Hindsight is 20/20 right? When a deal popped up for an Aulani staycation in March, we decided to only do one night since we planned to do another staycation in the summer. Well, our staycation weekend and the arrival of COVID 19 lined up perfectly. Looking back, we are so thankful we could take this trip, but man I wish we would have stayed longer. We've been in lockdown pretty much ever since.

Aulani is what I call "fake Hawaii", but that doesn't make it any less amazing! It's Hawaii with Disney magic. We had so much fun playing in the pools. We didn't even do much exploring of the resort or even stick our toes in the sand because, well, you know... we thought we were coming back shortly. I cannot wait to go back soon!

September 2, 2020 marked 75 years since WWII ended on the decks of the USS Missouri. We have an unique opportunity in Hawaii to access the places where WWII started for the US and where it ended. The boys and I took advantage of some of the events taking place as part of the anniversary and you know I took pictures to prove it!

On Tuesday night, the boys and I went over to Ford Island to watch fireworks. There was something pretty neat about having our chairs literally sitting over strafing marks from the attack. The fireworks were a gift from Honolulu’s sister city, Nagaoka, Japan. They were meant to honor the greatest generation and give hope for the future of peace.

The next morning, September 2, we watched the programing and live stream of the ceremony that was taking place on the Missouri. As part of the event, there was a Legacy of Peace Parade with WWII airplanes. We were able to learn about the planes and then go outside and watch them flyover as the route took them right over our house. Apparently the Nerf Guns were shooting “healing power”. That’s probably because I scarred Landon for life and let him watch Pearl Harbor with me. Yeah… he’s too young and it was all too real for him since we are on base almost daily.

Then we watched the live stream of the ceremony, listened to Veteran’s stories and watched footage from when the treaty was signed. I am so glad we visited the Mighty Mo a few weeks ago because Landon was able to see video from somewhere he knew. It brought history to life for him (and me). And of course I cried like a baby when they mentioned how the greatest generation inspired a future of sailors to serve in the Pacific Theater.

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I’ve always told Trip that there is something so special about this homeport. There is so much history here. I am so glad the boys are getting these experiences and I hope they remember them as they get older.