Hawaii

A few months ago, I was invited to Hawaii to celebrate my good friend Maria's 40th birthday. Anna, Maria's sister wanted to surprise her and fly me (and our good friend Clarinda) out for a week. Hmmm, it was a tough decision~

Being with Maria alone was incentive enough, but it certainly didn't hurt that the time frame for the gala was to span the coldest week of the year here in northern MN~

Check out the car thermometer on the day that I left town (January 15)~


Here we are in Kauai at the airport, and the surprise was wonderful! Maria was blindfolded and was absolutely amazed when she saw Clarinda and I. We all cried~

Whew, 80 degrees at 10 at night~would my skin fall off?


Here are a few of my favorite memories (and pictures) of our time in Kauai:

Spouting Rock:


The state bird: the chicken. At least it appears so. Actually, these little birds were everywhere on the island, running wild.


Another surprise was this new sport of rowing on a surfboard~next time I want to try this!


Goldfish the size of walleye~


"Shaved Ice" which is ice-cream covered with small bits of flavored ice~very good!


We attended a Luau~watching a fantastic show and experiencing "Kalua Pig"~


Ice cold coconut juice~


Great coffee (which I actually partook of, much to my husbands delight)


Beautiful views and scenic stops~



We enjoyed swimming in the ocean here~


Lots of excellent local food!



But most importantly, a very special birthday celebration with Maria and family~


Maria and Anna

Wonderful parents~


A delightful week, one I will not quickly forget! Jim and the children did very well in my absence, but it is also good to be home again. (Maybe we could make this an annual event, though~)