Zac is here!

Wednesday Zac arrived in Honolulu! He starts PNEO (Prospective Nuclear Engineering Officer) on Tues. This is a school-type program where he will study for almost 2 months, then take an exam, and finally fly to DC for an interview. He is ready to get going so that it will be over. I have no doubt that he will do great! 

Since he arrived we have been running around the island trying to have our cars registered, pick up cleaning supplies for the house, find new uniform pants for Z, and he has been checking in with all of the appropriate Navy offices. We have been really busy, but having a blast 

finally being back together! Here is a shot of Zac with his new license plates on the Wrangler.

Friday, after running around trying to gather all of the documents to register the cars, we picked up the Downs family from the airport. We are so glad that they are here. After taking the Downs to their hotel in Waikiki, Zac and I drove up to our house to sign the lease! We got 

the keys and did our walk-through with the realtor. Hooray! 

Following the house visit, we grabbed dinner and went with Steve and Marisol to a wine bar in

 Honolulu - Amuse. This bar was soooo fun. The concept: you purchase a "debit card" that you insert into wine dispensers. They have about 100 wines for you to try - at various prices. Just insert the card in to the machine, press the button for the wine you would like to try, and out comes the wine! It was a neat concept, and a fun Friday night. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Sat. Zac and I spent the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center! This is sort of like Epcot/Disney - without the rides. All of the Polynesian island nations have their own "village" that you visit to learn more about

 their culture, traditions and lifestyles. We learned a lot, and by the end of the day, I was definitely at the BRAIN OVERLOAD point. 70% of the workers of the PCC are students at BYU Hawaii - they work for the PCC and get scholarships to attend the campus here. What a neat opportunity for students from these countries - they get to share their nations' culture and go to school in the US.  Later that evening we met Doug and Melissa for dinner in Kaneohe at Haleiva Joe's. 

Today we went up to the North Shore with Melissa to find a sea turtle for a "Flat Stanley"

 project for Melissa's cousin (in elementary school). There was

 only one turtle there today, and she was stuck in the rocks (until high tide). Zac and I climbed over a lot of lava rocks to get to

 the turtle and take "Flat Emma's" picture with the turtle. On the way back to Pearl City to watch the Superbowl at Melissa's house, we stopped at the Dole Plantation for some pineapple ice cream. Mmmmmm. We spent the rest of the afternoon eating pizza, 7-layer dip and watching the game. 

Tomorrow is (finally) move-in day!! We will be up early, and working hard, but we are so excited to have our stuff in our own space again!

So long - until our internet is connected at the house, which should be Thurs.!

-RAWE