Hawaii day 4- part 2

You'd think we'd all be tired by now, but we simply weren't!  The joy of being together just seemed to keep us all happy and content.  We had our moments, of course- but being tired was never the cause of any of them.  Having a potty-training toddler in the car all day..... THAT was a challenge!  I think we visited just about every public restroom on the island, most of which were NOT that clean.  But I must say, Mallory was a real trooper (and so was I!!!!)  

I developed this new technique to keep us from having a really bad experience.... I put panties on her, and if we were going to be in the car seat or stroller, we put a pull-up over them..... simply because I don't mind changing her panties 100+ times a day, but I HATE....and I mean HATE...when the stroller or car seat get wet!  I get so angry, and Mallory doesn't deserve that, so this little trick really helped us all stay in the positive!  With the panties underneath, she always felt wet right away, but we had time to get her changed before the wetness got on anything else.  To be honest, she really only had about 1 accident a day... and it was usually our own fault for pushing her too far.

So, after our fun day at the Dole Plantation, Charles had bought us all tickets for the Paradise Cove Luau.  We were greeted at the entrance with Mai-Tai's, (including a non-alcoholic one to put in Mallory's juice cup), and shell necklaces.  

There were a TON of activities to participate in for the 2 hours before the luau began......

Mallory and Daddy enjoyed a short canoe ride....

....and enjoyed watching some traditional Hawaiian rituals and dances.

Mommy and Mallory made our own Palm leaf crowns and flower lei bracelets.

This is Mallory's "excited" face!

Mallory also got a butterfly "tattoo"...

And the most hilarious part of the day.... posing with these parrots!  Mallory watched another family do this, and she was so interested in how the little boy got to hold the bird like a "baby".  This was the first shot, and you can see how all 3 parrots are after something on our bodies....

...so the photographer rearranged a couple of the birds, and Mallory even let him put one on her HEAD!!!!!!    ....this is a definate contender for our Christmas card!

Mallory held SO STILL and kept talking to her "little baby" in her arms.  

And thank goodness, that other parrot did NOT poop on her head!

Mallory was super excited to see this dancer up close.... until Mommy whipped out the camera, that is.

I was so happy to be with Charles again.  We had a lot of business to discuss about our house and what we will do for Christmas.... being together made all these hard decisions so much easier to get through. 

This was also the first time he had seen me since I lost 30 pounds, and his reaction was more than I could ever have hoped for.  I know how proud he is of me, for committing to a healthier lifestyle for me and for our family.  He did everything he could to help me stay on my meal plan, which included stocking our hotel room with healthy food before Mallory and I arrived.  We also exercised together just about every morning before heading out on our many adventures.  How did we do it all?  We made it a priority, which is something I have needed to do for a long time.  His support means more to me than I can ever put into words.

One benefit to my weight loss was being able to put on my wedding band for the first time in 4 years- It has always been a little snug, but I didn't want to get it resized because he had it engraved on the inside.  I took it off when I was pregnant with Mallory because I was worried I'd swell up, and I'd have to cut it off.  Since I never lost the weight, I was never able to put it back on.... until the week before our trip.

Now I need to get my engagement ring and guard resized because they are too BIG!!!!!  

My wedding band fits just right!

There are no words to describe how it felt to start and end each day together.  

I better stop now, before I cry.  I can't wait to see you again in November, Charles!!!!!!!!
I love you more than ever!!!!!