Is this Heaven?

Nope, it’s the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island

I could have sworn this was Heaven

Is there a heaven?

Oh yeah. It’s the place where dreams come true.

Then maybe this is heaven.

It’s not Field of Dreams, but there is no doubt this hotel is close. It’s our final show from Hawaii. It was time to reflect back on what a wonderful trip it was. In case you missed any of the shows from there, you might want to check this one out. Plus learn more about the Fairmont Orchid. Trust me, next time you go to the Big Island, that is the place you want to be. Find out why.

Plus from the parenting side of things, Laura and Todd were getting a bit testy with each other as they moved to the end of the vacation. It can happen after a month on the road.  Todd is never afraid of calling Laura out. Find out how she responds.

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When you get ready to crack open an Oyster, you don’t know what it’s going to be like. Maybe a dud? Maybe something beautiful. Our journey began with little sleep,  two tired young boys who had no breakfast (their choice) and whom were charging down towards our gate with reckless abandon. They were going to Hawaii.

I can honestly say that it really doesn’t matter how old you are, you always feel like a kid again when you say, “We’re going to Hawaii!” When do you know if the trip is going to be a success or not? At the check-in. That seems to set the tone. Get a bad baggage handler, a bad greeter or a computer that won’t work and boom! The trip is off on the wrong foot. No such luck for us. Hawaiian Airlines nailed it, even with the flowers to get us all in the mood.

Hawaiian is kind of like Tiger Woods without all those issues. Straight down the fairway every time.  You are going to get the smiles, maybe a song, the friendliness, the helpful people, the choices. It’s just what they do and now being that it is our 3rd time doing this trip with them. I can honestly say, they got it down. In fact, I might even have a shot at an eagle.

Hmmm, golfing in Hawaii. Nope, not gonna get away with that. The trip was flawless, though I will be honest, we almost left without Laura and Drew. They went off somewhere before the plane left Portland and well, I like to get on planes early. To me it wasn’t a big deal. Then I looked at Connor and realized he was kind of panicked. I hadn’t thought about him. Even though he is 7, and so often I think of him as a big boy, he still wants to make sure his mommy is ok and with him.

Well, we are now here enjoying the beautiful Island and people. Not to say that Portland doesn’t have that but with everyone being so happy to be here and the fact that everyone actually wants some rain in July because it is so hot,  there are some very cool people here.

Mahalo! We will talk more on Wednesday’s show from the Big Island. And thanks again to Hawaiian Airlines for getting us here. They were just what I needed.

Laura brought back more than just luggage and Macadamia nuts from Hawaii. She discussed what she learned and how she has utilized that as a parent, allowing her to connect even more with the boys. Todd referred to his big learning this week: “It’s happening for you, not to you.” Simple change, big difference…great show.

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The Fairmont, The Hilton, The Hawaii Island Retreat, the Dolphins, the Turtles, the fun! Yes the Big Island is all that an more. Todd talked about the amazing trip they just enjoyed with their kids and also spoke of travel issues. There is also one resource in this show every parent must hear. It could change the way you react with your family. It already is working for Todd.

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Aunty Audrey pays a visit and what a way to wrap up our 2 week stay in Hawaii. The Big Island is a treasure and Aunty Audrey explains why, plus she gives us a look into the souls of the people that make Hawaii such a wonderful healing place.

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In-Joy. We pronounce it that way, but do we ever live it that way? Laura and Todd share space and time and knowledge with Jeanne Sunderland, owner of Hawaii Island Retreat on the Big Island, a transformational place where parents can rejoice, rejuvenate and return to a place of peace.

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Todd and Laura talk about Hawaii’s great new Retreat center, Hawaii Island Retreat, an amazing locale for finding peace, joy, renewal of spirit and a sense of connectedness with oneself, with nature and with each other. Simply put, Jeanne Sunderland has created a destination for all parents to experience the true spirit of Hawaii.

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Nobody has really mentioned this to us, but the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island is the most kid friendly, kid fun hotel we have been to. You are welcomed by the variety of Parrots. Ziggy, (not pictured) actually kissed the boys while perched on their shoulders. Then we road the train and the boat around the campus, and I will call it that because it was so huge. After unloading back in the main lobby to retrieve the water bottles we had left there for an hour, we headed down to the TURTLES! I should have taken more pictures on the day, but I was having so much fun There is a beautiful salt water lagoon filled with fish, turtles and people. We actually rented out a kayak and paddled around. The boys found four different turtles and could have reached out and touched them if the rules weren’t “Don’t touch the turtles.”

What was fun for Laura and myself, and honestly a little scary is we took turns swimming behind the kayak and searching for the Turtles. In the afternoon, the water is rather murky and you can’t see more than a few feet, which means when all of a sudden a massive turtle is four feet from you, it’s rather terrifying. They are used to humans so they don’t take off. They just hang out, Hawaiin style. There was much more to see but we just ran out of time. We will go back, maybe even broadcast a show from there…It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all and yes, we slept very well.

The Big Island in Hawaii, Todd and Laura finally get a chance to share their experiences from this summer’s big adventure. Getting to this island paradise was easy thanks to Hawaiian Airlines. Since their arrival, they have seen many changes in each family member but maybe Laura the most: she got sunburned.

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Damn that Portland Weather! With all of the rain and lack of sun, our bodies were pretty upon arrival on the white sandy beaches of Hawaii. As of the morning of Day 2, Laura’s back is Rock Lobster red. I have a couple of spots and as of bed time last night, Connor had the back of his calves a little toasty and Drew was the only one that wasn’t bad, (he napped for 3+ hours).

The boys did love the beach as they chased each other up and down in the water. A woman berated Laura for being on her cell phone (she was actually calling me to tell me to come pick them up). Connor and I saw a turtle swimming close to shore. Connor actually led a group of boys who were swimming after the turtle trying to check it out.

It’s a great start. More to post after Day 2.