We flew to Philadelphia and met the Everitts. We visited typical Philly landmarks: cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc. We spent one evening in Quakertown, and then headed for the shore in Ocean City, MD. We spent 5 days playing with cousins. T was finally able to meet her Uncle Brian, Aunt Amy, Uncle Matt, Aunt Jenna, and the last 6 cousins. There was 19 of us in one house and it was filled with constant activity. After the 5th day, we said goodbye, got up at 3 AM and head back to the Philly airport. We caught a plane to Phoenix, AZ. After racing through the PHX airport, we met the Alexander/Montgomery side of the family on an airplane bound for Honolulu, Hawaii!
When we landed on Oahu. We were tired and sleep deprived. We had just enough energy to eat dinner by the pool and watch our fist Hawaiian sunset. The first 6 days of our Hawaii vacation were spent at Disney's Aulani resort. Beach, pool, snorkeling, and sightseeing (Pearl Harbor, Kauloa Ranch, and Polynesian Cultural Center) filled our days. Mal celebrated her 30th birthday, and we watched the fireworks on the 4th of July on the balcony of our condo over the Ko' Olina bay. Absolutely the best fireworks!
On July 5th, we flew to Kauai (a more rustic and natural island). For that week, we enjoyed the nature and AC-less wonders of Kauai. We learned how to surf and zip lined in the mountains. It was a fun time with family, and we had many memories that will last forever. We made it home to Tampa late on July 12. We were more jet lagged coming home than going out. T slep until 1:00 pm the next day. It took Mal and Kev at least 3 days to get back on EST.
Mal wasn't home for very long before she jumped on a girls' cruise to celebrate her's and Stephanie's 30th birthday with Kamden, Jodie, and Amanda. T. and Kevin had some quality father-daughter time and a Busch Gardens trip.
Now, were' enjoying the final days of summer. T starts cheerleading camp and volleyball practice next week in preparation for the upcoming sports seasons. She's finished her summer reading projects and is enjoying a little "pleasure" reading before her school work starts to flow again.
We asked her what her 7th grade goals were. After some contemplation, her response was....
1. Make straight As
2. Make the Volleyball team, Basketball team, and Cheer squad
3. Make a basket in a real game. :)
We'll see what this new school year brings us, but we're excited to our first full school year as a family of 3. God has blessed us with wonderful memories and the means to have these special experiences.
Pictures below. Sorry, they are out of order, but you'll get the picture of the fun we had. :)
Everitt Siblings in OCMD
Family Picture of Mal's 30th birthday
Learning to surf at Poipu Beach
Pool Fun with the older Everitt cousins
Mammaw's grandkids and Great grandkids at Disney's Aulani
Pearl Harbor- USS Arizona Memorial
Just getting to Hawaii and very sleepy
Learning to Paddle Board at Kauloa Ranch's "Secret Beach"
Meeting Mickey and Minnie at Aulani
Zip Lining in Kauai
Trying out Snorkeling
Family picnic in the infinity hot tub overlooking Ko Olina Bay
Paddle Board Champs
First Hawaiian Sunet
Watching the sun with the younger Everitt cousins
First Family pic in Hawaii
T's Pals
Kev documents his summer of visiting both major oceans
Dare Devil Child
Besties were fishes in the pool
Learning a tune on ukelele
I think our only sister picture on vacation
Liberty Bell!
Visiting movie sites from famous movies filmed in Hawaii
