Patrick goes to Hawaii!

Not fair, right? He was out there for two weeks which wasn't too bad until everything hit the fan at the end, there was major problems, he was going to have to stay back with the gear for an indefinite amount of time... it was a stressful couple of days with everything switching back and forth and just being very complicated. Miraculously he came home on time though... Maya and I are definitely glad to have him back!

He took our crappy point and shoot camera out there with him but got some awesome pictures-there are a ton on here but he took close to 250 and a bunch of videos and they are all really neat! So-here are a "few".

He flew on an Air Force KC-135 from here to Miramar (California) and a couple of days later from there to Hawaii. He had an awesome seat right up front and got to roam around while they were flying to take pictures of everything.

This is SO neat. There were three jets that flew out there alongside them because, instead of stopping, they could refuel from the KC-135. We have video of it too so if you are ever over, ask to see it!

Flying into California
And then flying out...

And then here is gorgeous Hawaii!

Going to see the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Almost 70 years later, it's still leaking oil...

Later that day they went to a luau.

This guy (quickly) climbs up the tree and showers everyone with flowers

Patrick making crafts-hahaha!

Salad, pasta salad, the cup had Lomi Lomi Salmon in it (which he said was very interesting)

For dinner he had (clockwise) Kalua Pig (the shredded stuff), green beans, fried chicken, white rice, Island Fish with Macadamia Nut Creme Sauce, and then the stuff in the middle that looks like gravy is Poi. He didn't get a picture of the desserts (Haupia and Banana Coconut Cake) because it was too dark but he said they were "interesting".

They were super close to the stage!
He didn't get any more really good pictures after this, because it was just too dark... but he got some neat videos. We can't wait to be stationed there someday (loooong time in the future-my rule is I will NOT be chasing toddlers around the beach, and I want our kids old enough to sightsee, hike, and explore and be able to fully appreciate it!)