Rowdy March Madness

Between Lance and Erika going to Vegas, and my trip to Hawaii, it's been weeks since Rowdy has been here.  I got a text from Erika saying Lance would drop him off at 8:30, so I was surprised when Lance phoned at 8:05 saying they were outside.  Early bird gets the worm.

All was well, until "Dada" left. The boy has a serious crush on his dad at this point in his life, and Tutu wasn't going to cut it.  We worked it out, and after about 20 minutes, we were in the swing, but not before I caught some "stink eye"

I brought out more toys. The box of DVD's seemed to distract him, and finally he was up to a little breakfast.  I don't think he's been spooning much, as it was on the floor and tray...we'll hit this hard next time.  :-)

I have been keeping Ty's special toys behind the sofa for safe keeping.  Much to my surprise, Rowdy went behind the sofa.  Who knew he would "just fit" and enjoyed playing back there.  When I peeked  over the sofa, he gave me a wave.  So funny!

Quickly grabbing the play money, and small pieces he went on his way, and when he finally came out, he came over and spit out a piece of play paper money..  hmmmmm

The cats tried to cat nap, but Rowdy was far too interested in playing with them.  It amazes me that they don't try to scratch him, but when they tire of his antics, they just move to higher ground.

I brought out the Dr. kit, and he enjoyed playing with that. I present to you, Dr. Rowdy

checking his temperature

Rowdy is seriously growing some hair right now.  His toupee is almost a thing of the past....he's going to need a hair cut before long!

double checking his temp
And then time to chase the cats again!

There is no more crawling, Rowdy is an official walker now, and he's busier than ever!I have locked the cupboards with rubber bands and shut the doors.  Once he learns to open the pocket doors, we will have a problem, but for now, the lockdown is working. 

I know we were busy, because when I put him in the high chair for lunch, he was nodding off.  This is my productive time, so best get off the computer and get some work done..

Home Sweet Home

Hawaii was fabulous, no doubt about it, but there's something nice about coming home as well.  Two big reasons are Teak & Ty,

Baby Teak sporting his Hawaiian finery to welcome Tutu home...he's changed so much in two weeks!

I went to Ty's kindergarten class this morning.  So fun to see all the smiling faces.  Got a huge hug from the teacher and was assured how much I was missed!  The kids all got Aloha bracelets that they seemed to enjoy.Ty reading his 125 Humpback facts

I'm sleepy, working on the laundry, bags are unpacked, gifts handed out, and it was raining...now the sun is out, and the valley greens are at their best.  Nice to be back, but here are some reminders of Hawaii

Such gorgeous colors in the flowers, the father son silhouette on the board, and our nightly visitor the gecko who sat on the outside of the window catching bugs. Mr. Hawaiian spider who's web said X marks the spot guarded our front door. And the final sunset.

 The Rea's and Lee's have one more week in Hawaii.  I said my good byes to them, and hope they are living it  up in their final week. 

Now back to the beauty that lies at home...grand babies and raindrops. All cozy inside.  Life is good

Last day in Paradise

Drum roll, conch shells blowing in the distance as the sun sets.  MG is headed home today.  Goodbye to her happy place.  Farewell palm trees whose leaves rustle softly and soothe me to my very core.  Goodbye ocean that holds such beauty within.  So long gentle giants..my playful dancing whales. See you another time. Tiki torch is extinguished....................

Back to Kapalua Bay for one last snorkel before I leave.  The sun was shining, the sand was warm, the ocean was little more choppy, and I was bob bob bobbing along as I paddled a path through the water.  Not the same snorkel experience as before, but no two are ever the same.  I saw an eel that scared the bajoobies out of me.  Once my heart rate returned to normal rhythms, I resumed my paddling path around the coral.

I am so thankful that I'm here, and I need to remember to be grateful for all I have and all the wonderful places I've been, but especially I need to thank God for good health.

Yesterday we saw a man, so thin it took our breath away.  With several people helping him, he was led down to the water and with much effort put on flippers and a mask.  The people around him were gently holding him up as he snorkeled and watched the wonder of what was under the sea.  As they came out, Wayne offered to assist the woman who was helping the man, and later he spoke with her.  The man is her brother, he has cancer and only 30 days left to live.  His last wish was to go to Hawaii and snorkel.  I told Susie, if that's ever me, help me out, let me snorkel, then let the fish have their way with me. It really was a very sobering moment.

 A couple exchanging wedding vows, a new beginning for them.  Tears at the end, and hope of the future.  I love weddings, and how special to be able to witness one as a voyer.

 Young children playing on the rocks, looking for wonders hiding in the rocks...all of their lives ahead of them.

 The glorious Kapalua Bay with the island of Molokai in the distance.  Truly one of God's beautiful masterpieces.

 A family portrait taken on the beach, no doubt being used for next year's Christmas card. Such wonderful family memories being made.

This man's final wish to snorkel in Hawaii.  Once 220 lbs and a very healthy non smoker, who watched what he ate, exercised regularly, who will hopefully be with God soon.

The beach, Maui, one of the most glorious places I've ever visited.  I never tire of it, never cease to be amazed by the splendor of it all.  The clouds, the flowers, the water, the flora and the fauna...all so perfect.


After our beach time, we headed to Kaanapali beach to have lunch at Leilani's.  It's a nice outdoor restaurant, and once again I was fortunate to enjoy fresh fish tacos.  Then we ladies all shared hula pie.  Oh my. Such a sweet decadent treat!

The group declared it Mary Gene day and said my wish would be granted.  I hadn't been to the Hyatt and Swan Court for years.  When Lucy was a little girl, she used to feel like a princess in a Disney movie when we would go down the staircase and enter the Court for brunch. The swans would swim around a pond while we dined.  It had been years, and took in all the lovely grounds and interesting landscape and water fowl.

This is an African crested crane.  How he loved showing off!  Almost as if he wanted his photo taken.

A peek at the gorgeous pool.  Woosh, this is an amazing view!

What would swan court be without swans?  The gorgeous black swan...and the lovely white lady. Swimming and reflecting in their separate pools.

Here is what awaits you when you descend the stairs to arrive at Swan Court.  In my memory it was so much more grand.  Am I now jaded? Have I been too many places, or am I just getting too old?  Made me kind of sad, as I remembered this being such a magical place.  Perhaps I just needed a little girl to see it through her eyes.

My last full day.  The ocean was whale soup.  They were dancing and jumping out of the water more than we've seen on any other day.  Saying good bye to me, or so I like to think. And then, a gorgeous brilliant sunset, the final blender and BBQ with great friends,  to give me the sweet memory until I return.

A Whaler's life for me

Since the ladies are the card carrying member of the Pacific Whale Foundation, one of our perks was a free trip to return to the whales.  All the planets were aligned, and we arrived for check in at 8:15 for our 9:00 departure.

The sun was shining, and it appeared to be a full boat.  We were loving our other perk which was early boarding.  Knowing the lay of the land, we were quick on our feet, and secured our perfect position on the top deck.

Camera's were poised ready for any action.  I wasn't going to be fooled this time, I knew what I was looking for and wasn't going to take endless photos of the ocean with whales not performing.  We tried sweet talking them, we tried coaxing them, we tried silence, and in the beginning it seemed as if nothing was going to help.

Then, in front of the boat, at 12:00 (boat talk) we saw a herd of competition males.  These are the fellas that try to win over the female for their affection.  Not unlike many boys you know, these guys play rough.  There was puffing and huffing, slamming, etc.

This young guy thrilled us with his fluke flying high..so close to the boat I was shocked that I had the camera in the right spot.

The competitive pod consisted of five whales.  Here are two that were getting into it.

We were so thrilled with all the flukes, but feeling greedy we started calling for a breach.  I wanted to be close and to capture that gentle giant propelling himself out of the water.  Our first trip, we didn't see any.  We see several each day from our lanai, and I really wanted one shot of whale close to us doing his thing. 

We noticed whales on the opposite side of the boat to where we were camped.  I slipped down the stairs and made my way to the back of the boat.  I had been avoiding this area, as it's where they told people to go who were feeling sea sick.  I didn't want to see anyone losing their breakfast, but the need to see the whales was greater.  Lots of room, and I stood on the rail when I heard a noise, firing my camera like a crazy woman, I prayed that the photos would be focused.  I returned to the top and told the girls, he'd breached and I hoped I'd gotten it...here for your viewing pleasure is the big kahuna of Lahaina, a nice show he put on.

The sounds the whales made were amazing.  When they blow, it's shockingly loud, and one whale in particular sounded like a loud horse blowing air through their mouths.  We learned that when whales spout, it's not water inside of them, but water on their outside they are blowing away, as well as mucus.  Yes, good old snot.  This one's for you Ty guy...whale snot..scientists use this DNA to tell whether the whale is male, female, or pregnant.  Useful stuff, eh?

So the white floaters are what the whale blew.  He just didn't have a hankie.

Here is an example of a boat that is too close to the whales.  There is a 100 yard minimum that you are supposed to keep.  We watched this boat chasing the competitive males, and they did get up close and personal.

As we returned to the harbor, I was feeling so satisfied.  The ocean was glistening, the sun was beating down, the whales had cooperated beautifully, and I felt so thankful to be able to spend time in this paradise.

I have one more full day in Maui, The Rea's and Lee's have another week.  It's been fabulous, that's for sure. We left the boat, and met Gary & Wayne at "Jack's" a pirate themed restaurant that sits upstairs and overlooks Front Street.  Yummy ono tacos, and a cold beer to celebrate a day of whaling.

                                       The End!  Such a cute little hitchhiker.....