Kona, Hawaii
Bob, das Father-in-Law, had rented a compound that consisted of 4 homes situated on 2 acres of land with 2 swimming pools. The homes were centrally located on the property but far enough away to give everyone a bit of privacy. We bunked in the main house with 7 other family members, including El Hefe, where most of the cooking for family meals took place. This was the biggest of the homes and had one of the swimming pools just outside the patio so it worked well as the “meeting place”. Got a few pics of the flowers around the house.
Look close!
For our time here we decided to adopt the native Hawaiian culture and name our home appropriately. We called it, “Kona Homnopoopooindapool”. Just an aside, Kona, in the Hawaiian language means leeward or “dry” side, while ko’olau means windward or “wet” side. Our “dry side” of the island was perfect for lounging at the pool or hitting one of the state beaches for a sandcastle contest. The little guys, Jaidynn and London, really enjoyed a chance to get their feet wet and play in the sand. I think their Mom enjoyed it as well!
Our artistic daughter demonstrating her sand castle skills
Of course, no one read this sign before they started digging on the beach!
Because of the size of this group, dinner out was a real challenge. In total we had 23 family and friends at the compound so finding a restaurant that could seat us was difficult but not impossible. Lava Lava Beach Club was more than willing to take in the herd for dinner, since it was Papa Bob’s birthday. Huh? Bob was born in January! Guess we can celebrate anytime!
Dinner was good, lots of conversation and time to enjoy the sunset, right on the beach! Also was a great time for Aunt Jessie to teach Jaidynn how to Hula dance! Good meal, beautiful sunset and homegrown Hula dancing, really nice evening. Even the birthday boy enjoyed it!
And so the week went on. Beach time, pool time, strolling downtown and having a few drinks, just your basic hanging out vacation. Papa and Nana (Dan and Collette) got some time with the grandkids and some time to catch up with the rest of the family. Jaidynn and London are both attracted to water and had a wonderful time jumping from the deck to Nana’s arms or swimming around in the hot tub with a beer. (Just an empty can but London became attached to it)
Nothing beats a popsicle after a hard day of swimming!
Judges????
Now no theme event would be complete without some element of creating the environment, such as dressing in the era, props or maybe a little make-up. Then again, some people just went too far!
What the Jacksons would have looked like had they listened to Michael.
With the week wrapping up and people having just about as much as they can stand of each other, we wrap up our stay in Kona and descend on the airport. As luck would have it, the airline had changed seats on a few of our family members, seems airlines do this just to make sure you have something to complain about. Although our seats were assigned months before the trip, and as a group, that didn’t stop Alaska airlines from trying to separate Lindsay and Leo and their kids. After some compromise, Collette and I ended up several rows back in the plane but at least Lindsay and Leo and the kids stayed together. Just when you thought you were going to get through without someone trying to screw it up!
Another long flight, collect the bags and meet the shuttle bus for the ride home. By the time its all said and done, its past midnight and everyone headed off on their own. Pretty amazing that with the herd we had, everyone seemed to enjoy the time together. Kona did provide an excellent backdrop for family photos. Hey, everyone is smiling!
Back in California and off tomorrow on our way to God’s Country, Colorado. We don’t have a hotel room so we’ll just stop and get one somewhere along the way. Till tomorrow……….