Hawaii day 5

We all had such a great time at the Luau, and I really didn't think things could get any better.  I sort of wished we had saved the luau for our last activity together.... but I was in for a surprise!

Charles had purchased "Lunch with the Dolphins" (or something), at the Sea Life Park.  I pictured us sitting at a table, around the tank where the dolphins swim, and them coming over to our table and we get to see them as we eat.  So, here is how I showed up to the Sea Life Park......

Thant's right- make-up and all.... ready to "see" the dolphins and get my picture taken.  Luckily, Charles had us pack our swimsuits just in case, because he wasn't really sure what was in store either.  When we got there, we found out we ate lunch at their food court, and then actually get IN THE WATER to interact with the dolphins!  Wow!  We couldn't wait..... but how would Mallory react to a fish 15x her size?

On the way to lunch, we took some pictures of these paragliders.  We saw a few everyday- such a fascinating sport!

Mallory also got to meet a Sea Turtle along the way.  This one is just under a year old.

Had to take a picture of these penguins.  I was a little shocked to see penguins in Hawaii.... but they are very happy there!

And finally!  Our meeting with the dolphin!  We were in a group of about 12 people, and we all took turns posing with the dolphin!  We were in the water for about an hour, and the animal trainer taught us a lot about the dolphin and other wildlife in the area.  This dolphin is 34 years old (same as me!), but the average life span of a dolphin in the wild is only 25.  In captivity, they can live to be as old as 40.

Mallory was not scared AT ALL!!!!  Infact, she was one of the first to go because she kept yelling "My turn!  Me next!  I go!"

First, she "danced" with the dolphin....

...then, he gave her a kiss, while she smiled for the camera!  (Amazing!!!)

...and she kissed him right back!  So sweet, isn't it?

The pictures were a total scam- Charles and I each got our pictures with the same poses, but they were $16.00 PER PICTURE!  We decided that Mallory's moment was worth it, and that ours would have to be alive in our memories.....

That night, we got to have dinner with some old friends of ours from Laughlin.  Rob and Suzanne Pekarek were in the midst of moving, and still made time to show us a little of the island, and they were SO helpful with Mallory and I the last day we were there and Charles had left for Korea.  We feel so blessed to have such true and genuine friends in our lives.  The gift of the Air Force Family is like none other.

An added bonus was that Suzanne had a friend with a teenage daughter who babysat for us so we could go out sans Mallory.  We put Mallory to bed a little early, and so all she had to do was listen for her and call if needed.  Suzanne and Rob brought her to the hotel and took her home- it was truly the best night!

We ate at Duke's, but right next door was this place.... HAD to take a picture- check out the sign!