Kauai

I have to say being here is just wonderful! I arrived late Tuesday night after 15 hours in airports and on planes to a grinning John who looked more rested than I had seen him in years! I guess working in paradise is relaxing after all! He met me at the airport and we went to dinner. I ended up getting an earlier flight so we had to go back to the airport to get my bags when I was initially scheduled to arrive. We went to a nice little barefoot bar and had fish tacos! at least I did, John had a burger. Aaaahhh... it was nice but I was beat and we went home. The room is just amazing. It is a two bedroom two bath condo with a huge deck that over looks the pool as well as has a nice view of the ocean. There is easily enough room for another couple here. I stayed up until 9:30 (1:30 my time) and crashed... I actually slept very well, windows and doors all open to the breeze and smells of the island. I didn't hear and still haven't heard the roosters at 3am but they are all over the place.. and some are just beautiful!

Yesterday we went for a walk along the water to some cliffs and watched the whales! I have to say if you ever get the chance to come here come during whale migration season. It is just amazing to see them out there splashing and breaching.. very very cool! We had some wonderful lunch and John drove me around so I would know where things were as the guys are working at night and we girls are left alone with nothing to do but SHOP ! haha... Lynnda and I hooked up yesterday afternoon and shopped and ate from 3 until 9:30! We even got lost but we aren't telling anyone that... I really had a great time and look forward to another girls adventure! I really didn't get much shopping done. I got Annabelle a cute hula grass skirt outfit and some "thank you" items for the parents.. Of course I got myself a can of dark chocolate macadamia nuts to snack on but I was really looking for a nice dress to wear to the luau on Saturday.. I have time still but was unsuccessful in finding what I want.

John got back from work sometime early this morning, not sure when but he is still sleeping (it is 7:30a here now).. I think we are going to snorkel today and dive on Saturday.. I'd like to zip line or even try to kayak while I am here. I only have a few days to cram it all in so I might even do a night dive by myself (with the instructors of course) if I can work up the courage to go it alone! They tell me they have a bull seal that they call sir snacks a lot that comes along and eats the food that is seen though the underwater lights! How cool is that??

well, I am in need of more of this yummy Kauai coffee so I am going to go for now.. I can't load photos until I get home, sorry but rest assured I will have plenty to share!!

Love to you all! Mom and Dad Ruppel, kiss the bee for us and Mom and Dad Evans' kiss AJ as well.. we miss them both very much!

Carolyn (and John)