THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS!: Polynesian Cultural Center, Hanauma Bay, Kualoa Ranch, Waimea Falls

First, I must acknowledge that the Pina Colada served in the pineapple and the pineapple creme bru lee served at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) Lu au are divine! I wish I had one of each right at this very moment:).

The day before we went to the PCC, I took my phone into the ocean in one of those safe waterproof bags that proved to not be so safe. All of my pictures from the last five days were on it. We put the phone in rice overnight, and by morning, it was apparent that my phone did not have much longer to live. I was a bit of a mess because I had not backed it up to the cloud recently. JD wanted to head out and enjoy the day. I did not want to go anywhere until I knew my photos were saved. I love how far technology has evolved. I had my computer and strategically airdropped ninety-nine percent of the pictures before the phone forever died.

The PCC was an exciting place. It was fun, but I think other than the

Lu au, it would have been more entertaining with children. We were thankful

we did not have little ones to care for during the Lu au.

We had these very cool tattoos applied. JD chose the warrior, and I picked the chief. JD felt it was culturally incorrect for me to desire the chief tattoo.

I assured him that it was the twentieth century and there was a reason the queen's tattoo was in the center of the chief tattoo.

Husbands and wives, chiefs and queens are one and meant to work together as equal partners like The Family Proclamation says:).

Right outside the PCC is a place to buy mixed sodas.

This massive soda we were drinking was $5.

Seriously, the best deal you will find ANYWHERE in Hawaii.

I love how the rolls and potato salad are purple.

Pictures are not allowed at the evening Lu au, but

we loved the story and show. It reaffirms the truthfulness that families are forever

and that our loved ones are never very far away.

KUALOA RANCH

I was freaking excited to go on the jungle cruise and

get to see the Jurassic Park sign and sites.

I did not see a reason to read the instructions

or details when choosing our adventure.

Seemed self-explanatory.

I was wrong, and I opted for the incorrect venture.

Our journey did not see the side of the mountain

with all the Jurassic Park stuff.

We did get to see the place where parts of Jumanji

was filmed. I guess that is cool.

We did enjoy

getting to know the others on our

the tour.

Our tour guide had incredible stories, and the scenery was breathtaking,

so we will count it as a win. Even if we didn't get to see what

we thought we signed up for

because I picked the wrong tour.

Why am I making this beautiful facial expression? The only conclusion

I can come up with is I am feeling very passionate about the fact that,

EVERY DAY IS A BLESSING!

Stuffed Lobster Dog, pineapple, and mango churro

Why Not?

Once again, here is that beautiful facial expression.

Everywhere in Hawaii, signs to buy chilled coconut exist.

We tried it and did not love it.

I love to see the Temple!

We ended up back at the temple later in the week.

Across the street from the temple is a gated garden that overlooks the ocean.

It was right down the street from our hotel, which meant

we were able to see it a few times.

We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oahu North Shore.

This was our view. I loved waking up to this view every day.

We loved this hotel. They check out beach chairs, toys, and scuba gear. The courtyard has all kinds of games and activities during the day. We did not use these accommodations, but it was nice to know they were available.

North Shore shuts down early, so we did use the Rummikub game they had on hand.

(I won't mention the fact that I always won:).