We had a full day planned for Monday. We made a quick trip to Costco to get a bouquet of flowers for Mildred Wong. Mildred and her family were hosting us for lunch and reminiscing of Neal's conversion of this family. We drove to Mildred's home and were hosted by Mildred, her three sons (Derrick, Darrell and Darren) and Darren's wife Brandy. They ordered lunch in and we sat around the table for a couple hours eating and sharing stories. There were pictures to be taken and then we were on our way to hike to Manoa Falls.
From left to right: Darrell, Derrick, Mildred, Neal Darren and his wife Brandy.
Same group. They just added me in the mix. Emmi was taking the picture.
Me, Emmi, Mildred and Neal. I should add here that the huge quilt hanging behind us is a quilt that Mildred's mother made. Every piece appliquéd by handing then quilted all by hand. Mildred came from a family of 16 and her mother made one for each child. Brandy found this quilt under Mildred's bed in a plastic container. Brandy felt it should be displayed and not hidden so she has it hanging in her home. The appliqué pieces represent the different foliage of Hawaii.
After lots of hugs and goodbyes we headed to Manoa Falls. The hike was a little over a mile and was absolutely beautiful. Chickens and roosters are all over the place in Hawaii.
Neal and his walking sticks. I think they may have been more of a hindrance than a help. And Neal, not being specially aware of his surroundings, was fling them in all directions. Emmi and I made it a point to stay quite a ways back from his. It actually got very comical.
Not clear on what the boy was doing here.
The falls were beautiful. The foliage around was breath taking.
Emmi nicknamed Neal "Mr. Aloha!" He has no problem talking to EVERYONE and getting their genealogy!!
In this picture, Neal was asking Emmi and I where his water bottle was. As you can see, it is under his arm. Yes, much laughter there.
Emmi's favorite picture taking spot of the hike. Made me think of the Sacred Grove.
We finished the hike in a couple hours and then headed to Ala Moana Shopping Center. I had forgotten how huge that shopping center was. Incredible! We found all the stores that Neal was looking for. Crazy shirts where Emmi and I bought a shirt. Then a couple Hawaiian shirt places that Neal shops on line from and finally to Reyn Spooner where he did purchase a shirt. We also found a candy shop with every kind of candy you could possible want. Even old stuff that you can't find just anywhere these days.
While we were waiting for Neal in Reyn Spooner, Emmi spotted a robot dog. Rather strange, but interesting. I got there just as the owner was shutting the robot down so didn't get a good picture, but you get the image.
Of course we found a cookie place and Neal went a little bit over board as he usually does when it comes to sweets and especially cookies.
We also stopped at the food court and Neal and I shared a Philly Steak sandwich. Emmi had a bacon, turkey cheese (I think that is what she got) along with drinks and fries. We were going to stop at a Haagen Dazs ice cream but decided it would be better to stop at a Baskin Robbins close to home because everything melts quickly! Emmi knew where the closes Baskin Robbins to her home was so we stopped and had our dessert.
Got home about 9:30. Played a game of Shanghi and then off to bed. Emmi has to go to work on Tuesday. We did get a call from Lynda Ann (3:00 a.m. Utah time). She couldn't sleep so we talked to her for about a half hour and then off to dream land. And that closes out our Monday activities.
I need to add one more thing. When we got home I pulled up my emails and there was a message from Susan. She had looked at the pictures I posted on my blog and said that "Neal's hair looked like his hair had a party without him but that Emmi and I always looked cute." I started laughing so hard that I could hardly read the message to Neal and Emmi. Emmi took a snap shot of me.
Great way to end my day on a really good laugh!! Thanks, Susan!
