The day we got to live twice. Had an early wake up so I could finish off paperwork for the restaurant and start to get organised for this trip. By now, we would usually be packed with just a few things to sort, but not this time. Least organised ever. Neither of us had packed anything and just had a few things out that we knew had to go...along with quite a bit of stuff for Adam, including Milo, Vegemite, chips, chocolate and his basketball cards he used to collect when a lot younger.

I helped mum get the suitcases packed (she had two to fit all of Adam's stuff in) and then started on mine. We pulled out the snorkelling gear we had bought a few months back and the realisation hit that mum's snorkel wasn't there. Because she had to get a mask fitted with prescription lenses, they were going to give her the snorkel when she picked it up but it was totally forgotten about, until about 12 noon on the day we were due to depart. So mum had to make a quick trip into Parramatta to pick it up...not what you really want to do on the Saturday before Christmas.

I finished packing why she was gone, gave Sunny what attention I could and left a long list of notes for our amazing friends who were dog sitting for us. Before we knew it, the car was here to pick us up (we had arranged a private transfer to the airport) and we were in the car and could finally breathe and relax. Holiday time had arrived.

Checked in at the airport and then found somewhere to eat. Didn't realise the restaurants were so limited on the other side of security. Last few times we have travelled we have gone straight to one of the airport lounges but not this time. After eating, time to head to the gate and board our Hawaiian Airlines flight. We had booked 'extra comfort' seats but there wasn't much difference to economy except maybe a tad wider and a little more leg room. Entertainment was very limited compared to what we have been used to in the past but watched a movie before trying to get some sleep for the overnight flight. We departed at 9.40pm Sat night and arrived into Hawaii at 10.30am Saturday morning.

Took over an hour to get through immigration due to the lines, our bags were already off the carousel. Jumped into a taxi and headed to the hotel. Checked in, but unfortunately room wasn't ready, said they would put a priority on it but we were advised we were in a room on Level 12. Mum and I headed out for a walk down to the beach, found somewhere to sit and have a drink...a Lava Flow for me and Mango smoothie for mum. Wish we had thought to leave our shorts and sandals out for easy access as it was so warm out. Didn't take me long to have my sneakers off and walk around bare foot.

Wandered back to the hotel as getting too hot in the sun and hung around in the lobby. At 2.20pm they advised it would still be about 30mins which in reality was the normal check in time of 3pm. Mum started to doze off in the chair and then a few minutes later they came over and told us there was a room ready on Level 19 we could have. Sounded good to us. We are staying at the Embassy Suites so have a separate living area and lovely view out to the ocean. We are about one black back from the beach.

Did a bit of unpacking and then headed down to relax by the pool and wait for Adam to arrive which he did so about 5pm. Got him settled and then we headed down for the free cocktail reception they have every evening here at the hotel...choice of spirits, cocktails and wine and nibblies. Just good to catch up and be together. Went to local restaurant for dinner before an early night as we were all pretty much exhausted.