Whales!

Last year we were in Hawaii for a work retreat. 

We took an amazing whale watch tour on a beautiful sailboat, "Island Star."

 The whales were so amazing and the sail was so fun 

that we decided to come back the next year with our kids. 

(It's always hard to believe that a year has passed!)  

We convinced Dan's parents to come along on our Hawaii trip too. 

So glad they did!!

Getting ready to set sail!

Nick kinda fell in love with sailing and whales!

Whales were spouting and jumping and slapping their tails! 

Several times 2 or three of them would surface right by our boat. 

It was thrilling every time! Sadly, no photos do it justice.

Our captain put a microphone in the water and we could hear them singing. It was beautiful! 

Could have spent all day every day out on the boat!

Maybe we will next time.

If only we could capture how amazing it was to see the whales so close!

Tunnel through the middle of the Aquarium -- tiger shark, hammerhead shark, great white sharks, sting rays and a variety of fish!

Amazing Shaved Ice!

After our morning on the boat and visiting the aquarium, back to the beach!

With her tray and her blanket, Gram looked like she was lying in at a hospital! She realized the Four Seasons wouldn't be such a bad place as a retirement home!

Shaeffers were here!