David and I are still suffering from what we've coined the 'Hawaii Hangover'. We just can't shake that we just spent a wonderful 5 days in paradise AND we're spoiled non-stop. Even though we feel like we've seen almost all of Oahu (we've spent a total of 2 weeks there) we still were in awe of the beauty. The ocean has a tendency to do that, huh?
We knew back at the first of year that David was on track to take us on the CEO Sales Trip. He had a comfortable lead and we were looking forward to seeing his parents and spending time with his brothers family. It became official as the fiscal year ended in July and he was still #1.
Making arrangements for the kids took some work, but it all came together. We are ever so grateful for the wonderful friends and family that welcomed our kids into their homes. Jenna got to spend a few nights with her dear friend Jude- apparently they didn't want to quit talking both of the nights they were together. Adam went with his friend Hudson, and together they were the little brothers to 4 big sisters! Megan got to stay with her Aunt Lisa across town, and I'm sure the Reese loved having a little 'twin' cousin to keep up with. For the weekend we had a sweet girl who is saving for her mission stay with them at the house and take them to church. She did wonderfully and commented MANY times how being a mom is hard work. Ha!
We got the kids settled on Wednesday morning to their three different places and headed for the airport. We did end up sitting together, which was nice, but there is not much to do to make that flight comfortable. I swear the rows seem closer together each time I fly.
Anyways, we arrived at the resort at about 6pm, and the welcoming crew had already packed up and headed to the evening event. We went up to the room to clean up before heading down for dinner. I was amazed by the view from the top floor of the Royal Hawaiian. WOW!
From the balcony you could see all of Waikiki Beach. Dinner was just what was needed. It was fun to see a few colleagues/friends from Tucson and those that we've met on prior CEO Trips (this was the third trip for us). We were exhausted and didn't stay for long after dinner and dessert. When we got to our room, Dave noticed a text from his brother about getting together for a late night treat. We agreed and walked out to meet them for donuts. Due to traffic and other delays, it was nearly an hour before they made it down to our resort. We drove by and picked up the in-laws, got some donuts and went back to their apartment to chat. It was so fun to be together and just chat. By the time Dave and I got to bed it was 2 am Tucson time- we NEVER stay up that late!
The next morning, Intuit had a vast breakfast spread before we all loaded up for our service project. We were able to go to one of the only remaining duel-language (Hawaiian and English) K-12 schools on the Island. We divided up into groups and did some hard work for about 2 hours. Dave worked with some of the older students to cut down some bushes and I helped drag it up the hill when others were 'stripping' the branches to make cording. Soon everyone in our group was working to strip the branches of their bark and rolling it up. We had 3 huge trash barrels full by the end, and our hands and fingernails were stained orange. It was really fun to work with the kids. Intuit donated $5000 to the school and the young students preformed a song for us.
We were all starving for lunch when we got back to the resort- and again, the food was WONDERFUL. We cleaned up a little and hit the beach for a few hours. Too busy enjoying the beach business to take pictures...
That night we met up with the four other Scott's on the island for a wonderful dinner at Dukes. Yummy food and the best company! Why did we not capture a picture?!
Friday was our free day before the evening gala. I was very excited that we were fitting in a temple trip. Our last visit was during the time that the temple was being refurbished, so we missed it. Elder and Sister Scott took the day off, as did Rob, and we had a great time. Such a beautiful building!
After the temple, we stopped for burgers before our drive back to Honolulu. We didn't want to be late for the Gala!
Each Sales Trip they host one HUGE party (all the events are lavish, but this one took the cake). This year the Gala was on the USS Missouri. We were with the Top Preformers, and the first bus to arrive. Red carpet, marching band playing, drinks being handed out, and there was even a fly by from a bi- plane!! We were in complete awe as we had a tour of this awesome battleship.
It was a spectacular night! Music, dancers, delicious food and Dave was recognized by name with the other #1's. Man I love this guy!
That afternoon we finally got our dole whip. LOVE this stuff! We had fun out touring with Dave's mom for a little bit and then picking up his dad. Navigating Honolulu traffic is a nightmare! We did find a yummy shave ice stand on the recommendation of a sister missionary.
One last Intuit event before the hoopla was over. This evening was all Irish, to get us geared up for the '14 trip--- Dublin! Green shamrocks, Irish food, Irish bands... The works. It was entertaining and fun. How cool will it be if we make it to Dublin?!?
We packed up that night and checked out in the morning before heading to church at the tabernacle.
David was determined to get a good picture of this guy- it was neat to be so close to him and about 5 of his friends.
It's always neat attending church in different places. I did have a impossible time with myself without kids to wrestle with- it was weird!
After church, we went back to the apartment for lunch before heading out to Turtle Beach and then dinner at Rob and Melanie's.
David was determined to get a good picture of this guy- it was neat to be so close to him and about 5 of his friends.
It was a nice treat to see these kids too! The little ones kept asking why we didn't bring our kids, but they let Dave and I tickle them anyways. And the big kids have grown a TON since they were last in Tucson. It was fun to have dinner with them and chat with Eric, Natalie and Nicole. Wish we could have spent more time together.
The highlight of our trip was easily the time spent together as a couple. We really like each other! It was funny to us that many of the couples on the trip spent a lot of their time doing separate things and even ate meals separately. It's nice to be in love and have these special times to just be him and I.
Our next favorite part was all the time we were able to spend with Dave's parents. It's been a long 18 months not having them in Tucson. I had to squeeze in all those Sunday evening chats that we've been missing into these few short days. It will be nice to have them home at the beginning of the summer.
1 comment:
Good to see all the pictures. It was so fun to see you both again and spend some time together. Love and miss you.
Post a Comment