A Lazy Day

We chose to take it easy today. Steve worked in the morning, so the boys and I drove down to Kailua-Kona to check out the public library. For the grand sum of $10, we now possess our own Hawaii State Public Library System card, good for three months.

After browsing the library for a bit, we went to a must-stop destination -- Hilo Hattie's. This Hawaii souvenir/clothing store has it all, including complementary shell leis when you walk in the door. (A few more trips there, and I'll have free souvenirs for all of you!) Then, a quick trip to Safeway (our home away from home, it seems) and we were headed back to the house.

Our original plan for today was to make a quick beach trip this afternoon, before Steve's parents arrived. (More on that below.) But, we quickly realized that we've been going pretty much nonstop since we got here and decided to relax around the house instead.

So, we played a little Uno, read some books, watched some Three Stooges and Pokemon (the boys, not me), and basically just chilled out.

Now we're waiting for Steve's parents to finally get here. They have had nothing but challenges on every leg of their travels. At this point, we hope their last flight (from Honolulu) will arrive around 10:10 tonight, putting them technically here today. I can only imagine how wiped out they will be when they get here.

Tomorrow the boys will be taking part in a 90-minute Dolphin Quest program that includes 30 minutes of time in the water with the dolphins. The program is being held at Hilton Waikoloa Village, known as the Disneyland of Hawaii. The resort features a tram (think of the Disney monorail) and boats (actually designed by Disney engineers) that sail through the canals throughout the resort. Last time Steve and I were here (in 2001), we spent an afternoon just riding around the place taking it all in. (Plus, the tram was air-conditioned, I was newly pregnant with David, and it was HOT.)

Paying for this dolphin program is probably the biggest splurge I've ever done for my kids (not counting paying for private school for M, which I don't really consider a splurge). But, we're on the vacation of a lifetime and, honestly, I will probably never do something like this again with them. So, watch for some photos from the dolphin time in tomorrow's post.

The sky started off very clear for tonight's sunset, but a few pesky clouds moved in right as the sun approached the horizon. Still, I think it was another beautiful night. Enjoy!