Home Again

After what seemed like an all-night flight and a day with our grandson Kona, I’m a little groggy, but I couldn’t go to bed without sharing a little bit about our trip to O’ahu (is that how you spell it?), Hawaii. One thing’s for sure, we weren’t ready to come home! It was so warm and relaxing, Sterling and I could have easily stayed for a few more days.

First, we were delighted when we checked in and found our hotel room was a corner room with two different but equally breathtaking views. We enjoyed both, depending on whether we wanted sun or shade or if it was windy or rainy.

So, what did we do all day, you ask? Aside from sleeping in until we woke on our own, eating plenty of fresh pineapple and papaya every morning for breakfast, walking along the beach, watching a few movies, and indulging in spa treatments, we pretty much read. That’s right.

It all started when the girls told me I couldn’t go with them to see the new movie Twilight (coming out this weekend) unless I’d read the book. So, dutifully, I began reading. When we were making our usual trip to the North Shore to attend the temple, I read silently while Sterling drove silently. Occasionally, I giggled, and after he could handle no more silence (I’m always jabbering about something...), he insisted that I read the book to him. That did it! We had both been bitten, you might say, and the rest of the trip was reading—here and there and everywhere!

And we didn’t stop at Twilight either. We read the draft online that describes Edward’s perspective, and then we made sure our Monday morning walk took us to Borders for New Moon! The books were fun and easy to read (sometimes annoyingly so), and now you know why I don’t read novels very often. Once I start, I can’t stop! Sage is bringing the next two books down on Saturday. Maybe Sterling and I can discipline ourselves to read a chapter a night—maybe!

We also stopped in at a quaint little restaurant named Cholos for lunch one day. Notice the cool car to the right of Sterling. I didn’t want to look too obvious by taking a photo of the car itself, but it was a beauty—surfboard and all!

And this photo reminds us of the fabulous flora and the countless waterfalls on the property (we could even hear waterfalls when our balcony doors were open) that muffled the sounds of Waikiki and made us feel like we were on our own little tropical island.

I’m already looking forward to next fall when we have our next trip to Hawaii planned. . .

Comments

[Lisa D]

Welcome back! What wonderful pictures! We were in Waikiki in May. You had a much better view than we did, but we weren't as close to the water.

[Caroline Counsell]

Looks fantastic and a well deserved rest for you. I love this insite into your life, it does prove you are just like the rest of us ;0)

Cazx

[Stacy]

I just finished reading the Twilight series in one week and two days. Good luck with reading only a chapter a night. Probably not going to happen. Thank you for sharing your wonderful pics of Hawaii. Stacy

[Julie Davison]

You'll be back before next fall! And I'm looking forward to seeing you there in March! Albeit a different island, but it's still Hawaii! Thanks for the sneak peek of the island! I'm looking forward to our trip!

[Denise]

I planned to see the midnight show of the movie last week with a group of friends. I did come down with an ear infection so I was not feeling 100% but I still made it and as a mother of 4 who wouldn't love it? We giggled alot at the reactions of all the teenage girls. Hope you enjoy it!

[Patty Schneider]

Shelli, I just love your blog. I feel like you are a friend writing us about what goes on in your life. My baby just turned 16 today and went to see "Twilight" tonight for her birthday. She has read all the books and just loves them. Loved seeing you reading the book while relaxing.

[Tracy]

Thanks for sharing the Hawaii trip! I see you caught the Twilight but too! I read them on our long flight to Utah for convention and even though I was exhausted when we got home - I just had to finish the book! I liked Edward's perspective almost more than Twilight! Enjoy the rest of the books!

[Silvia Mabie]

ohhh sounds like you had a blast! My friend went to the opening show at 12:01 last night and she said it was AWESOME! I hope you have a good time...and it's great to loose yourself in a book from time to time!

[Sara Kobe]

I would love to find out where you stayed. I recognize the harbor so wasn't sure if you were in a condo or a hotel. My parents winter in Hawaii (what a break from cold, cold Iowa!) and I have been there several times, the last time being a whole-family vacation in March 2008. My parents flew my brother and his family, my sister and her family, and myself and my family over for two glorious weeks! My two sons loved the beach and the ocean. They had never seen a "sandbox so big!"

Looks like you and I could vacation together and be perfectly compatible! Reading is about all I did while we were there - I think I went through 3-4 books in two weeks!

Thanks for sharing your life with us!

[Margaret Knoops (Australia)]

Shelli
Looks lovely & warm in Hawaii, compared to freezing cold where I live. Even though we are approaching our Summer months here in Australia it is freezing cold - blistery rain, hail, wind & cold.

Can I come with you next time?

So glad you both had a wonderful & relaxing time, because you both deserved it.

[Pam Davis]

I bought my 11 year old daughter Twilight for a gift when I was in Salt Lake this summer at the SU! convention!!! What a hit is has been. She has gone on
to read the next two books and can't wait to see the movie. I am thinking I'd better start reading ASAP.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Hawaii. Thanks for always being such an inspiration.

[Makeesha Byl]

Hey Shelli! Your holiday photos are amazing! It brought back such fond memories for me, as Rod and I spent 3 weeks there for our Honeymoon! Really look forward to going back one day. So glad to hear you had a fabulous break together....and enjoyed a good read! You so deserve it! Thanks for sharing.

Love Makeesha

[Staci Miserlian]

I'm SO happy that you had a nice, relaxing vacation! I saw the "Twilight" movie last night and it was really good. Makes me want to read the books now. I usually read the book first, so this was new to me.

[Dolores]

Dear Shelli,

My name is Dolores Falcon from Miami, FL and I just returned from the Cree Tu Futuro in Miami,I just wanted to thank you and your representative who was so sweet, we had such a great time and I hope it will be a success for Stampinup. Thank you again and I hope you and your family are well.

[Karine]

Ha ha! Your pictures cracked me up! This reminds me of my honeymoon, when I read several books by the beach, by the pool, etc, etc..

Thanks for the book recommendation, now I am going to have to get it too, and try to find some time away from mothering (and stamping)! ;) Welcome back!

[Debi Pippin]

Shelli Glad you got away to get some rest and relaxation. I can't wait to see you at Regionals in Florida in January. I love the pictures you shared and just love your cute blouse in the picture you look happy and full of energy so it must agree with you. Take care
Love Debi Pippin

[Donna Centamore]

Shelli,

Just a note to say Thanks for letting us take a peek into your everyday comings and goings. You are truly sweet to allow us that experience! Have a great Sunday!

[Allison F]

Your trip sounds fabulous and is making me start thinking more about my wedding in the Dominican coming up in may!

Any chance SU will have A7 envelopes in the new catty that I can get for my invitations? I'm using all SU stuff and want envies too.

[Mary]

Shelli,

I'm so happy you found one of our favorite restaurants in Oahu. My husband and I spend two to three months there every summer, as he teaches at UofH. Lucky me!!! Anyway, hopefully you had Cholo's wonderful "Chicken Spinach enchilda" with green sauce. It's absolutely yummy. Also, next time you go, try a Kuna Aina Burger! They're wonderful. There's one by Ward Center (Honolulu) and one pretty close to Cholo's.

I assume you went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, a must for any company we have. The President's meal and Hula show are spectacular!

I'm looking forward to Leadership in Florida. See you then.

Blessings,
Mary

[Brandi Barnard]

Hey Shelli,
Glad to see you and Sterling got such a nice vacation--you deserve it! How fun that the two of you are enjoying the Twilight series together...John and I have done the same! His favorite book was Breaking Dawn, I wonder if Sterling will agree? Hope to get a chance to chat in Orlando!
XOXO
Brandi

[nike shox]

We are specialize in <a href="http://www.sportshoes007.com/Nike-Shox_57_1.html">Nike shox</a>,<a href="http://www.sportshoes007.com">this kind of shoes </a>are suitable for sport ,when we do some outside execises ,we can prepare one ,<a href="http://www.sportshoes007.com/Nike-air-Max_158_1.html">it’s the newest fashion </a>,many star like it vey much ,if you like sport , if you are pursuing fashion ,we are the best ,and we have a lots styles for you to choose , <a href="http://www.sportshoes007.com/Nike-air-Max-90-Current-Men_175_1.html">Nike air Max 90 </a> Nike air Max 2009 and so on …the high quality cheap max ,,there are a lot of <a href="http://www.sportshoes007.com/">air max wholesaler </a>..its worthy to purchase