R&R 2010

My sweet sweet boy came home from Iraq last month for some much needed and WELL DESERVED R&R. It was two glorious weeks, and we enjoyed every minute! I made some signs for the kids to have at the gate so he could see us right away. Aiden was really getting pumped as we pulled into the airport. I think everyone from the parking garage to the security guards to the TSA guys to everyone else that Aiden could steal attention from knew EXACTLY why we were there and who we were picking up. We did a few practice runs of waving the signs and choosing the perfect spot to stand once we got to Jon's gate. Aiden would NOT stop talking..so I told him to look for the plane with 2 letter "As'' that will come to THIS jet way. It bought me a few minutes of semi-silence...as well as a moment for me to compose myself. I was just as excited, if not more than Aiden!

The plane lands and people start to trickle out...and finally I see the handsomest man I've ever known coming out the jet way. It felt like the first time we met in person, which was in an airport terminal as well. OH THE JOY! The webcams and the instant messaging everyday for the last 8 months didn't hold a candle to seeing Jon in person. I couldn't just stand there..so I took off running (which wasn't far) and hugged him as quick as I could! Averie was in my arms..a little confused as to why I was squealing and jumping up and down and hugging her daddy. It took Aiden only a second, then he ran up and gave his Daddy Jonny the biggest hug he could.


A couple asked if they could take our picture with my camera so we could all be in one together...so we were able to get a couple shots at the gate. I will never forget the look on Averie's face..just staring at Jon as if she was thinking.."I SWEAR I know you from somewhere...now where on Earth is it?!" She went to him without complaint and he was able to keep her all the way to the car. This was the first official snuggle...

We got Jon's luggage and went straight to Chili's. We were all hungry, and Jon hadn't had anything to eat on the plane. I don't exactly know what I was expecting having Jon back...but it was like he never left. Like the last 8 months didn't even happen! I of course, was completely okay with that ;)

We spent the first few days just lounging around, hitting the pool, eating, watching TV, and eating some more. I think eating was our most frequent activity. Once again, I was completely okay with that! We were leaving the next week for our trip to the Big Island at Hilton's Waikoloa Village, AKA "the dolphin hotel." So we got packed up and headed off!
Our big island trip started with me leaving my cell phone (our only source of communication and a GPS) at home on our nightstand, as well as grumpy kids at the airport. Every time I look at the picture below I start laughing. Ohh the joys of parenthood ;)
Once we got on the plane, landed and checked in, the kids were much happier...
Our room was AMAZING and from our lanai you could see the salt fed lagoon for Kayaking snorkeling swimming etc., the ocean, as well as the dolphin lagoon which was just below us! The resort has 14 dolphins living there, and Aiden and I got to get in the water with one named "Shaka" on our first morning. I LOVED IT...and I know it was more for Aiden than me...but I could have stayed in there all day. Of course Aiden was on CLOUD 9, and we are STILL waiting for the day when he will stop talking about his experience! We obviously made a good decision by choosing this resort!

We spent the rest of our week there going to the pool everyday, all day. A little shopping at the Queen's Marketplace and in Kona was on the list as well. We had great intentions of going to see the volcanoes, but after we discovered how long the kids would have to sit in the car, we decided against it. That and the fact we had nothing but flip flops...probably not the best footwear for walking on lava rock.

The resort has a monorail as well as boats to take you around since it's so big. Below is us riding on one of the boats...


Aiden is talking to one of the dolphin trainers telling her that he's going to be a trainer too..On the grass watching the dolphin show...

More pool time!
We truly had a GREAT time and really wanna go back again before we leave Hawaii! I'll post our 2nd week of Jon's R&R soon!