Hawaii - day 5

On Thursday after another hearty breakfast at "Eggs and Things" we headed over to the Waikiki Aquarium. Bella was fired up to 'see all the fishies.'

Another sunny day, clear skies and warm weather.


Bella playing with a 'little Nemo guy' from the gift shop.


Bella and Icha had a chance to play with a little hermit crab.


Bella checks out some of the fish in one of the outdoor tanks.


After the aquarium we headed over to check out Punahou School. Punahou is where Marin teaches grade 9 biology. It is a fantastic place! (it's also where Barack Obama graduated from High School) Marin and Kate were kind enough to have us over for dinner after our tour.

Hawaii - day 4

On Wednesday we spent the entire day in the Waikiki area. We woke up late and headed out, once again, for the breakfast of champions: coffee and donuts.

Another day, another donut. This time at "Leonard's" bakery, famous for their malasadas. They were good... but very subpar compared to the sensational delicacies at Agnes' the day before.


After breakfast we taught Bella how to use a parking meter. At 40 cents an hour, how can you go wrong?


We spent a few hours in the Honolulu Zoo..... located only 100 meters from the beach!


Icha and Bella looked for little slice of home: Komodo Dragons!


Bella had fun in the 'petting zoo.'


One of the coolest things I've ever seen: Galapagos Turtles. These things were HUGE!


After the zoo Bella got in her shopping fix. It's amazing how much she takes after her mommy!


We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening down at the beach. Mark took Bella swimming in the ocean for the first time!

Hawaii - day 3

On Tuesday we took a drive around Oahu. We left our hotel around 10am and didn't get back until about 9pm.

For breakfast we had donuts at Agnes' Bakery in Kailua in the southeast corner of the island. Mark had a "Macadamia Nut Maple" bar that he puts in the 'top 3 donuts' he has ever had in his much storied donut eating career. It was simply: fantastic.


We spent the morning at Kailua Beach. Called by some guidebooks as the 'best beach in America.' Bella loved playing 'making cookies' in the sand.


For lunch we stopped at the Turtle Bay Resort in the northeast corner of Oahu. Just a beautiful spot.


Our next stop was the world famous "Sunset Beach" on the north shore. This area is generally consider the world's greatest place to surf. Huge waves about 200 meters off shore.


Next we cut south through the center of the island and stopped by the Dole pineapple plantation.


Time for a snack! Shave ice.... a Hawaiian speciality.


Our last stop was out on the beach in front of the J.W. Marriot on the south west side of the island.


Another beautiful sunset.

Hawaii - day 2

On Monday we woke up and headed to "Eggs and Things" for breakfast. This restaurant must be listed as a 'must do' in several Japanese guidebooks to Hawaii as is was packed with Japanese tourists. Either that or Ichiro may have been spotted eating there a few years ago. Either way, we waited 45 minutes and in the end it was worth it... great food at a good price with excellent service.

Bella check's out Mark's huge plate of 'Macadamia Nut Pancakes."


Next we looked around some shops in Waikiki. Good stuff to be had... but with a trip to Bali coming this summer we didn't buy a thing.


In the afternoon we did some swimming in our hotel pool.


That evening we met up with Kate and Marin for a walk along Waikiki Beach and some dinner. Marin and Kate live only 10 minutes from the beach... rough life.


Mark, Marin and a sleeping Bella enjoy the sunset.


Not a bad place to spend the evening.

Hawaii!

Last week we packed our bags and headed to Oahu for five fun filled days! It was a great trip which ended all too soon.

Day 1 - Sunday, February 17th.

Icha and Bella get ready to head to the airport. Note the overcast skies in Palo Alto.


Bella gave 'Ma' a big hug goodbye at the airport.


Time to get on the plane.


Upon arrival Bella and Icha headed straight for their shopping fix.


We had a 'studio' room which was great! Lots of room for Bella to run around.


We met our good friends from Jakarta, Marin and Kate Dobson, for dinner. Great fish tacos!


Day 2 coming tomorrow....

Bella Gets a Haircut!

Last Saturday we took Bella to get a haircut. This was only Bella's second real cut, the other being at PIM back in Jakarta last May. Her hair was getting a bit out of control... and as we were leaving for Hawaii the next day, it was time.

Bella holds her daddy's hand as she settles into her 'pink car' chair.


Time for a trim!


Icha enjoyed the selection of quality magazines in the waiting area.


A pink car to sit in, Diego on t.v..... how can you go wrong?


Bella got a special clip and 'sparkles' put in her hair.... that will keep us coming back... even at $15 a cut!

Playdate with Jordo and Lauren!

Every Tuesday Bella has a playdate with her cousins Jordan (age 5) and Lauren (age 3). The three always have a great time and keep Ma very busy as she looks after them. Bella and Lauren get to spend the entire day together as they attend the same preschool every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Three peas in a pod!


Today the three of them played "family" -- Jordan as the mommy had Lauren and Bella (the kids) change into their pajamas at 3pm!


This weekend we are taking Bella in for a haircut!

Valentine's Day is Coming!

Valentine's Day is just a week away! To celebrate the kids at Bella's school are making little 'houses' in which they can collect cards from their classmates. Yesterday Icha helped Bella make her little house.

Icha assists Bellla with her little creation.


Bella starts to write her name.


Almost done...


Bella proudly shows off her handiwork!

Bella on the Laptop!

One of Bella's favorite things to do is play games on our new Mac laptop. She loves to play the various games on NickJr.com.



I'm a convert... no more PC's for us. Next new computer will be a Mac!