Do You Remember 1983?

 1983?  Sure, I remember it albeit a bit fuzzy.  It was over 40 years ago.  

Back when Sonja looked like this...  

And, I looked like this...

In 1983, John's grandmother and grandfather (the original Papa) took him on a trip to Hawaii.

For over 40 years, whenever you ask John a question about that trip to Hawaii he seems to recall explicit details.  He can remember where they went, what they did and also the feelings from that long ago time.

His grandparents were able to give John the gift of a lifetime of memories.  I'm sure that whenever he thinks of his Papa in heaven, the trip to Hawaii is embedded in those memories.

It was his grandparents gift to him.

And now, we get to give the same gift to John's kids... our grandchildren.   Chloe, Abby and John Jr (JJ) will be traveling with us next week to the Big Island of Hawaii.  We gave them this gift as a Christmas present and they have been anxiously counting the days ever since.

Well, the wait is almost over.  Next Wednesday, April 3rd, we will load up the car with kids, luggage and golf clubs and head to the airport for the 6 hour flight to Kona.

We'll blog this trip so that 40 years from now, they will remember.  Also, as I approach 70, in a year and a half when I start drooling, I'll remember too.  

I don't know who's more excited.  The grandkids or the grandparents.  Either way it's going to be a fantastic trip.  If we survive 6 hours on a plane with 3 kids!!!