Aloha

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Aloha, again… Only this one means “good-bye”! We are in the airport after a fun-filled day of playing in the ocean, the pool, and getting sand between our toes – all in the middle of winter! We actually missed part of our day since we woke up at 10 AM Hawaii time. I have no idea how that actually happened because we went to bed around 10 PM. We had to wake up A and A! Yes, I do know how that happened – we’re all exhausted! In all reality, our little stop over has hopefully helped our recovery from the extreme jet lag; and what better place to gradually ease back into east coast time than in Hawaii? We recommend this stop-over to everyone coming to China! I know it delays the “getting home”, but its been so fun.

Thanks Sheryl and Eric for the great accommodations! That was nicer than we would have ever booked ourselves and we hardly wanted to leave the resort at all! All of the beach and pool pics were taken at our hotel (how do you like the view?) and we loved it. We ventured out today to the Dole pineapple plantation, the North Shore (saw a few waves, but missed most of the surfers) and by Pearl Harbor. My dad served in the Navy there in the Korean war. Aunt Amy was born in Hawaii while he was stationed here, so we visited the “Amy Museum”, but even though we are relatives we had to pay and wait in line!!!! Ha Ha!

What struck me was the size of the island we were on – I had no idea it was so big and very mountainous! Of course, it is beautiful. We drove way out of town to get to the North Shores and got to see several rainbows and huge mountains that reached into the clouds! Like I said, a beautiful stop-over on the way home.

Two flights left – to San Francisco and then to Atlanta. We arrive about 3:45 on Sunday afternoon. I will be so glad to get off that last plane. This is an incredibly hard trip to make (I know no one feels sorry for us after looking at today’s pics, anyway!). The flying and the jet-lag are rough. I must say with all that considered, that the girls (all of them) have done amazingly well. Only a fuss or two every so often, but overall, they have been great!

Can’t wait to see you all at home! Thanks so much for your prayers. I can’t even adequately thank everyone who has said a prayer or two (or more) for our safety, Alaina’s adjustment, Ally’s acceptance, and our health! We are amazed each time we see Alaina laugh or prance around or giggle. Again, thank you!