Surf

The boys learned to surf on this Hawaii trip. We have lots of pictures taken by a photographer who was on a board, on the water, following them around during their lesson. The pictures are amazing - and so is the absolute joy and pride on their faces as they managed to stand up and ride a wave for the first time. The pictures are priceless and we are so glad to have them. They had a ball and are 'hooked'. B. is already planning to surf in Santa Cruz, etc. Of course, he doesn't realize that the 25 degree + water difference temperature will dampen his enthusiasm for California surfing - but for now, he wants to add surfing to his list of 'favorite' activities.

They also experienced scuba diving for the first time and loved it as well. Their amazement at the 'world' under the ocean was priceless and they were so excited about another new 'sport' to get into. J. and I enjoyed snorkeling almost as much as the boys enjoyed diving. Seeing fish in the ocean that you've only seen in pictures or salt water aquariums was amazing - and as J. promised, those beautiful fish are everywhere and easy to see with a snorkel and mask. The sailing/diving cruise we took for a day last Saturday was well worth the $$ - though the blistering sunburn I got has taken 3+ days to recover from. I emerged from my self-imposed confinement today and headed to the beach with the guys for some playing in the surf.

The waves today are between 4-6 feet. The water is so clear that you can see into the waves as they crest. The boys got sand in their pants, naturally. We stopped for Starbucks iced tea and Hawaiian shave ice before returning home for a quiet evening. Dinner plans are cheap chinese from the local mall shop. I am hoping to remain awake until at least 11PM when we will be within the 24 hour window to try to (please, oh please may we be able to) upgrade our flight to 'Economy Plus' for a bit of extra leg room. We are hoping/trying/praying we will sleep on the way home - so that extra leg room is a BIG difference when you're trying to sleep sitting up.

Hawaii has been wonderful - an amazing place to 'escape' to and enjoy the sand and sea and wind. I want to come back and even think that when we win the lottery, we might just retire here.

But I'll be glad to be home. And even returning to work on Monday will be OK - I sort of missed my friends there and the students that keep me young. But we'll be back. We're already planning B.'s senior trip and it will probably be here, though we'll probably do another island next time.