make your drinks and take them to the pool J  It is also nice to have the bottled water.

·         We also did our main grocery store run at Safeway which is a bit more in Kona (south of the airport and Costco). That worked well.

·         My mom loves this fish market – we have yet to make it there, but they brought over some Ahi one night that so fresh!  http://www.bitemesportfishing.com/menu.php

Stuff we packed/did not pack/rentals:

·         We packed beach towels and did not need them.  Both places we stayed had beach towels readily available.  So don’t waste the space.

·         I would definitely bring a hoodie/lightweight jacket for everyone (in case of rain) – we had rain one day and it was just nice to have…of course you are totally warm enough with shorts and a t-shirt, but it was nice to have the hood.

·         We did not pack snorkel stuff for us – Tommy had snorkel stuff that his grandparents gave him for his birthday so we packed that, but the rest of us figured we would rent it over there and as it ended up, the surf was too rough to go snorkeling (the beaches were closed).  And then we were able to rent snorkel gear from the hotel when we were there and go snorkeling there.

·         Leave some room in your bags for little things you want to bring back (i.e. candy, etc) – and know that the bags have a 50lb weight limit.

·         We also (and yes I realize how geeky this sounds) packed a power strip for charging things.  We had 3 laptops, 2 phones and an iPad to charge, so it was nice to have a “charging station.”

·         Port-a-crib for Morgan:  we actually bought one and had it shipped over there on Amazon.com because Mike had a gift card and it was free shipping so it actually did not cost us anything.  But I think renting one would probably be the way to go if you don’t do that. 

·         Bring a stroller for anyone under 2 and ½ - When we went two years ago, Tommy was 2 and ½ and totally did not need a stroller, so I figured, Morgan is walking it would be fine not to have a stroller.  NOT TRUE!  I would highly recommend the single BOB because it can be used to jog with as well as just go shopping with.  We ended up renting a stroller through http://www.alohakonakids.com/index_n_rentals.html and they were very nice, but I am not sure if they deliver.  I talked with the valet guys at the hotel and they said they use: http://babysaway.com/ and they deliver.  I also found a rave review of them on yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/babys-away-kailua-kona So they might be a better resource…although we left the port-a-crib at the hotel and the Aloha Kona Kids came and picked it up, so they probably deliver too.

·         I would recommend taking a waterbottle.  Aunt Ashley and Kendall (our babysitter) brought their own waterbottles (the kind with the straw that folds into the top of the bottle) and I think that was nice because you did not have to keep carrying around different bottled waters.

Condo vs. Hotel:

·         Hands down we had a better experience at the condo we stayed at (Kona Coast Resort http://www.shellhospitality.com/hotels/kona_coast_resort/) over the hotel we stayed at (Waikoloa Hilton http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/) for several reasons:

o   The condo had more amenities such as loaner sports equipment (i.e. volleyball, basketball, tennis rackets and balls), grass strip right outside our condo that the kids could play on.

o   Ability to cook your own food/have a kitchen to make breakfast, lunch and/or dinner.  Of course we dined out, but it also was nice to be able to make a sandwich for lunch instead of going somewhere.  There were also BBQs all over the condo complex, so that was nice because you could go get some fish and grill it up – so good!

o   Space – there was much more space in the condo – we had a two bedroom, two bathroom condo and it worked out perfectly! 

·         The hotel food prices were really overboard and there was not much room to keep stuff in your room, plus everything was so far away (i.e. when you left your room to go to the pool, it was not a quick easy shot back up to the room if you forgot something or wanted a water bottle).  And the hotel food was pretty mediocre so it was nice again to be able to make your own food if you wanted to. – Plus you spend significantly less $.

·         If it would have been just Mike and I, the hotel would have been fine, but when you add the kiddos into it, you just need more space/flexibility!

·         The Hilton is a beautiful property with a ton to do, but in my opinion the rooms were not that nice and somewhat outdated.

Luaus:

·         We have been to three Luaus in the Kona area:

o   Royal Kona – we went to this luau about 7 years ago (pre-kids).  It was a beautiful location (probably the most picturesque –with the ocean right there), the food was fine and the show was fun.  All-in-all a good luau. http://www.kona-luau.com/royal-kona.htm

o   King Kamehameha Hotel – this was the luau we took Tommy to about 2 years ago.  It was really fun because they had activities for the kids including learning how to hula and make things.  The location is cool to as it is looking out on the harbor back toward Kona so it is pretty (not as pretty as the Royal Kona, but still pretty).  It was a good kid luau, not great food, good show. http://www.konabeachhotel.com/luau.htm

o   Kona Village – by far the most expensive and not necessarily the best kid luau.  This is the luau we went to this year because we heard it was the best.  And yes the food was great and the mai tais were awesome, but for kids, it was not that entertaining.  There really weren’t too many activities for the kids.  The location is pretty, but not on the ocean.  So I would recommend this luau for couples or adults only – not worth it for the kids. http://www.konavillage.com/contents/v/Luau Plus it is about 15 minutes north of Kona so it was a bit of a drive.

·         If you want to wear matching outfits like we did, you can make a trip to a Hilo Hatties as they have a family matching section in their store.  I know there is one in Kona, but not sure if there is one up at the resorts in Kohala (which Jen, is where I think you are staying).  http://www.hilohattie.com/aloha/section/Family-Matching/2179.uts Or you can find outfits and bring them over…for us it was just easier to buy them over there.

·         Also I always generally make Mike pay for the upgrade at the Luau…you tend to get to go first to get food and/or you table is served family style, all the mai tais are generally free (where as with the normal ticket, you usually just get one free), and you get preferred seating for the show.

Restaurants:

·         Some of the restaurants that I love while we are there (most are in Kona-I have not found a ton I love up in the Kohala area, mainly because they are insanely expensive for mediocre food):

o   Kona Inn – this is in downtown Kona and has the BEST Mai Tais.  They are so good.  I would recommend just going for Mai Tais and pupus (appetizers) or lunch.  Their dinners are pretty expensive and the food is not that great.  But they have a great lunch and a great bar area – and kids can sit in the bar J Plus they are right on the harbor looking back at the King Kamehameha Hotel and from the bar you can generally see the sunset.  Plus there is a grassy area before the ocean so if the kids get bored they can go run themselves to death on that grassy area. http://www.windandsearestaurants.com/konainn/home.htm

o   Kona Brewing Company – I had the best chicken pesto pizza at this restaurant for lunch I have ever had.  It was so good.  And of course their beer was awesome! http://www.konabrewingco.com/our-pubs/kona-brewery-and-pub

o   Drysdales Two – Think dive bar.  It has great burgers, good fish & chips and delightful mai tais (and a heck of a grilled cheese).

One I forgot to mention in my email to the ladies is: Cafe Pesto: http://www.cafepesto.com/kawaihae-location.html My mom and her boyfriend really love this place, so check it out.

Also Mike and I love the Canoe House at the Mauna Lani, but it is very expensive and NOT kid friendly - it is a great occasion restaurant. http://www.maunalani.com/d_ch_overview.htm

Another restaurant that we heard about, but did not go to was Merrimens in Waimea http://www.merrimanshawaii.com/ - Our cab driver home from the Celebrity Chef Dinner said that he took Iron Chef Michael Symon and some other people up there for dinner and they RAVED about it.  So it would have to be good :)

Beaches:

·         This trip all the beaches were closed due to high surf, so we did not make it to the beach (at least to go sit there), but these are beaches that I have been to in the past and really have liked.

·         Also when you go to the big island, the picturesque yellow sand beaches are generally on other islands…usually the beaches are either black sand or the resort has trucked in yellow sand J  So don’t be surprised that there aren’t a ton of beaches to get to.

·         Kahaluu Beach (or we call it snorkel beach): http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/kahaluu_beach_park_snorkeling.html  This is a great snorkeling beach…usually you will see the turtles that live there.  They are amazing!  This beach is on the south side of Kona.

·         Hapuna Beach – this is a yellow sands beach and very beautiful.  Sometimes it can get windy, so go on a day that the wind is not high.  http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/beaches/hapuna_beach_state_park.html

·         White Sands Beach – in Kona on the main road Alii Drive.  Sometime has sand and sometimes doesn’t – just depends on the current. http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/beaches/white_sands_beach.html

Activities:

·         The only activity that I have gone on is the Fair Winds Snorkel Cruise.  It is really fun, but we decided not to do it this time because I think the kids are too young, but if you are going as a couple or just need an activity it is a phenomenal experience!  They even have something called snuba which is like snorkeling, but with a scuba mouthpiece so you can go underwater for longer.  http://www.fair-wind.com/

·         Also I have been on my fair share of golf courses (not as many as Mike, but I do like to go ride along with him).  I LOVE the Mauna Kea and it by far is my favorite, but it is also the most expensive: http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-beach-hotel/big-island-golf-vacations.php

·         The Kona Country Club’s ocean course was what our condo was on this past trip and it looked like a nice course.  My mom’s boyfriend played both the ocean course and the mountain course of Kona Country Club and liked both courses.  http://www.konagolf.com/ 

·         Mike and Tommy played this course this last trip – and we call it the peacock course because there are ton of peacocks roaming the course: http://www.makalei.com/golf/proto/makalei/

·         It is also always cheaper to tee off after Noon – so you will always get a better rate, but it is also significantly hotter.

• The Mauna Lani has a kids course that probably is cheaper – we have not played it but have just read about it: http://www.maunalani.com/g_golf_keiki_course.htm

So let me know if I left anything off or you need to know anything else :)

Cheers to remembering what works/doesn't work when traveling with kids!

Dinner X2 - Pot Roast and Yummy Tomato Pasta Sauce

So I was having a hard time deciding what I wanted for dinner upon our return from Hawaii.  I was somewhat cold and felt like a comfort meal.  Prior to our departure we received the new Cook's Country magazine and there was a yummy looking pot roast recipe.  So I figured I would go for it...plus it had a yummy looking leftover recipe for "Sunday Gravy" - which is essentially a chunky tomato/meat pasta sauce.  So I figured I would try it...SOOOOOO GOOD!  Everything was outstanding and really not too complicated, which is really what you need when you are trying to keep track of both kids.  So I thought I would share that recipe with you (I only took two pictures pre-cooking - I promise I will get better with the final product pictures):

Chuck Roast in Foil (The Lazy Cook’s Pot Roast)

This recipe is from “Cook’s Country-February/March 2011.”  You can also use the leftovers for the “Quick Sunday Gravy” that is in the same issue.

You will need an 18” wide roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil for this recipe.

RUB

3 Tbsp cornstarch

4 tsp onion powder

2 tsp light brown sugar

2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp instant espresso powder

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp celery seed

CHUCK ROAST

1 (4lb) boneless beef chuck-eye roast

2 onions, peeled and quartered

6 small red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered

4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1 ½ inch pieces

2 bay leaves

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1.        Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees.  Combine rub ingredients in a small bowl (I whisked it together because it was kind of lumpy if I just stirred it).

2.       Pat roast dry with paper towels.  Separate roast into 2 pieces along natural seam and trim fat to ¼-inch thickness.  Tie kitchen twine around each roast at 1-inch intervals (I did not tie the twine around – but I think it would have been easier to lift the roast out once it had cooked).

3.       Crisscross two 30 by 18 inch sheets of heavy-duty foil inside large roasting pan.  Place onions, potatoes, carrots and bay leaves in the center of foil and drizzle with soy. 

Set roasts on top of vegetables.  Rub roasts all over with rub. 

Fold opposite corners of foil toward each other and crimp edges tightly to seal.  Transfer pan to oven and cook until meat is completely tender, about 4 ½ hours.

4.       Remove roasts from foil pouch and place on carving board.  Tent meat with foil and let rest 20 minutes.  Discard onions and bay leaves.  Using slotted spoon, place carrots and potatoes on serving platter.  Strain contents of roasting pan/foil through a fine-mesh strainer into fat separator.  Let liquid settle, then our defatted pan juices into serving bowl.

5.       Remove kitchen twine from roasts.  Slice roasts thinly against grain and transfer to platter with vegetables.  Pour ½ cup pan juices over meat.  Serve with remaining pan juices.

Make ahead: Rub can be made and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 month.

And then here is the followup recipe:

Quick Sunday Gravy

This recipe uses the leftovers from the Chuck Roast in Foil which is from “Cook’s Country-February/March 2011”

“This recipe will dress 1 pound of pasta we prefer tubular shapes here.”

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 pound hot Italian sausage

2 onions, chopped medium

2 Tbsp tomato paste

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp sugar

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ cup red wine

1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes

2 cups shredded leftover chuck roast meat

Salt and pepper

3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

1.       Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium high heat until just smoking.  Add sausage and cook until well browned, 6-8 minutes.  Transfer sausage to paper towel-lined plate.  Slice in half crosswise; reserve (I took the casings off the sausages prior to cooking but kept them in the sausage form, but then when I took them out, I just cut them into rounds and it worked nicely).

2.       Cook onions in sausage fat over medium heat until browned, 6-8 minutes.  Add tomato paste, garlic, sugar, and oregano and cook until tomato paste begins to darken, 1 to 2 minutes.  Add wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer until reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 1 minute.  Add tomatoes, chuck roast, reserved sausage, ¾ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.

3.       Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.  Stir in basil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve over pasta.  (Sunday gravy can be refrigerated in airtight container for 2 days).

Anyway, these recipes have fed our family for the past 3 nights...so I highly recommend both of these recipes!

Let me know if you try them out!

Cheers to meat that makes two meals!

Last full day is here!

The last full day of vacation bliss is here.  Kendall and I are sitting in the hotel room, while Morgan naps.  Kendall is doing homework and I am just thinking how sad I am this vacation is ending.  Of course it has to end because we are out of money, but wouldn't it be nice to be on permanent vacation?

One of the couples that we sat at dinner with the other night is on just that - permanent vacation.  They only are at their home-base (in Las Vegas) 30 days out of the year and the rest of the time they travel.  AMAZING!  Of course they are my parents age, so they have nothing really keeping them home (i.e. kids, pets, houseplants, etc).  They are in a different phase of their life, but it sounded awesome!  I might get somewhat sick of the traveling and not really calling any place home, but after this vacation, I am ready to try and find out :) 

I am also very interested in having a vacation condo over here.  Never before have I been so interested...I always thought what a waste of $ - we wouldn't use it that often, etc., but it would be really cool.

Of course we would need to win the lottery to accomplish both the traveling on a permanent basis and having a condo over here, but it is kind of nice to dream!

So cheers to the dreams of winning the lottery!

Hawaii - 2 days and counting :(

This is the part of vacation that I despise.  The part when it turns from yay, having a great time on vacation to boo, I have to start thinking of packing and then coming back to reality.  We still have a full day tomorrow to enjoy, so I am hoping that I can do that and not be thinking about coming home. 

It has been a beautiful day here.  We had to say goodbye to Aunt Ashley this morning (SUPER SAD)... then Kendall and I packed up the kids and headed to the "Cereal Bar" that is located in the middle of the hotel complex.  They have you name it cereal and then you can put toppings on that cereal...Tommy had Frosted Flakes with gummy bears, Morgan had Pops with gummy bears and Kendall had CocoPuffs with coconut.  I had a sausage, egg and cheese malasada sandwich and Mike had a bowl of granola.

We then ventured down to the "big" pool that has an insane water slide and a ton of waterfalls.  It also had a sand beach at the other end of the pool where Morgan and Tommy played for a couple of hours.  Then Tommy took up a game of life-sized checkers with some kids from Denver. 

We then went and ate lunch at a cafe type restaurant right next to the "big" pool.  Tommy had a pepperoni and olive pizza, Morgan had a hot dog, Mike had a salad, Kendall had a pepperoni and mushroom pizza and I had a Nann Veggie Sandwich.  It was all pretty good.

Then we are in our afternoon "quiet time" in the room where Tommy and Morgan are napping.  Then we might head back out to the pool or maybe walk around.  I think dinner tonight will be at the restaurant downstairs from where our hotel room is...then we wake up and it is our last day in paradise.

I am looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone, but I definitely have had an amazing vacation so it will be sad to see that end.

So cheers to trying not to think about the end of a vacation!

Hawaii - Day Who Knows? We are in paradise :)

Yesterday was moving day...we moved from Kona Coast Resort to the Waikoloa Hilton.  So we went from condo life to hotel life...it is very different.  I was so looking forward to coming to this hotel, but I do have to say with the kids, condo life was easier.  But enough of my complaining...we are still in Hawaii :)

We picked Kendall Lockwood (our babysitter/neighbor/friend) at the airport on Friday night.  She flew in to help us on the second half of the trip.  We have been having a great time with her, although I felt bad her first day here, we were packing up and then checking into the hotel, so it was not very peaceful...but now we are here at the hotel and things are back to pretty mellow.

The car ride to the hotel was hilarious...with everyone and their luggage, the car was packed to the gills. 

But we made it to the resort and checked into our rooms.  The resort is amazing!  It has a bizillion different pools many with water slides.  Tommy - and really mostly daddy - have been enjoying the water slides.  The amenities here are awesome and the property is HUGE!  It is so huge that we take a tram to get to our hotel room - here is Morgan, Kendall and me on the tram.

Yesterday afternoon, we were pretty wiped, so Kendall and Aunt Ashley went down to the pool while the rest of the Leeper family took naps.  Then Mike and I went out on an adult date to the Mauna Lani hotel where they were having an amazing event called the Celebrity Chef Tour Celebrity Chef Tour - Hawaii.  Thanks to Aunt Ashley and Kendall, who were watching the kidswe were able to celebrate Mike's 35th birthday in style with Chef Michael Symon (the Iron Chef).  It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime dinner.  Mike has pictures of the meal posted on his picasa site, but these are some of my favorites from the evening:

Us beginning our adult date night out!  In Hawaii!!!

View from the Canoe House - Where the dinner was :)

View the other way



Mike with Chef Michael Symon



Mike with Chef Sam Choy

It was a great evening and I think Mike is a happy camper! 

Then today the girls went shopping and the boys went to the pool.  We bought Morgan the cutest bikini EVER!  Here are some of the pics I could get:



So a lot of stuff crammed into this post, but we have been busy Hawaii people!!

Oh also Kendall and I went snorkeling in the bay here at the hotel and totally saw a turtle.  There are several in the bay, but this one was so close and even came up to the surface, right by us.  Tommy was with us, but wanted to get away from the turtle - He started to crawl up my as we were watching the magnificent animal. 

Tonight we are off to dinner at Tommy Bahamas and who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Cheers to many Hawaiian activities!

Hawaii - Day 5

It is so easy to lose track of what day it is here.  Yesterday was day 5 (I think).  We awoke to blue skys and sun so all was back right in the world...no more rain.  I decided I needed to go for a walk/run and Ashley and Morgan joined me with Ashley pushing the BOB.  Again I was okay 1/2 way, but then I crumbled and we walked the rest of the way.  What I did not realize was I was doing the 8.1 day - not the 7.3 day which meant instead of running 4 minutes walking 2 minutes, I was running 5 minutes walking 1 minute.  Now I know that does not seem like much of a difference, but it definitely was to me.  Plus then Morgan started FREAKING out in the stroller. So we stopped by Grandma Sue's condo which was on the way back to our condo.

Then we came back to our condo and headed to the pool.  We ate lunch at the condo - everyone had something different, but we sat outside on our patio.  I love being Hawaii and being able to eat outside on the patio.  It is awesome!

Then Morgan went down for her nap.  Tommy and Mike went to golf with Grandpa Bob on the "peacock" course.  Apparently there were about 40 peacocks that they saw on this course.  Tommy golfed a full 13 holes and was pretty tuckered out when they returned home.

Once Morgan woke up from her nap, Aunt Ashley, Morgan and I went to run some errands...we ran to Walmart to pick up some items and then we were on the hunt for shave ice.  But all the shave ice stands were closed, so that is going to have to happen today.  Here are some pictures to give you a hint as to what we were at Walmart for:



Chocolate in the toes...Yumm!

 So then we decided to head back to the pool...Morgan decided she needed an entire starfruit to take with her...she was eating it like an apple. 

Aunt Ashley and I had "Lava Flows" at the pool and when Mike and Tommy joined us, he had a "Blue Hawaiian" - they were pretty yummy! 

Then it was dinnertime at the condo.  Mike reheated pork chops and chicken and then made a pesto penne and a mixed veggie stir fry.

All in all it was a great day!

So cheers to a "typical" day in Hawaii!!!

Hawaii - Day 4

Rain...day 4 started with rain.  We decided to go rent a stroller, so we went into town to find the baby store that rents strollers...of course we had to find a BOB so $70 later, we have a BOB for the week.  Kind of stinks because we have a perfectly good single BOB sitting in the garage at home, but that is what I get for being headstrong and not wanting to bring a stroller.

Then we headed to Hilo Hatties to buy the family matching outfits for the Luau - which you will see in later pictures.

We had lunch at Kona Brewing and it was super yummy.  I had pesto chicken pizza that had kalamata olives, tomatoes and artichoke hearts.

We came back to the condo after lunch and both Morgan and I took naps.  Everyone else just hung around - Ashley went and worked out - Mike and Tommy went and played volleyball on the sand volleyball court.

After the lovely afternoon activities, it was time to get ready for the luau.  All of us dressed in our blue Hawaiian flower print dresses/shirts.  It was outstanding.  We headed to Kona Village which is an all inclusive property right by the 4 Seasons Resort about 10 minutes north of Kona.  http://www.konavillage.com/contents/v/Luau The luau was great, the Mai tais were fabulous, but I do have to say that for kids, the King Kamehameha Hotel http://www.konabeachhotel.com/luau.htm is a much better deal (plus it is cheaper). 

So here are some fun pics from the evening and if you would like to check out more, take a look at some more photos here - More Luau Pictures

Cheers to matching Hawaiian outfits!

Hawaii - Day 3 and beginning to Day 4

I woke up with a stiff neck on Day 3...no I have not been doing too much, but apparently the pillow in my bed was not working out.  So it took most of the morning and 3 of Aunt Ashley's Advil to overcome that ailment. 

We decided to head up to Waikiloa and do some shopping and check out the hotel where we are staying later in the week.  Great shopping, but not so great with two kiddos and a Dad who was doing the best he could trying to keep the kids entertained.  I found a black dress and a really cute skirt/strapless dress.  So it was successful, but I also think that it would have been more successful without kids.

Then we had lunch at the Waikoloa Hilton http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/ where we are staying later in the week.  We watched the dolphins swim and walked around the huge pool!  Then it was time to come home - Morgan headed down for a nap and Tommy, Aunt Ashley and I headed to the pool where we met up with Grandma Sue who arrived on Monday night.  She and Tom are staying at the condo complex right next door to where we are staying. 

Then we headed back to the condo to have Mike watch the kiddos and Aunt Ashley and I went bikini shopping for her (those days are sadly behind me).  Unfortunately we had no luck with the bikini shopping, so we headed back to the condo and got ready for dinner with Grandma Sue and Tom. 

Great dinner of Ahi Tuna, Chicken and Pork (yes we like our proteins) and then Mike made a great green salad and shrimp/orzo salad.  We finished it off with our ice cream buffet (we have 6 kinds of ice cream in the freezer.).  I had the Kona Coffee Mud Pie and it was delish!

We awoke this morning to rain, so I think we are off to shopping again (maybe a few farmer's markets and then who knows). 

So cheers to Kona Coffee Mud Pie ice cream and hopefully to the rain clearing away so we can go to our Luau tonight!

Hawaii - Day 2

Last night/today was a much better sleep, but I woke up with a stiff neck.  The pillows are really big...I know rough life huh?  Morgan was up at 6AM, but was able to keep her in bed with us until about 6:30AM.  Then I decided to head out for my walk/run program (Couch to 10K).  The first half of the walk/run was great, but then I turned around to come home and I have no idea what happened, but I could not run about two segments of the run.  Kind of disappointing, but I guess I just have to keep trying.

Then came home took a quick shower (which I was still sweating from after the shower)...then the fam went to Big Island Grill for breakfast.  Aunt Ashley and I had french toast, Tommy had a short stack of pancakes and Mike had a shrimp and pulled pork omelet.  Morgan shared the pancakes and french toast with us.  It was a yummy breakfast...then we headed into downtown Kona where we did a little shopping.  You have to check out the pictures of Morgan on today's pictures  http://picasaweb.google.com/meleeper...she is so adorable! 

Then we came back to the condo and headed to the pool where Tommy made some friends:

I also taught Tommy Marco Polo so we played that for a while. 

Morgan and Aunt Ashley played at the pool too:

So that has been our day so far.

Funny story from yesterday afternoon...tommy saw his first two geckos.  The following picture is the one he wanted to "pick up and put in his room for his pet."  I told him, "Aunt Ashley would probably not enjoy having a pet in their room."  So he was sad, but understood. 

So cheers to 2nd day in Hawaii and walk/running on Alii Drive!!



Hawaii Day 1

Really yesterday was our first day in Hawaii, but since it started at 9:45PM last night, I figure today is day 1.  So I will share yesterday's adventure of getting here and then today's pure relaxation of being here.

Waiting...that was the theme of yesterday.  We started out with everyone getting dressed, Mike taking Jesse to get his nails clipped, Mike packing and then a whole lot of sitting around waiting for the shuttle to come at 2:30PM.  I decided that I was going to try to get Morgan to sleep on the plane so I did not put her down for her 1:00PM nap (Not necessarily the best decision as you will soon read).   We had all of our bags packed and really we did pretty well.  Everyone had one checked bag and then we had an extra bag of beach towels and snorkel gear.

Morgan fell asleep on the way to the airport around the tunnel by the Zoo on Hwy 26.  Then woke up as we arrived at the airport.  So she had a brief nap then she was up until we hit the plane.  We made it through check-in really easily (helps that Mike is Gold Status at Alaska) and then through security without any hitches.  We then hung out in the Board Room and had snacks...I had a glass of champagne to celebrate our vacation and we waited again.  Our plane was there, but we also were going to wait on the plane an additional 30 minutes because a flight from Spokane had about 30 people who were joining us in Hawaii so they held our flight.  Luckily Aunt Ashley, Morgan and I boarded late in the boarding process, so we were not on the plane as long as Mike and Tommy.  They boarded early to get the car seat all situated. 

Then the flight was crazy.  I really thought Morgan would sleep, but she was not having any of that.  All she wanted to do was be passed around from lap to lap and roam up and down the aisle.  We tried to put her in her car seat and she would just scream.  So since we did not want her to be that baby, we just passed her from lap to lap and roamed up and down the aisle with her.  Thank GOD for Aunt Ashley.  I would have lost my sanity on the flight if she would not have been there.  Morgan did fall asleep about hour 4 into the flight, but then a stewardess came over the intercom (really loudly) and woke Morgan up - it was not even for a good reason (although before I had kids on the plane I would have thought it was a good reason)...she wanted to give away some flower leis to the couple who had been married the longest.

On the other hand, Tommy did AWESOME on the flight.  He was so great!  He played with his iPad, hung out and then as we buckled our seat belts for the descent, he fell hard asleep on Mike's arm.  But his flight was a success!

We arrived in Kona at about 9:45PM local time which was 11:45PM.  They had run out of hot food on the plane before they got to us in Aisle 21, so we were all pretty hungry.  Grandpa Bob and Grandma Jeannie picked up some groceries and stocked the condo that they had also checked in for us.  They met us at the plane and helped us with our luggage.  We made it to the condo and put Morgan to sleep immediately, but then I do not think the rest of us got to bed until about midnight (local time).  Morgan woke up at 4AM and cried, so I just put her on my chest and brought her to bed with me.  Then we all were up by about 6:45AM.  So all in all we slept in more than I thought we would.

We made breakfast from the supplies that Grandpa Bob and Grandma Jeannie stocked our condo with and Grandpa Bob brought Tommy a hot chocolate and the adults lattes.

We then got dressed and headed to a farmer's market.  We bought some papaya, limes, starfruit and other snacks.  We came back to the condo and got ready to go for our first dip in the pool!  YAY!  Morgan was still pretty tired from yesterday and I captured this image of her which describes her demeanor yesterday afternoon/evening.

The pool was great...we should have brought our flotation devices for the kids, but we can do that next pool visit.  We had lunch at the restaurant by the pool.  YAY for lunch poolside.

Morgan liked the water...but it was a bit cold and she did get the shivery bottom lip.  :)

But all in all it has been a great first day in Hawaii...I am off to go sit in the sun on the lawn out of our sliding glass doors that overlook the golf course.  It is a perfect place to have the kids because they can run and play right out our back doors. 

Tonight, The Golden Globes...so champagne (I have requested pink), shrimp appetizers and popcorn - and whatever else Chef Mike decides to cook. 

Cheers to a successful first day (after a crazy travel day) in Hawaii!

Houses

As I was on Tommy's iPad this morning, I came across Zillow and I really love looking at this application.  I get sucked in and can be on it for some time.  I started thinking about my dream house - the kitchen it might have, the bedrooms and guest bedroom that would be ideal, more storage and of course the butler's pantry and formal dining room I desire. 

But then my thoughts turn to a simpler time...I start thinking about the house my mom grew up in..three bedrooms, one bath - a smaller kitchen, but my grandmother still made outstanding cookies in it.  Then the house I grew up in...three bedrooms, two baths and prior to the remodel, a lovely '70s style home with yellow shag carpet.  Then the remodel hit and my parents built a fabulous kitchen and entertaining house (along with the gift wrapping closet).  It is gorgeous and perfect! 

This obsession about houses must also be why we are obsessed with "House Hunters" the show on HGTV.  We love it...regular "House Hunters" and "International House Hunters."  I think both Mike and I could watch it for hours.

So I guess the question is, do we really need all the things I desire especially when people were just as happy with smaller houses, fewer bathrooms, etc?   I am not sure, but I feel like we are gradually growing out of our house with the options being simplify, remodel or move.

I guess stay tuned...

Cheers to all the house options out there!

Tabla - Hands Down Best Restaurant in Portland

I LOVE Tabla (http://www.tmbistro.com/)!  We went there for dinner tonight and I really have to say by far it is the most consistently WONDERFUL food I have ever had.  We took the kids and went with our dear friend Jennifer.  It was a little much for Morgan - who just wants to be up and running all the time, but all-in-all it was a really nice dinner.

We started out ordering one of everything on the appetizer side of the menu.  YUMM!!!  I had the Salt Roasted Beet Salad and then bites of the Parsnip Soup (which was creamy and delicious).  Then for my pasta course (all of their pastas are phenomenal) I had the fazzoletti (that had a short rib ragu, tomato, parmigiano reggiano) and then for dinner I had the bouillabaisse which had so much yummy stuff in it I cannot even describe it...so here is a photo:

It arrives without the succulent broth and then that is poured into the bowl table side.  It is so velvety and rich I will be dreaming about it for quite some time!

Anyway, I just wanted to yet again express my sure enjoyment and pleasure at the wonderful items coming out of the kitchen at Tabla Mediterranean Bistro. 

Cheers to Tabla the best restaurant in Portland!

Get Organized

I am trying, at the beginning of 2011, to get more organized.  I have cleaned out my laundry room and I need to get packing for Hawaii so I think that will create a whole new project to get organized...MY CLOSET.  My closet seriously scares me...I have maternity, too small, too big and everything in the middle type of clothes in there.  But eventually I will have to face it.  Not sure if it will happen before or after Hawaii, but it will happen!

Also I need to organize the kids toys.  The toys pretty much span from our entry way through our family room and they are just in piles all over and in between.  So first order of business upon our return from Hawaii, get the dining room table sold.  Here are pictures in case anyone is interested:

Email me and let me know if you are interested: gruvesteph@msn.com and I can give you more details, but I will go as low as $400 for the entire set! :)  I have it on Craigs List for $475.

Anyway, once that is gone, I am so excited to get a cubby bookcase and bins to put the toys in.  I am also excited to move the red kid activity table and chairs into the dining room to have a bit more room in our family room and have one locations for all the kids' stuff.  Not that I will be crazy about not letting stuff into the family room, but at least now there will a place for the stuff/toys to return.  YAY!

So bottom line, I am excited to have 2011 be my year of organization!

Cheers to organization!