Birthday Staycation

We found a blank spot on the calendar and took the opportunity to treat Olivia to her birthday promise, a night in Waikiki.  The weather wasn't perfect - warm but overcast but we had a really nice time!

Our room was on the 26th floor overlooking the ocean and Hilton Lagoon

The pool we spent our time in

Probably the last teen birthday that she'll want to spend with her parents and little sister so I'll take what I can get!

Finally...

Twas not really the day

But it was in our heads

We decked out in pink

And threw in some reds

We gave out our cards

Candy and treats

Ate food shaped like hearts

And ended with sweets

We work and play hard

Till the sun's out of sight

Two of my sweethearts

Out like a light

Valentines Day, Navy Style

You might be wondering if the Navy has a special way to celebrate Valentines Day given my post title.  The answer is no, except that your husband may not be home, or more precisely he may not plan on being home, have something break and be home unexpectedly, but not until it's too late to do anything about it.  THAT my friends, is Navy style! 

As you can see from my photos, we are all ready for the big day.  Candy, check.  Glitter hearts, check.  Cookies, check.  Heart shaped plates, check.  

BUT, we decided to put it on hold till Daddy could be present (he is our Valentine after all) 

Although he showed up at 8:00 pm that night, it was too late to whip up so much as a heart shaped pizza with pink dough.  It is tough for me to admit, but I have my limitations.  Shhhhh.

We did celebrate at school however.  This was the extent of my entertainment.  Decorate bags, distribute goodies, eat an M&M cookie.  I can be taught it seems, this was a far cry from my Halloween escapade! 

So, we are still awaiting the home extravaganza - not sure when our schedules will sync up but I won't be able to live with the glitter heart decor forever so undoubtedly it will be this weekend.

Over the top photos to follow.  

Ka'ena Point

There is only one spot on Oahu that you can't drive to...the westernmost tip of the island.  It's about a 3 mile hike after the road ends but it's flat and well marked and well worth the walk!

The land is preserved as a bird sanctuary and is well known for being a hang out for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal.  Of course if you go in winter you will undoubtedly see whales breeching as well as some monstrous waves.  We were lucky enough to see it all!  This post is photo heavy but considering I took over 200 photos, 36 isn't too bad!  My blog cuts off the right side of my photos when they are landscape but if you click on them you can see the whole shot.

All of those photos were taken from the parking lot before we even left on the hike!  Those waves were about 15ft and got larger as the day went on!

This is the "point" where the albatross seemed to get curious about us and came out to see what the fuss was!

They were much bigger than I expected - this little friend was hiding something that he/she let me see later!

Just past the birds we stopped to have lunch by the ocean and met some more friends.  This guy was snoozing the whole time!

His buddy decided to join in the action and swam up to get some sun.

Pardon me, is this rock taken?

Sadly, it was time to go.  On the way back out, she stood up showing off her chick!  

Some days it's very hard to be me!