3 Days To Go...Comments Requested!

Alright so here's the deal. We leave for Hawaii in 3 days and I have been told that I have to pick one thing that I really want to do when we get there. We will do several things I am told but I am to pick one specific thing that I really want to do also. These are my choices so I need some help narrowing it all down. COMMENTS GREATLY NEEDED!!!


The Atlantis Submarine tour is tops on my list right now. It's about a 45 minute ride under the water 120 feet down. Supposedly we would see everything from fish, eels, sharks, and turtles to sunken ships and airplanes. What do you think???






The "Duck" ride is an old WWII vessel that runs on land and water and gives you tours of both. It can take you around Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, etc. I think it would be really cool as you get to transition straight from land into water to see all the different things around the island.




Helicopter Rides are kind of pricey but apparently you get to see some of the most awesome views of the island and it's hidden treasures (waterfalls, rainforests, etc.). I plan to get a view of some things flying in. The helicopter rides are also not very long for the price so I'm kind of on the fence about that one.




Surf Lessons would be awesome! But also, kind of pricey to learn something that I probably won't get to do hardly at all over the next few years (don't think we're moving anywhere close to a beach). It is however THE thing to do in Hawaii and they have some of the most famous surfing competitions and waves in the world.



What do you think??? I need some input to get my decision made.

6 Days To Go!!!!!

I don't have much time so I am only inclosing a website to reference about the history of the Lei. Enjoy!

1 Week and Counting...

The Luau has a very nice history. It was originally practiced as a way of communicating and getting closer to the gods. The name Luau comes from a dish that was traditionally served. It was leaves of the taro plant combined with chicke and baked in coconut milk. Check out the link to learn more!

8 Days til Oahu!

Oahu's North shore is home to one of the most famous surf spots. The Banzai Pipeline. These waves on an average day range in height from 2 feet to 25+ feet. In the winter time at Waimea Beach the waves can reach as high as 50+ feet. Some of you may recognize the name or site from the movie Blue Crush.

Surfing was first showcased to Europeans in the Polynesian island of Tahiti back in the late 1700's.

9 Day til Paradise

This is a photo of the Kilauea Volcano. It has active lava flow today and has had since it's last eruption in 1983. In the evenings there are actually fireworks shows at the volcano to showcase it's beauty. It's located on the big Island of Hawaii. It is also said to be the home of Hawaii's fire goddess, Pele.

My Own Little Count Down

only 10 days til HAWAII!!! 9 1/2 if you count that it is already evening here. :)

Who is your Celebrity Look-A-Like???

I think everyone should post a photo of them selves along with a photo of the celebrity they think they look like or have been told they look like. Allison posted a photo of Lisa Kudrow for herself but I need to see a photo of Allison along side it. Everyone should weigh in on wether the celebrity we each name is a match or if they have a suggestion for one. I have been told my celebrity match would be closest to Jodie Foster. What do you think???

A bit of history

So how was everyone's weekend? Mine was alright. We didn't do anything really. We did some yard work, washed the cars, played with the baby, etc. We finally have BEAUTIFUL weather here now so that makes things much more enjoyable. We actually went and played in the orchards with baby bean this weekend. She enjoyed everything but the bees. She didn't get stung or anything but she did not enjoy them buzzing so close to her. Needless to say we didn't stay long. Since I really don't have anything to say today but wanted to post since it has been a while I will attach only a couple history pictures. I know you are all probably getting tired of my show and tell pictures but as Ms. Varlowe stated "(we) like show and tell...because they give us an opportunity to show what is cool and unique and funny about us." And as of now, I am traveling. Maybe after Hawaii in 3 weeks I'll have some better posts.

Interesting, huh? Located on the left bank of the Seine, the American Church in Paris was established as the first American church on foreign soil. It really is a beautiful place and a novelty in Paris for Americans and other English speaking people traveling abroad.

My photo from the top of the Eiffel Tower.


I don't know how many of you know this but Paris also has a Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty in NY was built by the French and given to the U.S. as a gift to welcome all immigrants coming through NY and to welcome home Americans from traveling abroad. Our statue was erected in 1886. In 1889 the American community in Paris erected the much smaller version on the Isle de Grenelle as a gift to the French and as a way to light the path in both directions between the two countries. Also, Lady Liberty is made with copper plates but years of exposure so salt water air have patinized her (oxidized her metal) to give her her famous bluish green color.

It's Been a While

Sorry it's been so long. I have been a little busy but mostly just lazy. Anyways, I am back at it. First of all, since no one really guessed at the Actor Trivia question a couple weeks ago, the answer will remain a mystery unless someone specifically tries to guess or asks. Second, Baby Bean has found her FEET! Isn't she adorable?!?! She is getting so big now. She had her 4 month check-up last Wednesday and she is now 13.4 lbs and 24" long. Yesterday she turned 20 weeks. Can you believe how much time has flown??? It's already May. The 5th month of the year. I move back to the states in less than 6 months, The H's move to the city "where everybody knows your name" in like 26 days and Christmas is creeping up again! It's like Maughry's Friday syndrome, it's like yesterday was Valentine's Day and today is almost Cinco De Mayo. Anyways, that's my rambling for today. I promised last week I would post more world travels and California pics soon so here they are. California first!

This was at the San Diego Zoo. Honestly, I think St. Louis has a better zoo. Oh well, anyone see the resemblance to Bro. Bean??? ;) Just Kidding!

It's not a great picture but this was the Christmas tree on Fisherman's Wharf Thanksgiving 2004.




This is the Rodeo Drive sign, not as impressive as you might think. The William Shatner star, a tribute to Father Bean. The famous El Capitan Theatre. and the Beverly Hills sign. Hollywood is not nearly as glamorous as you might think.


This is me with Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood. The imprints were really cool to see and "play in." We saw Shirley Temple's, Warren Beatty's, Clark Gable's, etc.



Now these are for the sports fans and auto enthusiasts. While in CA we went to an Angels game, Dodgers Game, Mighty Ducks game, and Mr. Bean went to the Skip Barber racing school. Sorry I don't have a photo available for the Angels game at this time. I'll have to find it later. I do have to say though that the Angels game was much more exciting than the Dodgers game. Sorry Dodgers fans.

Now, I know Bro. Bean shared a photo of us "rubbing elbows" with Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000) last year. By the way, Ms. Varlowe, that comentary you gave us was absolutely HILARIOUS. If anyone has not seen it yet, go to Bro. Bean's site and look at the September archives for the photo and comments on Hey Yaaaaaa. Here are a few other photos with various celebrity types. Some you may recognize, some you may not.





Now these are in order Clive Cussler (and son Dirk Cussler), Ashlee Simpson, Gary Sinise, Ryan Seacrest & Ellen K, and Ashlee Simpson again. They aren't the best photos as they were taken with my old crappy digital camera. But none-the-less here they are. Clive Cussler is a wonderful writer. His book Black Wind is a great read! He writes fiction novels about old war subs, boats, munitions, etc. that his main character Dirk Pitt gets into a bit of trouble with. They are great adventure novels. If you have heard of the movie Sahara, that was based on his book Sahara. My dad's favorite author!!!
Ashlee Simpson was doind a CD signing at a Wal-Mart for her first album Autobiography and that's where these photos are from. We were told photos were not allowed that's why they are not clear shots and have body guards in most of them.
Gary Sinise came to Germany to do a USO show for us with his Lt. Dan Band and they were great! He was friendly and signed autographs afterwards. I have a shirt that says "Got Shrimp?" on it and he signed that for me.
For all you American Idol fans, I'm sorry to say that Ryan Seacrest is a big let down. He is not very friendly. He is actually kind of rude and snotty. Anyways, he and Ellen K have a radio show in LA on Kiis FM and they are great to listen too. This was taken at a CHOC event. Notice the Bunny Ears from Mr. Seacrest in the back? I have better photos of him for anyone who is intersted.

Well, that is all for today. Check back soon for more photos of the world and possible CA. Who knows, I'm sure there are more hiding somewhere! :)