alohaaaaahhhh

We're beginning our re-entry to the reality of our lives by transitioning home through Hawaii - we know... quite difficult, and still thousands of literal and figurative miles from our reality. We're here with Grandpa Gene (my dad) and Grandpa Roger/Grandma Fran (Chrissie's folks). Matt decided we needed a distinguishing nomer for the two Grandpas in order to avoid confusion, and since we are staying at a place called "Papakea", he has taken to calling Grandpa Gene "Papakea" and Grandpa Roger "Papapea". Matt's keen on the nicknames.

We're fully enjoying the relaxed re-entry here and...
...Hanging with Chrissie's cousing Tammie and her family for a couple of days upon arrival [Jeff, Tammie, Jake, and Hannah, plus Uncle Bob and Aunt Janet who were visiting for Hannah's birthday]... catching the sea turtles and shave ice of Haliewa.

... A serendipitous soccer match between LA Galaxy (with David Beckham) v. Gamba at Aloha Stadium.

...Pearl Harbor with Grandpa Gene (aka Papakea, don't forget).

...Seeing Cousin Kathy and Bill Scharnhorst - We got a chance to see my cousin and her husband, here taking a little break from Iowa farming, and like my dad, a break from the below zero snow-zone Iowa has been this winter.

...The whales! The humpbacks are in their glory.

...Surf school - Andy and Matt are naturals, and are ready to take it up full time (and I'm noticing that I am 43). I did explain that the surfing options of the northwest are a little more limited, and require significant wet-suitage, but they remain undaunted.

...Boogey-boarding and trying not to get killed in the surf.

...Golf of multiple kinds: -Saw the big-timers like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Fuzzy Zoehler, etc. at the Skins Championship that just happened to be right near where we're staying. -Putting competitions on the putting green at our spot - even an official one with prizes - Andy and Matt came back with a t-shirt and a box of chocolate-covered macademia nuts respectively - each winning his age-group (made easier by the fact that each was the sole entrant in his age-group). Grandpa Gene won a key chain. -And, the simple joys of the driving range.

...And just the general joy of lounging around in this glorious place. We are looking forward to catching a little of the Bend winter when we get there (which will be on Saturday, and we're looking very forward to seeing the Wenndorfs!), but we'll soak up this sunshine wonder while we can.