Erickson Oahu Adventures

     During the time that we've spent here in Hawaii, we've always hoped that James' parents would be able to visit.  Several times we've thought they might be able to come, but it has never worked out for one reason or another.  Last week everything finally came together and they were able to spend a week with us here in Hawaii!

     We have always thought that the beach and recreation area at Bellows Air Force base is a beautiful area, so for the first four days that Mom and Dad Erickson were here, we rented a cabin on the beach.  It was a fantastic setting with the ocean visible from the front porch and the roar of the waves drifting in the windows at night.  Jay was a big fan too because there was a giant playground just outside the cabin!  

    

James and Dad at Makapuu Point

     While staying at Bellows, we took several day trips to some of our favorite spots around the island.  We hiked up the trail to Makapuu lighthouse and took in the incredible scenery while looking for whales.  On Friday, we drove over the mountains and visited Pearl Harbor and the Arizona memorial.  Then on Saturday morning we visited our favorite restaurant on the island, Cinnamon's, for some of their amazing red velvet pancakes.  

Mom and Dad on the lookout at Makapuu

     After breakfast at Cinnamon's, we loaded up the car and moved back up to our apartment on North Shore.  We spent the next few days relaxing and checking out some more of our favorite spots on the island.  James and Dad went down to AMR and climbed through a tunnel network left over from WWII.  Mom found her favorite spot on the island just a few miles away from our apartment near Kaena Point.  She's always been a sucker for giant waves and beautiful scenery.  There isn't much else on Kaena Point, but it has both of those in spades.  Monday evening we all went over to the Leeward side of the island to Electric Beach.  James and Dad went scuba diving, while everyone else played in the ocean.

At our favorite coffee hangout - The Coffee Gallery in Haleiwa

Jay decided to take some pictures of himself.

Grandpa and Jay hanging out

3 Generations of Erickson men in a Kiowa

     On Tuesday, Mom and Dad packed up for their flight back.  Their flight didn't depart until nearly midnight though, so we still had time for at least one more adventure.  Dad's birthday was February 2nd, so for his present, we bought him a glider ride at Dillingham Airfield, just down the road.  Dad had an incredible flight and James was even able to go up with the pilot of the tow plane that pulled Dad's glider into the air.

Dad's glider ride at Dillingham Airfield

     We were sad to see them head home Tuesday night, but grateful that they were able to make it out to see us before we moved away from Hawaii.  It's easy to take for granted just how beautiful it is here and it's always fun to see how excited guests are when they see it for the first time.  It had been almost 1 1/2 years since James had seen his parents, so it was a great time of catching up.  All in all, it was a great visit and a fitting conclusion to our experience as hosts in Hawaii.

Mom and Dad on the beach at Kaena Point