Hawaii 2009

The Smith Family enjoyed a restful and relaxing week in Oahu early this month.  Yes, even with kids!!  We are so thankful for the Grandsmith's timeshare in Ko Olina, and even more thankful that they generously invited the whole Smith clan to accompany them this year.  As was the case in 2007 when we last went, we were a little worried about traveling so far away with a little one (and now with TWO little ones,) but the trip was great.  I highly recommend bulkhead seating when you are not fortunate enough to fly first class.  The extra legroom was a blessing, and we were even able to put Leyton on a blanket on the floor so that he could kick around and play while flying over the Pacific Ocean!  

Brody and Ansel in the sand at Ko Olina

Brody, Izzy, and Ansel

Brody could not get enough of his cousins--Ansel (6,) Isabel (4,) Finn (4--turned 5 while we were there,) and Aidan (3) were great playmates!  He followed them around all week and wanted to do everything they did.  The kids had a ton of fun in the pool and the lagoon beach areas.  When I finally felt like it was warm enough to put Leyton in the pool, he tried out the water for the first time and really liked it!  I think we've got another water baby on our hands!

About to take his first dip in the pool

Playin' around in the pool

We mainly stayed at the timeshare enjoying the water and sunny weather, but we also visited the Honolulu Zoo, Chinatown, Sea Life Park, the North Shore (for yummy mahi mahi burgers and shave ices) and Mommy even got a nice massage at the JW Marriott Ihilani Spa.  While there, I saw Adrian Peterson and a bunch of other NFLfootball players (whom I would never recognize) as the entire hotel had been reserved for Pro Bowl players and their families the entire week.  In fact, we even flew home on the same plane as Philadelphia Eagles player Brian Dawkins and his family.  Pretty cool--would have been cooler if I knew anything about pro football! The first and last nights of our trip Brad, Brody, Leyton and I stayed in Waikiki and enjoyed walks along the beach, the fabulous shopping, and the penguins and flamingos at Hilton Hawaiian Village.  We are already looking forward to 2011!

Our first morning on Waikiki

The giraffes at the Honolulu Zoo

The fish feeding at Ko Olina (me, Leyton, Mary, Brody, Jill, and Andrew)

A "coconut drink" and yummy dinner in Chinatown

 We took over Grandma's cabana for the afternoon!

Yummy shave ices at Matsumoto's (Joe, Brody, me, Emily, Finn, Aidan, and Mary)

The beautiful Pacific Ocean!