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Yep, James and I are both the most pitiful vacationers ever. We're enjoying the time together, but we enjoy being together no matter what we do; we don't need a trip to Hawaii to help us appreciate each other--ha ha. We talked to the kids yesterday though, and they're having fun with Grandma and Grandpa, so that helped. And we spent the entire day out at Volcanoes National Park today, where James got really silly with the poses I was putting him in, so that was fun.

Hawaii is beautiful, the people are great, the resort is fun, but we're just not the vacationing type, I guess. And believe it or not, I can only take so many pictures of beautiful sunsets, flowers, and trees before it gets really boring. ;-)

We are glad we came, but it was kind of an interesting situation. My folks used their time share for the rooms and bought our plane tickets, but then they told us we'd have to handle the rest of the cost. So we've had to budget really tightly in order to afford the rental car, gas, food, taxes for the resort, luggage fees, and admission fees to any of the sites we want to visit. That would have been fine if we'd planned the trip ourselves, but they kind of tossed it at us just when we were getting James into his doctorate program, so we hadn't budgeted for it at all.

When my other siblings had their honeymoons, my folks were doing well financially, so they paid for everything, plus they took each of the kids individually to Hawaii as well. When I got married, however, my dad had just found out his office manager had been embezzling from him for years. My mom couldn't even help me plan the wedding because they were so caught up in that situation. Once that was over, I was having babies, so they took all the other siblings on trips but they couldn't take us. They've always wanted to send us on a honeymoon, and my dad is thinking of selling his time share, so they were running out of time. Thus this trip. But my dad is trying to retire, so he's in financial straits yet again and couldn't afford all the costs.

So it's been interesting. We appreciate the gesture, but I would have been just as happy spending some extra time with them. I don't know why my parents think they "owe" us anything. The struggles we had taught me to be self-sufficient, and I've got an amazing husband and family, so I'm happy. But here we are, guidebook in hand, away from our routine and our kids, and it's driven us a little nuts. James has three assignments due this week, so he's had to use my laptop off and on, and I can only wander around the resort by myself for so long, with no one to talk to--hee hee.

But today was fun, and it has been enjoyable for the most part. We like learning about new cultures, and it is absolutely fascinating to see all the micro-climates as we drive around Hawaii. The weather has been perfect, and it is GORGEOUS here. So we're glad we came. :-)

I agree there are lots of gorgeous photos for you to put into your portfolio already Jenny!

I went to the Peeps blog last night and was shocked at how many postings there were. I can't respond on this computer so tomorrow night when I'm home I'll go back. I'll also check out Jenny's blog to see her Paris photos, I can't wait!

Our instructor told us of a great B&W software to use but I can't seem to find where I jotted down its' name. I'll keep looking. Kim did you write it down?

Yikes Lesley that must have been a nightmare for your niece and her kids!

I posted here but I think on the last page. I wonder if it's there or not. I'm too tired to look right now. I'll catch up.

I was dodging bullets all day from a petite blonde woman!

Hi guys, just having a little fun. Sorry we didn't check in but we were going from 6 am to 10:30 at night and I was just too tired to check in. Had a great time and enjoyed every minute with the very sweet Kim! We saw so many sights and I took so many pics but not as many great ones as I had hoped for. I probably won't post to the blogs until I get home. I'm at my friends home now and they've gone to bed. I should be there too but just wanted to catch up here.

Hope you had a great time Jenny!

congrats to you Sheralee, can't wait to see how your photo goes. EOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bonjour! I'm just popping in for a second to say hello! The Air Show is coming to a close so tomorrow I will be able to get out and get some pictures.

Having said that I have already taken a few pictures of some jets in flight, so we will see how well THE LENS did.

I hope Viv and Kim are having fun!

Congratulations on your canvas for sale, Sheralee!! That is just too, too exciting!

Kimber, when are you off to Hawaii? Gosh, we're all such jet-setter aren't we? :-p