JUNE 5TH, LAST DAY OF OUR PARADISE VACATION IN KAUAI

This really was the picture we had taken as we were getting ready to leave the condos for the last time.

We were all up early packing, loading vans, and collecting food to leave in one condo for the cleaning lady to take home with her.  Johnny and Brittney were the first to fly out.  Their flight left at noon and so they were back in Portland that night before some of us left Kauai.  John and Todd drove Johnny and Brittney to the south part of the island so that they could see Tunnel of Trees, Spouting Horn, and Poipu Beach.  

Brittney in front of the pond (where the loud frogs live) 

that we passed every time we came to the condos

This is a road called Tunnel of Trees which is about a mile long and has a canopy of trees

Poipu Beach.  

This is a famous golf course where Tiger Woods has played often

The rest of us loaded the vans and drove back to Hanalei so that Colton could look at a hat he wanted to buy.  We shopped for a short time and then headed to Lihue and the airport.  We were able to give Johnny and Brittney a big hug before they went into the airport.  John and Todd parked their van at the mall and we just had 2 cars in our caravan to the Tunnel of Trees so the rest of the group could see Spouting Horn.  We also did a little shopping trying to find a shirt for Cannon and Colton.  I was able to buy yellow stones that a jewelry shop restrung very inexpensively.  We ate at the Poipu Tropical Burger restaurant and I have to admit that the hamburger I had was one of the very best I have ever eaten.  

Can you believe this burger?  Bacon, guacamole, salsa and all the fixings!

Jocelyn and Paisley were all buckled in and ready to go....

We asked Paisley how old she was---pretty smart girl

Jocelyn's hat has seen Europe and Hawaii...where will it travel next?

Mom and I needed our picture in front of the dolphins....can I say bright???

Some of the scenery we passed when coming and going to Princeville

This isn't the greatest picture of Spouting Horn---

the water comes in with the tide and sprays a high plume of water

Colton and Cannon didn't want to leave Kauai---neither did I

Lots of people at the Spouting Horn

We could see about 4 sea turtles in the ocean

Jocelyn didn't want me to take her picture

There were so many roosters, chickens and chicks that of course Brady had to chase them

While we were in the car, American Airlines called Todd and asked if they could inconvenience him and asked him if he would consider taking a later nonstop direct flight from Kauai and best of all---IN FIRST CLASS.  Inconvenience?  Todd was kind enough to let the airlines know that he was traveling with 7 other people and could they also fly first class.  YES!  We all were included.  We had to turn our rental cars in and so we had a little time to spend before American Airlines even had anyone open their booth.  We had to wait outside because all the check-in and security checks were done outside.  Finally we were able to go inside the airport and eat some dinner.  

Jocelyn looked pretty good in 3 hats and especially in her Kauai Rooster red dirt shirt

Todd ends up carrying so many of Megan's items..

purse, carry-on bag, hats...what a GREAT husband

First class Megan smile and Todd realize he can stretch out and sleep

I felt so guilty flying first class that I just kept looking down and trying not to look at the other passengers 

that had to be in cramped and crowded economy.  We arrived to find cold bottled water, a comfy pillow and soft blanket.  We had warmed mixed nuts and more drinks.  Then we were each given a loaf of warm crusty french bread, pasta figioli soup, crackers and cheese, fruit, and dessert.  Everything was yummy.  We were all able to sleep (but Brady watched some dumb show that he wished he hadn't) and sweet Paisley slept the entire flight on the floor between Brady and Laurel's feet and everyone still had lots of room.  

Leather seats and lots of space

John had a row to himself...he was happy 

Jocelyn had to take a picture of our very own connected salt and pepper shakers.  The glass goblet and plate are on the edges of the picture.  

We landed in Los Angeles about 5:20 a.m. and then walked about a mile it seemed to the Southwest terminal.  Now we were all flying economy back to Salt Lake.  Home again with our dream vacation at an end.  I will always treasure our time together and the memories we made all TOGETHER!

P. S.  Brittney won the May I plate --- I love this tradition from our vacations together!  Way to go Brittney!