Exploring Oahu: Our First Dole Plantation Experience

Since I was a kid, I have always LOVED pineapple's. The look, taste, appearance, way it relates to polynesian culture. All of it. Perhaps that is why I chose to pair Pineapple's with Motherhood and my extraordinary love for photography in this blog?! Anywho... Last week, while Daddy J was in Oklahoma City we had access to his work vehicle. The days can be long when you are trapped in a hotel room.  And I am struggling to find healthy interactive tools to keep my kids tiny minds stimulated without overloading them with technology. They both LOVE trains. They both LOVE an exciting adventure.  Mommy LOVE'S pineapple's. So I researched budget friendly activitia for families on Oahu and low and behold the Dole Plantation was one of the top Ten. First thing in the morning, we were Wahiawa, HI bound... 

As soon as we arrived I was stunned at the landscaping presentation. Pineapple's everywhere! The Dole Plantation presents the warmest feeling pulling into the parking lot -  I couldn't wait to get the kids out of the car and start exploring! We went straight to the ticket booth and bought a train & maze ticket. Jeyes was free so I only paid for myself and Teilani. Booyah! The garden was closed (boo!) Another reason to make a second trip!

Here are some photo's of our trip... Hope you enjoy!

I learned a ton from the Pineapple Express. And you will too!  After the train ride was over we headed over to the fish hatchery to feed them a handful's of pellets. Boy were they hungry! Not sure why, I think everyone that finishes the train ride does the same. They must be the best fed!

Then we ate some world famous Dole Whip! (Pineapple Ice Cream) All I can say is, YUM! Most refreshing treat on a hot day. The maze was last on our trip list. I didn't quite understand why an employee told me I was brave for taking both kids inside until it was too late. One secret cut-out after another had my head spinning every which way. Teilani would run one way and Jeyes the other. Yikes! Needless to say, that experience didn't last long and there were no documented pictures. I scooped them up kicking and screaming and headed back to the car. Phew... Luckily, no one was lost and moods were back to normal after I reminded them how much fun we had and that we will be back soon. 

Keiki's:

Last week was a magical experience for me. We made it through a week without Daddy and some exciting adventure's around the island. I love to watch the thrill on your face's when we experience these first's. To top it off, when you remind me about the detail's of our adventure I get a bit teary. When you see a pineapple or a train - I hope it will forever remind you how much I love you. I'll never stop.

Alofa Always, 

Mommy Tasia

For Teilani: June Love Letter

Dear Teilani:

Now it seems more than ever I am losing my patience with you on a daily basis. I am plagued with guilt  and hope you forget some of the awful faces I've made and harsh words I've said. Not cool. Not cool at all. Please forgive me? Maybe in the future you will have to deal with these same problems, if so, understand you are not alone. We are all up in each other's business all day, living our life in cramped quarters. I really wouldn't want it any other way. The time's Daddy relieves me of my mommy duties and I am sent away to regain more of myself, all I do is think about you and Jeyes. Wondering if you are ok and if you might need me. This morning I tried to curl up on the couch and close my eyes while you were playing with your dolls. I felt you pet my head and kiss my cheek, whispering "are you okay, momma?". I love how caring and warm your heart can be. And I love how much you love our Ohana. That is a gift from God and one I hope you never lose as you mature. Daddy and I have seen you throw some pretty wicked temper tantrums lately and I'll admit that you might have witnessed this same behavior from me when you and Jeyes aren't behaving to my liking. That totally sucks. I am not perfect. And I am sorry for being a poor role model. Everyday I wake up and think of how I can be better. One of the ways I dedicate myself to you is by writing you this letter in hopes that the future "you" will gain understanding of who I am - and that I am trying my very best to be better. Today, I am your Mother. Today, I love you. Tomorrow, I love you. Forever, I'll love you. You will always be my princess. 

Love, Mommy Tasia 

Expecting The Unexpected

Last week I was a bundle of nerves. Work was busy for Daddy J and emotions were running high between the two of us. I never want to sugar coat our marriage and fool anyone into believing we are perfect. We have our arguements and are both very stubborn in our beliefs. The anticipation of his interview on Friday had my anxiety sky high. And his, too. Although I can never tell. He is THAT good at faking until we make it. There I was, Friday morning, flipping back and fourth from one social media site to another, playing dolls with Teilani and cars with Jeyes, all at the same time. Yes, I am a multi-tasker and very capable of doing all of these things. Then the call came in from Daddy J and I lost it. We are officially moving to Hawaii! I called my Mom right after to share the news and bawled my eyes out.  She was very confused until I whimpered, "happy tears, I'm crazy and just so relieved". As soon as we got Daddy back to the hotel, I snapped this crappily pixilated photo to share with my beloved readers. Can you see the excitement on our faces? Hard-work, commitment, support and love has carried us to this next chapter in our life. I am so proud of my husband! We continue to celebrate the power of Family. 

With the green light in place, we set our weekend plans to tackling house hunting. We've been through this before so this time (our fourth move with his company) should be a breeze. Or so I am praying. I want our kids to be exposed to as much culture and  unique experiences as possible. No matter where we are located on Oahu, we are certain to make those efforts for our families legacy. The search can be time consuming and stressful. So many pros and cons can be made for each home we visit. Our number one goal is to seek comfort and peace and safety. Oh yea, and meet our budget.

Perhaps the most challenge of all is harnessing the expectation of finding the perfect home. Harnessing my emotions of expecting the unexpected. While I was jumping back and fourth from Facebook and Pinterest, I found this quote and it hit "home" for me. That Shakespeare was quite the guy! I could learn a few things from his writing. I edited the quote over a pic I took from our house hunting break at the beach because it reminds me of the heartache that inevitably brought us to our destiny. And to keep the faith and focus on these two precious babies. 

So think of us while we are riding the waves of this transition from hotel to HOME during the next month. Our kitchen supplies are limited, space is tight, but the love is flourishing. If you have any tips & tricks to achieving the most comfortable stay in a hotel, I would kindly appreciate your love and support. 

Alofa, 

Tasia