Flowers and Plants on the Island

This resort is a Military Recreation Hotel which is located on Wikiki Beach.  It is a beautiful resort with many many restaurants, cafes, bars, fitness center, pools and spas and even a Base Exchange.  Just because I love flowers and plants, I took a bunch of pictures around the complex.  Please enjoy!

   

USS Arizona Memorial

Next, we rode a ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial.  Also known as "Home Of The Brave" and it is a tribute to the "Heroes of the Pacific".  Such a sacred memorial....

Many ships are docked here...

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This was especially touching and I got a lump in my throat as I read it.  This shows divers delivering the urn of yet one more survivor being placed deep in the ship where all the other soldiers perished.  This was so sad to me....   Each survivor has a choice of burial here or elsewhere.

The memorial sits over the sunken USS Arizona.  As you look down into the waters, you see the ship!

As we left the memorial, I felt so touched by the tragic happenings of War.  So many lives lost...

Tour of Pearl Harbor

The sacred grounds of Pearl Harbor were amazing.  The history of World War II and the attack on December 7, 1941 were heartfelt.  With my dad having served during World War II, this was especially touching.

It is so serene out here...I can only imagine the bombing taking place on Dec. 7, 1941!!

This Gentleman is a Pearl Harbor survivor and he is greeting people who want to talk to him. I believe there are about 2 or 3 surviving Pearl Harbor Soldiers...  I believe there is a survivir that lived in Driscoll, TX.

I asked him if he would mind taking a picture with Joe and Jesse.  Joe is AF Retired and my brother works heavily in honoring all Soldiers.  He is The Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders of South Texas.  Very proud of all three!   Funny but when I finished taking the picture, the Gentleman asked if he could take a picture with the girls, that was us!!!!

Love the Big Smile on his face.  We were honored to take a picture with him.  It just reminded me that My Dad would have been about his age.  Thank you, Sir for your service and sacrifice!!

The view is spectacular from the Pearl Harbor Historic area.  Pictures don't do it justice and also these are all taken with the cell phone.

We kept running into these soldiers and found out that there was a huge crowd from The Armada of Chile.   They came to honor the fallen soldiers here. More to come on this...

Ready For First Day of Touring

Joe and Corina drove us around the area.  Joe had been here before so he was a great guide.  We began our day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

 Our view from our dining table!

We are now ready for our day of touring.  Joe & Corina getting the car...

Enjoying The Sites at The Resort

We had an Ocean View room it was a very beautiful sight.  We sat out on our patio quite a bit.
This was our view!

Also had a great view of the adult pool.  

We gathered by the pool/bar area for some drinks and relaxation!

Jesse and Berta Aleman on the balcony.

Joe and Corina Hernandez.

Manuel and I

Joe highly recommended this drink of which I forgot the name.  It was Yummy, but I could only handle one.

Since Manuel did not have a mixed drink, I placed my flower on his hat!!

Later that evening, after dinner, we went for a swim & hot tub!   So relaxed!!

Joe and Jesse enjoy the pool as we enjoy the hot tub...

This huge tree in the center of the resort was beautifully lit at night.  

We had a very good night sleep and are ready for the next day of adventures...

Our Hawaii Vacation

We planned a family vacation to include Corina, Joe, Jesse (my brother and his wife) Berta and of course, Manuel and me.  Corina and Joe made all the arrangements  and we were all excited.  Our flight was at 6 am and we arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii by 11:30 am.  We gained 5 hours.

Beautiful Sunrise!

Beautiful Clouds!

Sights of Honolulu from above!

Long day in flight but all was good.  Things went pretty smooth and Manuel felt good, which was my biggest concern.  Thank You, Jesus.