Oahu, Hawaii day 9

Here we go . . . hopefully take 2 at Pearl Harbor is more successful.  I am NOT going to change our tickets today.  I AM NOT . . . let me say my stomach is nervous and you can almost feel the tension in the air of this still ridiculously smelling rental car!  Since we did not need to arrive that early we took a sort of laid back approach.  We arrived with plenty of time so we just wandered around a little bit enjoying the beautiful weather.  I thought these two birds were beautiful!

We also went to what I think was a newly dedicated visitor's center and was fabulous!  It was a little cramped but the displays and videos were well worth our time.  As our time approached, I found myself constantly watching the trees to see if the winds were picking up.  It was a gorgeous day . . .

. . . we made our way to the staging area and proudly showed our tickets as we entered the theater.  Colin picked out front row seats and was engrossed in the movie.  I admit it was a good introduction to what happened at Pearl Harbor.  And then the doors opened for us to board the shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial.  It was happening!  You sort of get a weird feeling as you approach . . .

. . . and a lump sort of forms as you get there . . .

The boat ride over was quick, specific directions were given to walk, do not stop to take photos, and be respectful.  When we arrived there were over 100 people from the previous tour already there and with our 100 people, you would never know it.  Everyone was reading, looking, and being respectful.

It is eerie to know that so many were lost at that spot and at their final resting spot below us.  Sad indeed.

And as we waited to board the shuttle boat back to Pearl Harbor and saw this . . .

. . . no matter what she sure is beautiful to watch proudly posted waving in the breeze.  Makes you remember that our country has lost so many but we always remember.  I know for sure that these words hold true for our family . . .

We finished our visit to Pearl Harbor and decided to drive north a bit to the Dole Plantation.  Our day was suppose to be spent on the North Shore but due to the cancellation at Pearl Harbor yesterday our day was cut short . . . we were all completely fine with the changes.  The Dole Plantation was suppose to be a quick break but now was our stop for the day.  I did not expect it to be so crowded!  There were hundreds of cars there so was a little surprised by that.

We bought the tickets to tour the gardens, ride the train, and do the maze.  It was a fun time and so different than our morning.  Since it was New Year's Eve, the place closed early so our time in the maze was cut short . . .

. . . we headed back to Waikiki to hang out and relax and change hotels.  Yes, we moved next door to the Hilton Hawaiian Village since the Hale Koa was booked full.  I was not impressed at all.  It was big and crazy crowded.  Oh and apparently I was doing everything wrong.  I parked exactly where the valet man told me to park so I could go check in . . . I left my parents and Colin in the car.  Well the same guy told my parents that I had to move this car now and they could go check in instead.  Ummm, no they can not since all the reservations are under my name.  He even took the car key from them and made them get out of the car.  I was super annoyed!  I got our room keys and went to retrieve the car key from him . . . he was annoyed with me, and I just blew him off.  I already hate this place!  We unpacked and decided to go walk the beach.  We ate dinner at one of the Hale Koa restaurants which was fine . . . for some reason I noticed the Aggies were playing football . . . I had the bowl game date wrong so I headed to the bar area after I ordered my meal.  The Aggies were having scoring issues but were on a second half comeback; apparently the first half was a total mess.  Of course everyone else was rooting for Duke and no one seemed to show Johnny Manziel any love.  The Aggies got it together and managed to win to which one of the men at the bar told me I could return to my table now to eat my dinner, LOL . . . so the evening ended well.   We went back to the beach since we bought these things you that you put on a sling shot type device and fling them in the air . . .

. . . they were pretty cool and there were hundreds of them in the air.  You see all the blue lights go up and down and it was entertaining.  I was amazed at how many people were just out hanging around the beach waiting for the fireworks . . . they sure did not disappoint and lasted for a long time!