Travel Tuesday

We were in Hawaii last week for our family vacation. To say we had a great time is a bit of an understatement. We did so much and had plenty of new experiences. There was a lot of hiking, sightseeing, the young boys surfed, lots of sun and pool time, kayaking and snorkeling. 

And the food--plenty of that and new things too. I had ramen for the first time amidst the locals. We stopped for shaved ice on the walk back--another first for me. It was so delicious. Okay, I have to share a couple pictures!

They were so huge--we shared. Steph and Nicky got the strawberry/banana.

I don't even remember what ours had. Nicky asked--on my behalf--since that's what I always do--"Which is the most popular?" Butch and I got that. I don't remember the flavor, but it was called "Seas the Day!" It was delish--we couldn't even finish it all. 

The Hyatt Resort in Maui was so beautiful--we were all upgraded to huge rooms overlooking the ocean. It's one of the nicest resorts we've ever been to. It didn't hurt that there were many exotic animals right in the hotel--penguins, huge koi and other fish, assorted parrots, feral cats and mute swans--even a black one. The grands and I did the nature walk which was so interesting and pretty. I do love a good tour (Pearl Harbor was our favorite).

All in all another memorable trip.

Here is a sampling of family pictures.

But then, as with just about all of our trips lately, the airline nearly ruined it. I think everyone's flights went smoothly--except ours! We already had a long day to look forward to: flying from Maui to LA to Atlanta and then to Nashville. All went smoothly up until the end. We were due to arrive home in Nashville at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday (after leaving Maui on Saturday at noon--left the resort at 9 a.m.). We thought we were in the clear when we took off on time from Atlanta. Instead, we get all the way to Nashville and are then informed that we couldn't land due to heavy fog. I did not understand that as I had a window seat and the ground was perfectly clear. Next, they made the announcement that we would have to go to Chattanooga to refuel. What?? Airplanes do not travel with a full tank of gas? Atlanta to Nashville is less than an hour. How could they be out of gas? I was not happy. 

We finally made it to the house around 12:30 p.m. I am seriously thinking that I am DONE with long flights. Well, except for the trips we already have planned for next year. Costa Rica isn't all that far--maybe closer than LA. I am going with my girlfriends on the Queen Mary 2--NYC to Southhampton, England (London). That's going to be 7 days traveling! But we'll be in luxury! Still, we will have the long flight home from there. 

We'll see how I feel in a year. As for now, I am done!