We went to Kauai from October 26-31st (Happy belated 30th to me and my cousin's wedding). It was a great trip and the last with just the three of us. Zoe was very prepared for the plane ride. I was quite nervous because she hadn't flown since she was 15 months, so now that she is much more aware, it terrified me to think I may have that kid that just whines and fusses the whole way. To my surprise, she did magnificantly! I packed every trick in the book and it worked!
She was pretty cute on the plane and asked, "Is this Hawaii?" When we finally arived and we told her that we were in Hawaii, every new area we went she'd make sure, "This is Hawaii too?" We rented a car and she wanted to know where our car was. The first day we went to the lighthouse and she loved looking around at the views. The lighthouse is actually under some renovations, so Zoe was pretty fascinated by that too. It is so different traveling to a place like Hawaii with a small child. Shaun put it well by saying, "We saw the island through a 2 year old's eyes."
Grandma and Grandpa allowed us to take off for one special dinner, just Shaun and I. We went to our favorite restaurant out there, The Beachhouse. It had the best sunset that night out of the whole week. Our server even took pictures with his camera. I took a "bump" picture to with the sunset background. I am 17+ weeks in that picture. It was really nice to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere. Shaun and I enjoyed a meal there 6 and a half years ago on our honeymoon.
We went to a Luau on Friday night and we thought Zoe would just crash, but she hung in there until about 8:15 (11:15 CA time), then totally conked out. She loved all the Polynesian dancers, but she missed the flame twirler because it was at the end of the show. That was pretty amazing! Oh yeah! Zoe received her first flower lei there. She thought she was a little Hawaiian princess (and definitely looked like one).
On Saturday, Zoe had another long night, but did fantastically again! My cousin got married at a beautiful site at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai. It was perfect weather too. We all had to wear white, so it was a great picture opportunity. I did Zoe's hair and put flowers in it, then she got a little white flower lei. She looked so pretty! She danced on the dance floor and even played Bingo. She got a Barbie doll and new baby, that she absolutely loves! That was her prize for getting Bingo. Shaun got the new Kindle (arriving soon) and I won a gift card to amazon.com. It was a great idea that they incorporated because my grandma loves to play. Zoe survived until 9:15 (12:15 a.m. CA time) that night...I think her all time record, by far!
Sunday, we went swimming at the Grand Hyatt. It was a 3 level pool with water slides and lazy river. Zoe had a blast. Notice: her little bathing suit...I could not resist! I am usually not a fan of teeny tiny bathing suits on little girls, but in Hawaii, she definitely fit in! And looked stinkin' cute doing so.
The flight home was pretty good too. Zoe had trouble with her ears descending into LA, but all in all I have no complaints. Phew!!! It was very difficult to get used to Hawaii time because Zoe had a hard time, but Grandma was always there as her early morning buddy. She entertained us all and only had a few meltdowns because of the messed up schedule. I will post some hilarious comments she made while we were there later.
