Quang Trinh "PhotoDad": June 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hawaiian Shrimp Truck & Tropical Fruits

When we decided to go to Hawaii for a family vacation, the first thing Sherrie could not wait for was the butter garlic shrimp from Giovanni's and all the different tropical fruits. We ended up eating at both Giovanni's locations and also a third location from a different family. We also hit up Romy's for the Prawns and man were they good. Hawaii had a lot of tropical fruits. We had never seen so much mangoes on a tree and so many people everywhere had mango trees in their yard. We also stumbled upon some coconut trees as we ventured into local areas. You will find local fruit stops along the highway as you drive through North Shore. We got the kids some corn that was the yellowest I have seen, and also the sweetest. We have more pics, but that will have to wait for a later post. The pics are from Ashley's camera and will be posted in her own post showing Hawaii through the eyes of a 3 year old.

Hawaiian Sea Turtles

From Hawaiian Sea Turtles

While our visit to North Shore, we visited a cove area that had sea turtles that would come up to shore to bask in the sun. The creatures are beautiful and amazing. We kept our distance so that we would not disturb them and their natural movements. Sherrie spotted one turtle swimming on to shore and we manage to get a good picture of it. I also got a good picture of one catching some rays. Awesome. There is a map below that showed where we stopped if anyone is interested.

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Monday, June 29, 2009

North Shore Expedition

From North Shore Exporation

We ventured out to North Shore twice during our vacation. There was just so much to do and we wanted to get away from the tourist engulfed Waikiki Beach. North Shore offered a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. It was very laid back and the kids enjoyed playing in the water. North Shore is great during the summer months because of the calming water and is great for anyone who likes to snorkel or dive. Enjoy the pictures. Some pictures will be part of a panoramic scene that I am stitching together. I will post those pictures soon.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Dole Pineapple Plantation Plant

From Dole Pineapple Plantation

Our first trip to North Shore had us stopping by the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Let's just say there are pinapples everywhere, minus Spongebob. Ashley was wondering where he was hiding. Alyssa enjoyed a pineapple ice cream cone and we took the Pineapple Express to look at all the different fruits that were grown. The kids even stopped and fed the Koi's in the pond.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Leonard's Malasadas

From Leonard's Malasadas

The first place we stop by in Hawaii was to Leonard's Bakery to get some fresh and hot malasadas. We got ones with chocolate, custard, cinnamon, and mango fillings. Let's just say that on a vacation, you got to eat and experience the native foods. So just throw the diet away and eat as much as you can, cause it's only a week of indulgence. The kids loved the malasadas and we definitely would recommend hitting up Leonard's Bakery when ever you are in Hawaii.

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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Hawaii Vacation: Day 2. We made it!

From Aston Waikiki Beach

So we finally got settled into our hotel and the next day we woke up, the kids enjoyed a great view. They were the first to check out the balcony and chilled for a minute. We had breakfast and were soon ready to explorer Waikiki. We got a rental car so that we can explore the island whenever we needed. Of course our hotel was right next to Waikiki Beach and Kalakaua Ave where all the activities and shops are. We spent the first day walking the avenue and swimming at the beach.

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Hawaii Vacation: Day 1. The Waiting Game.

From LAX before Hawaii

Our trip to Hawaii started off with an early morning wake up call and driving to LAX at 6:00 AM for our flight at 11:20 AM. We got they around 9:00 AM with plenty of time to spare. Then at 11:00AM when boarding was suppose to begin, we get a notice that the plane is still in service and would be delayed 1 hour. 1 hour became 2 hours and eventually because of a fuel leak in the right engine, we had to wait for a replacement plane to come in. We did not board until 4:00 PM that day. At least the flight didn't get canceled and it was a good thing that they discovered the leak on the ground and not in the air. Either ways we were at LAX for over 7 hours. The kids ended up taking a nap during the time that we should have been in the air. So when we finally boarded and flew to Hawaii, guess what? The kids were fully awake and energized throughout the plane ride to Hawaii. We were thinking, man do we need a drink after this. All I know is that we would never fly with United because of their customer service or lack thereof. So enjoy the pics of the kids trying to kill time at the airport. We got to Hawaii at about 8 PM Hawaii time, but man were we tired. A full day lost at the airport. I have to break up the Hawaii pictures because I frankly took too many shots.

A day at Lake Miramar

From Lake Miramar

Two days before we left for Hawaii, the family had a little get together at Miramar Lake for some BBQ and R&R. Everyone had fun, and a few even tried to go around the lake's 5 mile path. Food, fishing, skateboard, electric scooters, and throwing rocks in the lake. Simple stuff that kids get entertained by.

Ashley's Swim Class

Ashley has been taking swimming lessons for two months now. I recently got around to bringing my camera to take some shots of her swimming. She has progressed well and has learned to hold her breath and swim under water from one end to the other. She is starting to learn how to dive into the water. We also started Alyssa in the same swim class, but after 18 lessons she is still screaming. We figure when Alyssa is older she will be more receptive to swimming. She doesn't have a problem with water, but rather gaining the trust of the instructor. Alyssa however has been dunked underwater several times and held her breath pretty well. Hopefully she sees how much fun Ashley is having and will turn around.

From Swim Class

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Ashley's Face Paint at Disneyland

OK, Ashley asked me why I did not post her face paint pictures from Disneyland. I told her I did in the earlier post for Huntington beach. But she insisted that I post it separately so that her friends can see. I was thinking what "friends", I guess she meant her cousins. She even got glitter on her face. Silly girl!!!

From Huntington Beach Weekend

Huntington Beach Weekend & Disneyland

So the week before we went to Hawaii, we spent the weekend in Huntington Beach and also made a quick trip to Disneyland. The kids enjoyed the beautiful beach and pier in Huntington. They also had a blast at Disneyland. The weather was overcast so it was perfect for walking around and not having to worry about getting sun burn. Enjoy the pictures of our latest adventure. I was experimenting with black and white shots and sepia tones for different effects.

From Huntington Beach Weekend

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Northern Cali Trip

Back in May, we took a trip up north to visit family and check out some new babies (Ashley and Alyssa's new cousins). We stoppped by Sacramento and San Francisco. Check out the pictures of Preston and Kate. The kids had a lot of fun and we had time to visit Ashley and Alyssa's aunt in San Francisco. We ran into a group a parrots that were everywhere around the park and on top of traffic lights. Pretty cool stuff.

From North Cali Trip

Sherrie's Graduation

Here are some pic's of Sherrie and the kids the day she finally got her AA in Accounting and a certificate in Business Management. She will be transfering to SDSU later to get her BS. We are very proud of her accomplishment because she did it working full time and is also a mother of two beautiful girls.

From Sherrie's Graduation