It’s Been A Swimmy Day All Around
The day started with subterfuge. See, it’s Jeff’s birthday next week and Danielle has been running herself ragged planning a surprise birthday party for him at their community pool. So, Bryan was the “ruse” and lured Jeff away for some manly tennis, in which Bryan planned to eradicate Jeff into tiny bits of tennis dust. That part of the plan didn’t go so well, since Jeff kicked Bryan’s ass, all sets, but everything else went off without a hitch. We all completely surprised Jeff and had a wonderful day at the pool with lots of friends.
While we were chillin’ by the pool, Danielle told me that as she was shopping for party supplies, including the biggest beach ball I have ever seen, she noticed a kids snorkeling set – that she almost picked it up for Declan, except it was for ages 6 and up. When I stopped laughing, I reminded her that most days, Declan can fit his huge noggin into my hats, so age 6 might even be a little small for him.
See, the 5 of us are trying to plan a trip to Hawaii over Christmas. Expert shopper that she is, Danielle reminded me that they probably won’t have snorkeling sets in the stores at Christmas time. Good point! And Danielle is determined that Declan go snorkeling with us in Hawaii.
So, I hurried down to Target after the party and scooped up the very last snorkeling set (for ages 6 and up, of course), the very last PFD (Declan does have one but this one is more streamlined and sassy for looking at fish), and the very last pair of water shoes in his size (I have never been to Hawaii, but I imagine beaches made from lava to be jaggy).
The kid is sooo set for Hawaii.
Now we just need to practice snorkeling in the bathtub.
(Click on any image to see it larger)
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Those pics are awesome, he looks adorable! AND READY TO GO!
Very, very cool.
And you’re right about Hawaiian sand – most of it is not the super soft stuff. Which island(s)? It’s amazing to see the difference between them based upon their ages. Kauai is really, really old so the volcanic ash has had some time to lose the rugged edges, but even the Big Island has some nice beaches.
Dex looks great in his gear.
J – We’re thinking Maui! Suggestions/thoughts?
And thanks and welcome MV!
Billy and I spent half of our honeymoon on Maui (after our Mediterranean cruise company went bankrupt, a hurricane hit our substitute Mexican resort, and there was a bombing in Bali, which was our next choice — we learned that purchasing guide books was the kiss of death and went to Hawaii without any written assistance) and we had a great time. For what it’s worth, my thoughts:
Don’t do the Road to Hana if you get car-sick. The scenery is beautiful, but the roads are crazy and personally the idea of sitting behind a huge line of cars to go slowly down the road isn’t worth it when there are so many other things to do. Others will likely disagree. If you do go, stop at the black sand beach.
I haven’t been, but I’ve heard that the bicycle ride at the volcano is amazing. I think it’s over 35 miles, but almost all downhill and I imagine that the scenery is unbelievable.
Pay lots of attention to the flags on the beach (do they do this in Mexico? I would imagine so). If they’re red, stay away and by all means don’t touch any thing that looks a little like a gelatin piece of glass on the beach – jellyfish are bad, bad, bad. But this doesn’t happen often.
Kaanapali Beach has great sand and lots of access to hotel bars and restaurants, if I’m remembering correctly. I think it’s not ideal if you want to be isolated from other people, but if that’s not a concern, it’s fantastic.
I like to rent convertible jeeps in Hawaii.
I’ve stayed at both resort hotels and condos that are rented by the owners. There are benefits to both, but if I’m staying any length of time, I prefer the condo.
Have a great time!
There is something unbelievably cute and funny about kids with swimming gear on…
He’s a cutie.
You’re right on about the lava rock being jaggy and wicked. It shreds tennis shoes. I love that snorkle set. Declan looks like a pro already!
I just love the fact that nothing seems to intimidate him. What an adorable kid. Sounds like you will have lots of fun. Alaskan Cruise – tentative for August 10th – 18th 2008. We are in final negotiations now and will keep you informed.
N went snorkeling in Florida last month and loved it. I bet Dex will, too! He is so handsome, Aimee.
And right before school starts too!
Bryan’s birthday 08! Alaska!