Days 7, 8, & 9--soccer, soccer, soccer, luau, and more soccer

We were on the soccer field for days 7, 8, and 9. Erin played in 5 games over the three days. The girls played well, and had a blast. They ended up winning the tournament! They had fun playing, but to actually be the "champions" was an added bonus! Erin also enjoyed just hanging out with the team in between games, and at team dinners. After the championship game, we all went to the team's hotel and took pictures of the girls in the water, and then they swam around in their uniforms for hours. What a way to end our trip!

We are the Champions!

Ready to receive a pass

Chasing down the ball

On Saturday night, we attended a luau with her team, and her other team that she played on all spring. Erin enjoyed the pre-luau activities--getting a tattoo (not real), holding birds, making a lei, riding a canoe, etc. The show was also good.

Doing the Hula

Day 6--Snorkeling & Parasailing

Day 6--What a great day! We started out nice and early and went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Then it was off to meet one of Erin's teammate for some parasailing. I wasn't so sure about it, but Erin really wanted to go, so I bit the bullet and went. It was really fun. We were even able to spot some turtles. Erin was singing the entire time we were up in the air. It was great to see her have such a great time. Tomorrow it is finally time for some soccer!

Yes, we are up there!

Hanauma Bay

Day 4 and 5--Turtles and Dolphins

Day 4--We started out the day nice and early going on a morning catamaran sail. We got to snorkel with some turtles. They would just "pop" up next to you. The actual "sail" was nice also. Then we went to enjoy the beach at our hotel.
The soccer team that Erin is playing on invited us to go to their hotel in Ko'Olina to watch the USA vs. Argentina game. I wish I could say I enjoyed the game, but I can say that I enjoyed the company. Erin didn't watch any of the game, but got to hang out with all the girls in the pool. (Erin did somehow stub her toe--might have broken it--not sure how well she is going to play soccer in two days.)

Erin enjoying the catamaran

Day 5--Erin and I went to Sea Life Park to swim with dolphins today. The actual park was a bit sad--hardly any animals, not much to really do or see. Our dolphin encounter was great! We did get to feed some birds--Erin loved this. She was very cute, especially at the beginning, when they first landed on her--she couldn't stop smiling.

Erin loved feeding the birds

Loving the dolphins

Day 3--North Shore

Today we went to the North Shore. First, we found a good spot to stop and went snorkeling. We had a great time. Next, we stopped at Turtle Beach, and we were hoping to see some turtles. Luckily, we did. It is amazing how they just swim right out of the water, come to shore, and then just hang out for a bit. Next it was on to paddle boarding. We lasted about 2 hours--through some rain and shine. When it was raining, we tried to stay under a bridge to wait it out. When it got really warm and sunny, we just floated along and enjoyed the sunshine. We paddled over 3 miles before we were done. We had a great time! We could not leave the North Shore without having some shaved ice to end our time. Then it was off to find out hotel in Waikiki.

Erin and her turtle friend

Paddle boarding

Shaved Ice

Day 1 & 2: Traveling, Jungles, and Kayaking

Day 1 was basically a travel day...all day. By the time we flew, got our rental car, went shopping for snacks, checked into our hotel, and ate dinner....it was late, and we were tired. We are staying on the east side of the island for a couple of nights. It is a nice, relaxing hotel.

View from our balcony.

Day 2 started with breakfast outside on a terrace enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Then we went to Kualoa Ranch for a Jungle Jeep Expedition. It was fun. We went on a little hike up to a beautiful lookout point. Our favorite part was that we had a lot of Japanese tourist on our jeep, and whenever we went a bit fast, or downhill--they would all yell and get excited--it just made us giggle, since we were not going that fast.

Kualoa Ranch

One of the views from the Jeep Adventure

We then went back to our resort and went kayaking and swimming. It was a nice relaxing afternoon. Tomorrow it is off to the North Shore.

Erin thinks she is a kayak model!

Summer 2016--A Bit Different This Year

This summer we are not doing our usual "Family Vacation". This summer, Dan wanted to work on restoring his '57 T-bird, so we decided not to go on a big trip so we could use the money for the car. Kyle is doing summer school, which takes up most of the summer. So our plan was just to do a few weekend trips.....well, that changed!

Erin was on a Select soccer team this spring, and when they are in the U12 year, tradition is to go to Hawaii for a tournament. So due to the car, and summer school, only Erin and Wendy are going to Hawaii. We decided to spend a few days, just us, and then join the team for the soccer tournament. So we leave tomorrow!

Stay turned for our "Girl Adventures"!