Friday, November 8, 2013

Hawaii - Part 6

Going to Germaine's Luau is a staple of our Hawaiian trips.  James and I went on our honeymoon, then again when his parents took us to the islands in 2001, and Mom and Dad went (on our recommendation) on their anniversary trip.  It's just relaxed and a place to let your hair down without fear of looking dumb.  And the kahlua pig is delish (dipped in poi, of course!).

We attempted to get a lovely family picture inside our home in our matching luau wear - but you'll notice that there are only five kids pictured

Because this is where the youngest one was - throwing a fit on the sofa

Waiting for the unearthing of the pig

The girls thought the dancers were just beautiful

The boys didn't really care

Leaving the stage after some epic hula-dancing by Elle, Cecily, Allegra, Aunt Liz, and Me

I love this photo-bomb of the picture ofAunt  Liz, Allegra & Cecily

Cecily with her "adopted" parents, Aunt Liz & Uncle Ryan

Ah memories.  The instant after this photo was snapped, we discovered that Elinor had an epic blowout (too much haupia pudding, maybe LOL).  Like, massive.  It was awful, seriously.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Hawaii - Part 5

We relaxed on Saturday with a full day on the beach (on the eastern side of Oahu).  It wouldn't have been a Plautz family outing without sandwiches packed in coolers for lunch (no matter where we went, even if we were travelling across the country, we always passed up fast food/dining out for packed meals - white bread, miracle whip, cheese, and bologna/ham).  It's something my family almost never does because I didn't like it as a kid at all, but now I get a laugh out of it.  My goodness, just looking at that beautiful water makes me long for the warmth and ease of that day!

Grandpa and the boys

Just gorgeous - the older folks and Hero swam out to that island in the distance and Ryan got to see a sea turtle

Cecily with her sandwich

Elle with her sandwich (I think she ate a few other people's sandwiches as well while we weren't looking)

Dad, Aunt Liz, Uncle Ryan, Hero, and Colin, tossing the football back and forth

Grandpa spending some time with the littles

Grandpa & Elle chilling on the beach

Monday, November 4, 2013

Hawaii - Part 4

On the first full evening of our Hawaiian trip, we celebrated the true reason we were there - Mom.  Mom had always dreamed of going to Hawaii (and Dad of going back there - he had gone on his senior class trip there in '76), and finally, in celebration of their 25th anniversary, they went on the trip of a lifetime.  Mom fell in love with the Islands, and made it known that she wanted to be laid to rest there.  It was one of those things that you knew, but never imagined would have to be put into action so soon in her young life.  But, after a year's worth of planning or so, there we were.  While James and I handled the majority of the trip planning, Dad handled the memorial cruise himself.  We had a private sunset cruise with a Christian minister, a Hawaiian musician, catered dinner, fresh leis, flower petal scattering, dove release, and fireworks.  Mom could be a bit over the top at times, and she loved to do things on a fantastical scale, so it was befitting that that's how her memorial went.  After a short service, we took turns scattering her ashes of the back of the boat as the sun was setting and the musician was playing Iz's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.  It was a solemn and tender moment of faith and family.    





Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Wife and Dear Mother
Dad and the Three of Us