Last day in Nadi - Garden of the Sleeping Giant

Yesterday we spent the afternoon hiking through the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, an orchid garden just outside of Nadi.  Today we are catching the Yasawa Flyer for the first time to head out to Beachcomber Island.

Pal's first time at the beach!

We took Pal to the beach yesterday for the very first time.  He was a little timid in the water since there were (small) waves and it tasted funny, but he enjoyed his time there nonetheless.

Pal LOVES the water!

I think we have a swimmer on our hands.  The pool here at the resort is pretty cold, but that doesn't stop Pal even for a second.  He LOVES the water.  I think this will be the perfect trip for him!

Here are a few photos from our first day on Viti Levu…

Lose a day to the International Date Line

July 5 - It was like it never happened.

Pal did GREAT on the flight last night.  What a little trooper!  He cruised around the airport as fast as his little legs could carry him until it was finally time to board.

We flew on Fiji Airways, and let me tell you, what a fantastic experience.  This was hands down the best customer service I have ever gotten from an airline.  They made sure all of our bags got on board (see picture to appreciate the full ridiculousness of this feat) and Pal had everything he needed.  They put us in the bulkhead seats with tons of extra space and shortly after take-off they brought us a baby bassinet that bolted to wall for Pal to sleep in.  It was almost too small for him but he slept comfortably there for 8 hours until it was time for breakfast.  One of the nice flight attendants gave him a freshly baked blueberry muffin in exchange for some smiles and little smacks (aka. high five).  We got off the plane semi-rested and ready to take on some Fijian adventures!

We checked into the Tokatoka Resort here in Nadi and we are headed out soon to check out the downtown area.  Super excited!!!

(The Big Az Chicken Sandwich was super gross… in case you were wondering.)

Schedule for Fiji

We leave tonight just before midnight for Fiji.  So, here is the plan for the trip; where we are and when.

(Note:  We lose a day since we are crossing the international date line.)

Click hotel name for website

July 6-9:  Tokatoka Resort, Nadi, Viti Levu.

July 9-13:  Beachcomber Resort, Beachcomber Island

July 13-17:  Manta Ray Island Resort, Nanuya Belavu Island

July 17-18:  Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Nacula Island

July 18-22:  Barefoot Manta Island Resort, Dawaqa Naviti Island

July 22-26:  Octopus Resort, Waya Island

July 26-28:  Naqalia Lodge, Wayasewa Island

July 28-31:  Bedarra Beach Inn, Coral Coast, Viti Levu

And July 31 we fly out to Melbourne, Australia!

Photos from our travel day/night with Pal.

We are off to LA!

Today we pack up and fly to Los Angeles for the night before we ship out tomorrow night for Fiji!!!


Pal loves to share his food... and if you're really lucky he will offer you his bink.  That means you are forever friends!

Last few days in the USA!

We are enjoying our last few days in the country.  Pal is getting lots of good snuggles from the grammies and grandpies before we leave.

Happy birthday to the greatest Daddy ever!

Happy birthday, Matt!  We are the same age again so you'll have to wait until next year to start calling me "cougar" again.  Love you super mucho!

Like Father, like son

It's the same face!

We have had so much fun playing at the lake.  Pal loves the water!  It looks like we have a swimmer on our hands!!!

A day of play in Maine!

More from Lake Winnipesaukee

Lake Winnipesaukee

Matt and I are spending a few days at Lake Winnipesaukee for Puff's wedding.  It's such a lovely place.

Happy 33rd... to me!

I can't imagine a better way of spending a day...

We made it to Maine!

Happiness is a bucket of water.

Airline shenanigans

Gotta entertain this kid somehow.

What happened to my Cheerios?

Pal at the punkin' patch - throwback

We are busy packing up the house... so here is a throwback to Halloween when Pal went to the pumpkin patch.

Happy Father's Day

Dear Matt,

I just want you to know how much Pal and I love you and appreciate all you do for us.  We are about to embark on the most amazing journey and we are so lucky to have you by our sides.  I hope you have an amazing Father's Day.

Love you, Favorite Donkey.

We have the greatest Grandpa in the history of the world

Happy Father's Day to one of the nicest human beings I have ever known, Brian Hallowell.

We are so excited to see you and the rest of the family next week!  We can't wait!