Friday Favorites

Oh, TGIF! This has been a busy, busy week of packing, selling, and trying to get organized for our big move back to the states! It's such an exciting time, but it is also incredibly stressful! We are making good progress though, and thankfully it looks like Johnathon won't be going to Honolulu for knee surgery next week, which really takes that extra level of craziness off of our whole situation! Since it's Friday, and we are going to be taking a break from all our packing this weekend to celebrate our friend Angela's birthday, and I get to perform in our long anticipated Hula show!! EEEEKKK I'M NERVOUS! But more on that in a bit, because it's time for me to link up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci for some Friday Favorites!

ONE

I never got around to recapping my Mother's Day, and I couldn't not share the sweet photo collage Johnathon made me for Mother's Day! I may or may not have casually reminded Johnathon that there wasn't a lot of fanfare surrounding Mother's Day in our house last year because...as he so earnestly told me..."But you're not my mom??!" Well, I gently informed him that I was Hadley's mom, and Mother's Day now applies to me too! :) I am happy to report that Mother's Day was celebrated with enthusiasm this year, and my day started off with a sweet card from Johnathon/Hadley and this awesome picture collage was waiting for me on the table! We spent that afternoon packing, but finished off the day with me putting my feet up while Johnathon made me this awesome Orange Chicken recipe that tasted just like Panda Express! (Don't judge...we don't have fast food here, and it's what I was craving!) A thoughtful gift to remind me of Hadley, and a day were I didn't have to cook is a perfect Mother's Day in my book!

TWO

Cecil & Lou Hot Pink Embroidered "Fiesta" dress

About five minutes after I found out that we were moving back to Texas, I set out to find Hadley a fiesta/Mexican mumu dress to wear when it is super hot this summer! Fortunately, last week was Cinco de Mayo so I had several options to pick from. I ended up going with this dress from Cecil & Lou and I can't wait for Hadley to rock this all summer long! 

THREE

I was so excited about moving back to Texas, that I spent the first weekend packing with a level of enthusiasm and intensity the likes of which my husband and most of the human race has never seen. I felt like if I could get everything packed right away then somehow that would get us home faster. Then I started getting to all the little crap that you have no idea what to do with, where it came from, or whether it has some sort of sentimental value to it or is worthless junk. That's pretty much where I'm at right now, and I still have more to go! So for now let me leave you with some e-cards that pretty much sum up my feelings on moving and packing...

THREE

Even though I am so excited to be moving back to Texas, I am really trying to soak up these last couple of weeks in our little island paradise, and to not take any of it for granted. Johnathon had to take a helicopter to work the other week, and took some really cool pictures of the islands in our atoll! It will be hard to ever find a place as naturally pretty as this...

  

FOUR

PB teen- Emily and Merritt bed of roses duvet cover

To say I am excited to find a house and start nesting would be a huge understatement. I have been waiting for this for so long, and I'm so excited to find our home and settle down! I have a pretty good idea of how I want our new house to look, but obviously I'm waiting to pick out specifics until we find a house, and I get to know the space. I have one room, however, that I can picture perfectly in my mind, and that is Hadley's room. I can see the exact color scheme, bedding...everything and I can't wait to get to decorating!  

Land of Nod Black Stripe Teepee

   

I Am His sign- House of Belonging

FIVE

Tomorrow is our big hula show that we have been preparing and practicing for MONTHS for!!! I am so excited, but the build up to this show has been so intense that I am starting to get super nervous! I'm also right in the front, and have this weird complex about what my face looks like when I dance! I'm worried I'm going to be focusing too much on toning down my axe murderer smile that I do when I get nervous, and not enough on my dance moves! I'm just ready for the show to be done and behind me! Wish me luck! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! xoxo 

Friday Favorites: Big News Edition!!!

Happy Friday everyone! As usual, I am linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci for some Friday Favorites!

I am doing something a little different for my Friday Favorites today because I have some big news to share with y'all...

WE ARE MOVING BACK TO TEXAS!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!! Specifically, the Dallas/Fort Worth area! I have been dying trying to keep the news inside, but we wanted to wait to tell everyone until it all became official. We have known for a couple of weeks now, and initially we were just going to tell our families and a few friends, but of course word got around, and I'm so excited to finally share the news with all of you!

I have been ready to go back to Texas for awhile now, but I feel like Johnathon didn't really hop on board until we went back to the states on vacation last Fall. It was so great being home and seeing both of our families, and now that we have Hadley, it made being so far away really hard. We decided at the start of the year that we would really start actively trying to return home, and it took until the end of April for us to get the good news that Johnathon had a job opportunity that would take us back to the states!

If I had to pick one word to describe the year so far it would be PATIENCE. I feel like God has been screaming that word down to me throughout this entire process. I am the kind of person who, once I decide I want to do something, I want to do it right then, so to have to wait around for God's timing to mirror my own has been humbling to say the least. I thoroughly believe God uses every situation we are in to speak to us, and to teach us, and even though I HATE waiting, I have learned to lean heavily on God and his timing and not my own understanding, and for that lesson alone I am grateful.

As for our move back....here are some details. We are flying out from Kwaj June 3rd, passing through Honolulu, then San Fransisco, then home to Austin on June 4th. We will spend some time with my parents and sister there before heading up to the DFW area.

This may or may not be our first stop once we get to Austin! Amen?!

We got rid of A LOT of stuff before moving out to Kwaj. We sold both of our cars, got rid of our cell phones, packed our furniture in storage because we couldn't take it with us, and moved out of our rental home. Because of this, we are going to have to hit the ground running when we get back, and I am so thankful that we have great friends and family back in the states to help us get resettled!

We are looking at several suburbs around the DFW area in which to move, but we haven't decided on a specific one yet. I feel like just when I sell myself on settling in one area, I will see a house or talk to someone about another area and my mind will completely change! A lot will depend on where I end up working, and I trust that God will place us exactly where he wants us to be! 

Johnathon and I rented a home before we moved to Kwaj, so this will make us first time home buyers!  This is easily the most exciting and scary part of moving back for us. I feel like Johnathon and I have always lived somewhere temporary (apartments, rental homes, army housing on Kwaj), so we are both looking forward to picking out our home, making it our own, and finally feeling settled in one place!

Even though my heart has been emotionally in Texas for awhile now, there are still no words for how hard it is going to be leaving Kwaj. Being so far from home really bonds you to the people out here, and we have made some truly amazing friends who I will miss more than I can possibly say. This little island is where our baby spent the first year of her life. It takes a village to raise a child, and I am so thankful for everyone in our "island village" who have loved Hadley like their own, and helped us navigate all the joys and pitfalls that come with the first year of parenthood. That is why this island will always have a part of our hearts. 

I take comfort in the fact that many of our friends out here are also from the DFW area, so I know that I will get to see them again! Several of our friends who used to live out here are already back in DFW and elsewhere around the states, and it will be so great to be close to them again! 

We are so excited for our new adventure, and can't wait for next month to get here. In the mean time we are packing, cleaning, and organizing like crazy as we try and get ready for the movers to pack up our stuff for Texas! These next couple of months are going to be BANANAS, and I ask for your prayers for a safe and smooth journey back to the states! Texas...we're comin' for ya! :)

Traveling to Waikiki/Oahu

Spring Break is around the corner, and what better place to thaw out and enjoy some sun and sand than Waikiki Beach?! Never been, and don't know where to start planning?! Look no further. If there is one thing Kwaj folks know a lot about, it is traveling through Honolulu, especially Waikiki.

My sister and I- Spring 2014

Johnathon and Hadley- Fall 2015

To get to Kwaj, there is only one United flight that leaves Honolulu every other day. So in order to get back to Kwaj from the states you pretty much have to spend the night in Hono, and most of us have made a vacation out of the layover at one point or another. So I gathered the greatest minds in Hawaii travel (my Kwaj girlfriends), and we came up with some of what we consider the best food, hotel, and activity stops in Oahu! 

** My disclaimer here is this: If you have never been to Hawaii, I would recommend Maui to you any day of the week! We went in 2011 with my family, and loved it. It had the beauty that you would expect from Hawaii, some bigger resorts, but also plenty of undeveloped nature and scenery. However, I know lot's of people want to go to Waikiki specifically, and we've traveled there the most so that's what I'm going to talk about today!**

HOTELS

1)  Moana Surfrider: A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

To me, this would be my #1 choice for a hotel on Waikiki. First of all, it is gorgeous. It is decorated to look like a fabulous Hawaiian plantation, and sticks out as the prettiest hotel on Waikiki beach. The hotel has a huge porch that runs along the back where you can eat at the restaurant, get a drink at the bar, people watch, or just relax in the rocking chairs. It is right on the main part of Waikiki Beach so you don't have to walk across busy streets to get to the beach (this is saying a lot since a large majority of Waikiki hotels are off the beach). Also, Westin hotels always have great beds in my opinion so that is an added bonus. The Moana Surfrider is the most expensive on the list, but if you want a hotel that has the bang for your buck, and is right in the middle of the action, this hotel is for you!

My sister and I at the entrance to Moana Surfrider

My mom and I on the back patio at Moana Surfrider

 

drinks on the patio with my mom and sister

2) Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

The Hilton gets my "Best Pick for Families" award. The grounds are ENORMOUS. There are multiple pools, a calm lagoon for the little ones to splash around in, the hotel is right on the beach, there are countless restaurant choices that fit all budgets...I mean...you literally don't have to leave the hotel grounds if you don't want to. We stayed here last Fall, and had a really enjoyable stay here. The staff had a pack and play all set up for Hadley before we even got there, and were very friendly and helpful with anything we needed. We didn't do the Luau there, but I've heard the Luau they put on is AWESOME! 

3) Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk 

The Embassy Suites is another great option for families! It isn't as big as the Hawaiian Village, and it's also located off the beach, but is a quick walk and located closer to a lot of the more popular restaurants and shopping than the Hilton. It also has a free happy hour (with food!) at the pool every evening which is awesome because eating out on Waikiki can get expensive really quickly! 

I'm focusing just on the hotels on Waikiki, but if you wanted to stay on the North Shore The Turtle Bay Resort   is gorgeous and located right down the road from Bonzai Pipeline. My family and I also rented a time share in Ko Olina which is on the West side of the island. Ko Olina is much smaller and slower paced than Waikiki, so if you're looking for a relaxing stay in Oahu, Ko Olina may be for you!

These are pictures of the grounds and pool at our time share in Ko Olina. Disney also opened a resort in Ko Olina fairly recently!

DINING

My girlfriends and I had the most fun coming up with this list! We have no restaurants on Kwaj so when we get back to civilization we kind of go nuts in the food department and feel the need to try way too many restaurants!! I'll keep the descriptions brief so I can include all the best stops! If you are a foodie, Waikiki is definitely the place for you!

1) Eggs 'n Things: 

Delicious breakfast food with extensive menu options that won't break the bank. I feel like a lot of breakfast options on Waikiki are $50 a person buffets, so it's nice to have a restaurant that offers quality breakfast at reasonable prices. The only downside is if you go between 8am-10am be prepared to wait in line. MVP DISH: Macadamia Nut Pancakes

2) Cream Pot: 

Probably my favorite breakfast spot. Johnathon found this place on a solo trip to Hono. He came back and told me it looked like "Alice and Wonderland." I get that. It's very Shabby Chic/French Country inside. Everyone sits at these long farmhouse tables, and the waiters keep popping out of that tiny blue door like little Kebler Elves! A bonus for us was that there was NO WAIT when we went, and the food was amazing. They are known for their souffle pancakes, but I had a rustic egg scramble that blew me out of the water. 

3) Roy's:

There drinks are delicious...and STRONG!!

Johnathon and I went to Roy's on our first trip through Honolulu, and LOVED IT!!! I got the Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi and Johnathon got some sort of sushi roll that we couldn't stop talking about. I think Roy's is one of those staple restaurants that everyone will suggest to you when they find out your going to Waikiki. I will say, we did go back a second time about a year ago and were very unimpressed with the food. The waiter told me they rotate their menu's so maybe that was the problem, but so many people love it so it's still on the list! MVP DISH: Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

4) Giovanni's Shrimp Truck:

My friend Cher hooked me up with pictures from the shrimp truck- These are her kids Christian and Meredith enjoying Giovanni's!

When I asked my friends for recommendations, two of them instantly text shouted "GIOVANNI'S SHRIMP TRUCK!!!" at me. The fact that it's a food truck all the way on the North Shore, and it still gets them this excited should tell you something right there! I love hole in the wall/word of mouth places and this fits the bill! Scampi, Hot n Spicy, Lemon Butter, or Jumbo Garlic! Whichever way you like your shrimp, Giovanni's has it!

5) Uncle Bo's:

Of all the recommendations, Uncle Bo's was the unanimous winner! It may not look like much from the outside, but apparently (sadly I've never been!) it is to die for. Pizza, surf and turf, pasta, pupu's...you name it! And it's another affordable dining option! Uncle Bo's is a must!

6) Morimoto's Waikiki:

Ishi Yaki Buri Bop - Yellowtail tail cooked table side in a hot bowl

Black Sesame Dessert

Yes. As in Chef Morimoto...IRON CHEF Morimoto. If you want to spend your kid's college funds on delicious, mind blowing Japanese...this is your place! Also, tell the bar tender you want a Coco Fraiche...your welcome. ;)

Coco Fraiche

7) Alan Wong's:

My friend Chamee and her husband Don went on a culinary adventure of sorts at Alan Wong's, and said it was beyond amazing. Alan Wong's is Hawaiian regional cuisine at it's best! This is another pricey stop, but if you dine here around the holidays, you could be rubbing elbows with the President. If it's good enough for POTUS it's good enough for me!

There are just so many great places to eat that I couldn't name them all! Our honorable mentions are: Yard House, Waikiki Brewing Co., Dukes, Chart House, Phuket-Thai food, & Lulu's! 

THINGS TO DO

1) Waikiki Beach

That's why you flew all the way here right?! Waikiki is the quintessential Hawaiian beach stop. While I was disappointed in the snorkeling department (It's so packed with tourists all the pretty fish and coral are gone), the sand is soft, the water is warm, and laying out with that view isn't too shabby either! This is also a great beach to give surfing a try! The waves are small, and there are countless surfing schools all along Waikiki!

2) Pearl Harbor

Johnathon on the USS Missouri

Ever since I watched Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett defend our country from Japanese dive bombers in the movie Pearl Harbor, I'd been dying to see the place in real life!! (You know you secretly liked that movie too!) We visited Pearl Harbor on our way out to Kwaj, and found it historically interesting and very moving. There is a fabulous museum at the memorial site that gives you an audio tour of the entire attack that I highly recommend. We went on the "bells and whistles" tour that took you on a several hour tour of the USS Missouri (where the peace treaty with the Japanese was signed), fed you lunch, took your through the museum, then out to the USS Arizona memorial. Unfortunately for us, on the day we went there was a wind advisory in the afternoon so they cancelled the boat that would take us out to the memorial. We asked around and apparently that happens frequently for the afternoon boat rides. I would suggest just going to the memorial and skipping the official tour. You can just show up and buy tickets to the museum and Arizona memorial tour for a lot cheaper, and you don't have to wait for the official tour to end before going out to the Arizona. 

They had this statue outside the USS Missouri...I still think we nailed it & color coordinated to boot!

3) The North Shore

My sister getting her photography on at the North Shore

I went to the North Shore in Spring 2014 when I met up with my family after being on Kwaj for six months. The North Shore is such a nice change from the south side of the island because it's really windy, much more green, and not nearly as developed. We literally just parked our car on the side of the road, walked a short ways and came out onto the most impressive waves I've ever seen! They were so big and LOUD, and we could've watched the waves and surfers for hours. Definitely worth the trip!

4) Diamond Head Hiking

Besides Waikiki, Diamond Head is what most people think of when they think of Oahu! It's definitely a hike, but the views from the top are spectacular!!

5) Dole Pineapple Plantation

So I haven't actually gotten to do this one, but I really want to! We drove past the plantation on the way to the North Shore but didn't get to stop in! The website says they have a 20 minute train ride through the plantation, a huge pineapple maze, restaurant and store! I just think this would be a fun place to take your kids if you wanted a break from the beach!

6) Things not to do!!!! The Honolulu Zoo and Aquarium! We took Hadley to both the last time we were there, and both the zoo and aquarium were small and a huge disappointment. The zoo seemed really poorly run, and the animal habitats looked in rough shape:

please notice the elephant exhibit with NO GRASS or shade!!!

The aquarium had a bunch of small fish in tanks (little tropical fish, sea horses, reef fish, etc) and NOTHING ELSE! We walked through in five minutes, went outside to see the two sea lions...and THAT WAS IT! Seriously, we thought it was a joke! Don't waste your time at either place!

Well there you have it! A veteran's guide to all things Oahu/Waikiki! This is by no means a comprehensive guide, but this should be a good start on planning your trip! If you have any suggestions on places to stay, restaurants, or things to do I'd love to hear them!! Aloha!