Our Staycation

Towards the end of September Kyle's grandparents planned a little trip to the islands of Hawaii.  Their first stop was a 4 day stay on our little island of Oahu.  This was the first time we had seen them in almost three years!  Though they didn't stay long we managed to cram a lot of outings and sightseeing into a small period of time.  We went to the swap meet at Aloha Stadium the day after they arrived.  Though we have lived here for over a year we had never gone to the swap meet.  It is basically a huge flea market on the grounds surrounding Aloha Stadium.  There are some incredible deals there and the vendors have a bunch of little knick knacks and treasures.  It was fun to walk around and look at all the local finds.  After our day perusing the swap meet we went back to their hotel and relaxed at the pool.  The kids had a great time playing in the water.  Hailey was most content staying on the stairs but Alec was definitely the water baby of the two.  Once he had his water wings he was set to go!

Getting brave without the water wings!

Her permanent perch

You wouldn't believe how mad she got at him for "ruining" her photo

The following day we took a trip on a submarine.  Yep you read it right, submarine.  They have special tourist submarines that tour the area off of Waikiki.  It was a pretty cool experience.  They kids thought it was very cool getting to see underwater without having to get wet.  We had to take a boat ride out further into the water to get to the sub.  After we boarded and started to descend we realized that mine and Hailey's shirts had taken a very different color.  The kids were pretty astonished by this. 

What we looked like in the sub

What color her shirt actually was

At times the water was a little murky but we did get to see many different fish.  The most recognizable was the yellow tang that Alec actually called out by name.  We also got to see a huge sea turtle relaxing on the deck of a sunken boat. 

If you look close there is a sea turtle in the picture I promise!

Looking out the window in hopes of catching a glimpse of a shark

Once we were done with the tour we boarded the boat again and headed toward the shore.  There was a pretty spectacular view of Waikiki from the boat. 

A view of Diamond Head over my shoulder

Waikiki

The day before his grandparents left we went to Pearl Harbor.  Though we have been there many times we actually went on the USS Bowfin which we have never done before.  The Bowfin was one of the submarines used during World War II.  I guess the theme of their visit was submarines!  It was pretty cool to walk through and see where hundred of men lived for months at a time.  I know that I couldn't live in such a cramped space like they did!

A view from the deck of the USS Bowfin

Walking down into the sub

A view of the USS Missouri from the periscope

After we were done on the USS Bowfin we went over to the USS Arizona Memorial.  No matter how many times we visit, it is always a sobering experience.  It always amazes me how much the kids understand about how serious the memorial is even at their young ages. 

The American Flag flying above the memorial

We had a great time while Ed and Tomilee were here.  It was a much needed visit.  It was a fantastic though brief trip.  It was fun to show off a little bit of our island and the culture we are temporarily a part of.