Okay, so maybe breaking up this past week into a few posts is the best idea....
On to Wednesday night. Our first luau since we have moved here. We opted for Chief's Luau because of the groupon and the bonus is that it is the closest to our house! it is at the Sea Life Park in Waimanalo, only about a 10 minute drive. We were treated to a little tour of the park first before heading into the festivities.
Here are the boys, waiting for the tour to begin.
Dad and Jonah LOVED the dolphins!
We were greeted at the luau with beaded leis.
And we all had pictures taken with the Chief!
It was the perfect setting on the southern, Windward coast of the island. (KJ, there is your island in the background!)
There were tons of activities we participated in before dinner, such as making headbands...
Looking good!
Hula lessons....so funny!
Baby Jonah even got in on some of the action!
We practiced our fire making skills in case we decide to go on Survivor one day.
And then the Chief called for the beginning of the ceremonies
Up first, the pig. Looks a little squashed.
Then dinner. So good. the pulled pork was the best I've ever had. I could have eaten 12 sandwiches.
And then, the show!
The kids even got on stage to show of their tipi tipi dancing skills! So stinking cute!
And here our family is being recognized for our 10 year anniversary....which was the very next day.
The luau was amazing. And so much fun. I can't believe it took us almost 7 months to get to one. We will go back, for sure. Thursday morning, Eric and I headed to the beach with a bottle of champagne to begin the celebrations for our anniversary. A little QT with just mom and dad is always refreshing for the soul.
Add in a gorgeous shoreline and crashing waves, it was a good way to start our day.
Later, we all took the long drive up towards the north shore to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. We opted for just the general admission package and ventured our way around the different Pacific island villages enjoying shows and activities along the way. We felt a bit out of place as we were not with a tour group, but we had no problem jumping in each of the activities as if we were a part of the tours!
We watched some coconut tree climbing but were unable to take a turn ourselves as we did not have on tennis shoes. Note to self, have the kids wear tennis shoes on our next trip to the PCC.
More fire practice. Uncle Ken was the only one able to even produce smoke.
We practiced twirling the flame sticks (probably not the actual name :)).
We worked on our spear throwing as a method to settle disagreements between chiefs in Tonga. Noah won the kid's section of this.
Dad, not so much.
We even took part in some canoe rides.
The grounds here were absolutely gorgeous. I wish I had taken more scenery photos. But basically, I focused on the kids. :)
The older boys did a good job picking up on the rhythm sticks (again probably not their real name).
My favorite activity, by far, was the dancing balls (you see how keenly I payed attention to the real names of things...). It was so fun and so funny! Everyone kept whacking themselves in the head while spinning them around.
It was a lazy night at home that night. Dad and I managed to get out for some dinner alone, which again was wonderful. So thankful that our visitors were able to watch our babes....and so sorry that Baby Jonah is a beast! (Especially when his naps are in a stroller at a park!)
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