Marco? Polo!

Part of last week, we were able to meet my immediate family down in Marco Island, FL. We flew while everyone else drove because we were not able to stay as long. We had never been there, but we now call it 'The Continental Hawai'i.' It is that nice. If there is another family vacation down the road, I think this will be the destination :)

Aolani was ideal on the flights - wooing every other passenger with her coy, flirty smiles! The weather was great; it only rained the day we were leaving ;) By far, the most noteworthy news regarding the trip... by a fluke (aka grace) all the handicap accessible rooms were taken, so Ricky and I had to settle on getting moved up to the penthouse. Yep, the penthouse at the Marriott's resort. I have never (and likely it will never happen again) seen, needless stayed, inside a penthouse suite. But, oh my! Our deck was larger than my parent's and my brother's rooms put together! What a delightful and unexpected treat this turned out to be. Thank You, Father of lights. Let me just say that there is something special about being on the rooftop :)

Aolani did get to experience some firsts on this trip. Ricky took her into the ocean, and he also submerged her under water (in the pool). Supposedly, babies hold their breath when you blow on their face. So, he blew and dipped. I was suspicious (I'm the mother), but hey, she's alive... Here's some pictures:

Marco Island is gulf side. The beach had soft, white sand. Not that I would know; I didn't ever feel it!

Aolani and her cousin Kylie had three of the same outfits. Here's the first one: a sun suit.

See my nervous expression in the background as Ricky blows and dunks?!

Lindsay, Kylie, and Jacob (my brother)

"I'm too cool for this pool"

Outfit no. 2 = bathing suit

I love this picture of Kylie - it looks like she has the football and is warding off the defense as she runs the ball in for a touchdown. Go, Kylie, go!

"Toss me in, Dad. I can float!"

Grandma Oliver

Pawpaw Oliver

Our precious niece

This makes the third identical outfit. Aolani may be smaller, but she can obviously hold her own - here she is ripping her cousin's ear off!

Family portrait

Farewell to this tropical paradise!

Marco Island is highly recommended!

Aolani's Airplane Adventures

Seattle trip:

• The city? Cold and rainy. Did not even get a glimpse of the sun until I returned to the hot and sunny South.


• The flights? All on schedule. Uneventful. Aolani was wonderful. Smiled at all the passengers. Slept through the take offs and landings. She was a traveling champion.


• The visit? Ricky's maternal grandparents flew us out there for their 60th wedding anniversary celebration! It was great to introduce Aolani to Ricky's family (Ricky is from Seattle.) She smiled, laughed, and flirted with everyone :) Aolani never really adjusted to the time change. Aolani's agenda since returning home: sleep, eat, and that's it ;)


• The envoy:

Uncle Robby flew with us as our pack mule. He got many comments on his large, pink "neck pillow."

• Book Love

• Daddy Love

• Uncle Love

• Just too cute:

Aolani with Nonna (Ricky's mom)

Buh Bye, Seattle (Aolani is chillin' in her Ergocarrier, which we highly recommend!)

Mosaic

• Meet Melchizedek. "Mel" for short, if you wish. Read more about the name by clicking here. After eight months of waiting, the moment arrived. And so did Mel. While he looks very similar to Mishael, there are several changes. Most aren't noticeable, so I won't bore you with those. The main two are the rotating arms and front-locking brakes (wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles)! He is "missing" one other thing I wanted that is now on order. I feel bigger, taller ;), and larger; so, I am relearning how to navigate, bumping into every doorway, and nursing pinched fingers. I may look like a bumbler, but I am much happier with Mel.

Melchizedek will carry me to remind me that the real Melchizedek is my true Support, carrying me through each now.

• Accurate measurements for Aolani: 26.5" and 15.5 lbs :)
• I still think Aolani is sensitive to dairy, and I think I may have developed an egg allergy since I gave birth! Weird, I know, but weirder things have happened ;)
• Although Ricky had a rough week last week, he is much better now. We are all splendid and preparing for a short trip to Seattle this weekend. Aolani has never slept away from home nor traveled far. She does not have prior experience with airports, flights, or time changes. Up, up, and away we'll go!
• If you like Christian rap, then you will really enjoy this song by Lecrae.