Dear Sweet Baby Fossen,
We're enjoying another snow day here in Virginia! Oh this March weather...it sure can be unpredictable! Your Dad and I went for a walk in the snow this afternoon and we couldn't help but laugh at how different our scenery was a few weeks ago! We love the snow, and there is something so peaceful and soul-filling about the quietness of a winter wonderland...but we also love the beach and palm trees and warm weather! God's creation is so varied and gorgeous.
One day when you're older we'll tell you all about our little Hawaiian babymoon to go see your Uncle Isaac in Oahu. We'll tell you how he just rolled out the red carpet for us (greeting us with leis as we pulled onto his street!) and gave up his bedroom/bathroom/kitchen/and pool for us to takeover for the week.
We'll tell you about visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation and riding the Pineapple Express (and the pineapple ice cream...that was the highlight!).
We'll tell you about visiting the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Remind us to tell you about your Dad's experience on the USS Bowfin submarine. We won't soon forget that claustrophobia inducing moment!
We'll tell you about visiting Hanauma Bay and getting to swim for all of 15 minutes before the Honolulu Fire Department declared the beach closed...due to jellyfish!
We'll tell you about sweating our way up Diamond Head and the incredible view from the top.
We'll tell you all about Kailua (your Uncle's home away from home!)...the beaches, Kalapawai Market (the best coffee in town!), Island Snow, the Sunday farmers market, and Lanikai Juice.
We'll tell you about the waves on the North Shore.
And the whales on the South Shore.
And the cows on Kualoa Ranch.
We'll tell you about the gourmet sea salts we couldn't get enough of, and the shrimp from Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, the sandwiches at Waialua Bakery, and the way the pancakes tasted at Cinnamon's after an hour and a half wait on Sunday morning.
We'll tell you about meeting up with our sweet friends Chris and Leslie for a wonderful dinner at Haleiwa Joe's on Friday night.
And we'll tell you about the huge rain storm that blew through the island the next day. It cleared up in time for your Dad and I and your Uncle Isaac to head to the Paradise Cove Luau. We'll tell you about the sunset from that night, and your Dad dancing on stage (we got it on video).
We'll tell you about driving on base with your Uncle and hiking the Lanikai Pillboxes and swimming at the Marine Corps. beach and how I cried when we drove away from your Uncle's house for the airport because I was pregnant and hormonal but also because we didn't want to leave and I was missing your Uncle already and Hawaii is such a long, long, long way from home.
We'll tell you how we got on the plane in Honolulu and thought what a wonderful trip it had been. How grateful we were to have had the time to drive and eat and laugh together in the warm Hawaiian sun.
You did it all, Baby Fossen! You may not remember any of it, but we'll remind you one day. You little adventurer you. :)
Maybe one day you'll get to visit Oahu, too! Until then we have lots of cozy Virginia snow days for you to look forward to. We love you heaps on heaps. Cannot wait to meet you!
xoxoxo
Mom & Dad