Favre European Vacation 6/13/18: Travel Day

We had an amazing time traveling from Edinburgh, Scotland --> Dublin, Ireland --> London, England. Our trip started from MSP --> JFK --> EDI on 6/13/2018. We got to MSP 3 hours ahead of time as recommended, but found it was probably unnecessary. However, the extra time allowed us to verify my passport and Keira's.  They were newly issued since the last time we traveled internationally. (Easy verification at the airport kiosk.) We were also able to grab Chick-Fil-A for lunch and Dunkin Donuts for dessert making both Keira and me very happy!

While in the waiting area for our flight I heard, "Hi Kim!" It was a friend I haven't seen in a long time - what a fun coincidence. She was getting ready to go on a European vacation of her own with her nieces and nephew. 

After a slight delay, we were on our way from MSP --> JFK --> EDI! 

Chick-Fil-A for lunch

Coincidental run-in w/Thu (what's the guy behind us looking at?)

Having fun while waiting for our flight

On our way with snacks in hand

The flight was long, but I made use of the time by catching up on movies I've wanted to see including A Wrinkle in Time, 15:17 Paris, Game Night and Pitch Perfect 3. It really was a movie marathon! There was some turbulence as we approached Edinburgh. When the captain asked the attendants to go to their seats, it was a certain indicator that we were in for a rough ride! I don't think I've experienced turbulence like that before. No only did we experience the side-to-side movement and shaking/shuddering of the plane, but we also experienced rollercoaster drops - oh my!! I held onto Keira's hand tightly. She, on the contrary, was oblivious and acted like she was actually on a rollercoaster ride. She giggled through the whole thing, especially when the plane would drop and send butterflies fluttering in our stomachs. After 10 minutes or so, the captain landed us safely in Edinburgh, Scotland. Thank you captain!

Where Did Three Years Go?

It's been almost exactly three years since my last post! I truly don't know where the time went and why I stopped blogging. I've spent the past month re-reading posts and have thoroughly enjoyed the trip down memory lane. There are many moments I've forgotten and it was fun to revisit them.

I can't begin to catch up, so I won't. I hope my collection of photos and annual photobooks will fill in the blanks for Mark, Keira and me as time continues to fly by.

Of note is that Keira learned to ski this past winter. She took a lesson with a friend at Afton Alps and that's all it took for her to start skiing like a pro. Because she started so late in the season, she's only been out twice, but seems to really like it. It took me awhile to get the feel for skiing again. I've never felt completely comfortable, but I think I did all right after a very long hiatus. Mark and I are considering a ski trip to Colorado next winter to see how she does on the mountains. We'll see!

Riding the magic carpet

Practice for riding the lift with Myaura

Our friends, Chi, Parker and Polo at Afton

 Top of a run at Afton

In other news, certainly more important than skiing, is that my sister, Mai got married last summer and now has a baby boy. My nephew Clinton is absolutely adorable!! It's fun having a baby in the family again.

Chris and Mai on their wedding day

Here's Clint - about 8 weeks old

Adorable baby 

Hawaii Highlights

It's been great having so many days off from work! It is now irrefutable that my stress primarily comes from work. After 11 days of NOT working, I feel the tension leaving the muscles in my body, my energy is better and my attitude is much more positive...However, I am also finding that I don't feel the same drive and determination as I do when I work. It's a conundrum. I suppose this means I should just go on vacation more often!

Speaking of vacations, we just got back from a wonderful vacation in Honolulu, HI. We spent just under a week there and I wish we were still there. While spring is slowly coming to MN, the weather couldn't have been more perfect in HI with sun, warmth and a refreshing ocean breeze cooling us just enough every single day. No wonder the Hawaiians are so happy and relaxed. How could you not be when living in Hawaii?!

It was a long flight from MN to Honlulu, but it was well worth it. We didn't arrive until almost 10pm, but it was well worth it when we were greeted by the warmth and humidity of the ocean. Plus, our friend, Adam, who is a Honolulu police officer, chased us (literally) down the highway to present us with beautiful leis. Our cab driver was so confused! Grace, Adam's wife, and I joked about how people might think that everyone who comes to HI gets lei'd by the cops. Hahaha! Anyway, here's a pic of Keira the night we arrived, as well as the following morning proudly wearing her lei. What a  warm Hawaiian welcome!

Night of arrival

After a night of sleep

During our first full day we enjoyed exploring our accommodations (Sheraton Waikiki) as well as spending time with our friends Binh, Ronald and Myaura who happened to be vacationing in Honolulu at the same time and were staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village just a few hotels down the  beach. We enjoyed the beach, the pool, and even found some food trucks. It was such a lovely (and long) day that Keira fell asleep after dinner that night. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from that day.

Myaura and Keira in their cover ups

Paddling around the lagoon

Boogie board wipeout

Exhausted

The next day was another jam-packed one with a hike up Diamondhead with Adam, Grace and their son, Noah. It was a reminder that I need to get back into working out because those stairs were a killer. My thighs and hamstrings were burning the next day! Afterward we had a delicious lunch just off of the water, followed by some adventurous stops at the spitting caves, a semi-private beach and dinner at the Schonhardts' home. We are so lucky to have such wonderful and welcoming friends!

Our breakfast view

Keira loved the pineapple

View from the top of Diamondhead

Most amazing fish tacos 

Most amazing brownie and ice cream dessert

Spitting caves - I was not comfortable here - scary! But, beautiful.

Top of Waikiki for a family photo - all sweaty!

Noah and Keira - possibly the cutest kids on the island

Keira climbed into a tree for a rest

Noah's expression says it all

Look at that smile!

The rest of our trip was a blur of friends, good food, fun in the sun, etc. If you've never visited the islands, you really need to. While we've only ever visited Oahu and Maui, that's enough for us. We love Hawaii and will definitely be back again in the future!

Having some fun

Best fruit cup ever

Keira's "fort" by the pool

Mom and daughter shaka-time

Enjoying her new hat

Gorgeous sunrise captured by Grace - Aloha! Until next time.

Hawaii March 2015 photos

Here are a few more photos and if you want to see more photos, then click on the link above. Aloha!