Northbound with the Hammer Down

I'm heading North today, going up for Heather and Andrew's wedding, which isn't until Friday, but I must be there early enough to attend the bachelorette party. Heather is my best friend Rene's daughter and I'm picturing the whole Mama Mia thing goin on. We may have to burst into song a few times and Rene' and I might have to dance and sing into our hairbrushes like we did as teenagers, pictured to your right. (Notice the "Hot Stuff" on the wall behind us)
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Rene' sounds like she has been holding up well and she does have a great husband to cling to, but I'm sure she's nearing her breaking point and ready for her BF to distract her and hopefully, help out a lil.

The last time I saw any of them was April 07 when Heather, Rene' and I went to Oahu, Hawaii to see Andrew, who is stationed out there. You see me here, butting in, as usual. They look politely stunned, like "wait a minute, who invited her??"
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That was such a an awesome trip, I am so thankful they included me -- the trip was Heather's High School graduation gift from her parents. I think as we headed out there, we didn't suspect Heather and Andrew would soon get engaged, but after spending time with them out

there, I think we all began to suspect it.

It was my first time to meet Andrew and I thought maybe it was like bringing home your

serious date to meet your parents before you get engaged. Maybe Heather thought if he could pass the "Aunt Poof" test, he'd be marriage material. If he could handle this insane "almost relative", he could handle anyone.


Isn't he absolutely adorable?



We spent a week with Andrew and it was a trip I'll never forget. He is such a good man, I am incredibly happy for them. They are both outstanding people and so deserve each other!



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The wedding will be a serious tear-jerker.


Soon after the wedding, they'll be moving to Oahu together.


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They look compatible, don't you think?





When I think of them in Hawaii, this is what I'll envision.

This was at Kailua Beach, about 20 minutes away from Waikiki. I like the Kailua area, it's smaller and quiet, a nice beach, nice stores and restaurants. You can walk or bike around.

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I took Anderw a T-shirt. I figured if I'd be wearing Hawaii T-shirts, then he should have a Wagener one. Wagener/Hawaii, they have some similarities. The tree, for instance.



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Here are some photos I took near the Bonsai Pipeline on the North Shore. You can't imagine how big the waves are.




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Of course we went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. This was my favorite fish, but we saw a lot, so amazing. I also got a great shot of an eel, who totally scared me. We were within inches and he sure looked like he would bite.

And this is my favorite generic Hawaii shot. I took this up at Haleiwa, near Waimea Bay. Haleiwa was a cool place, too, with lots of artsy shops and surf shops, interesting restaurants.
This was just before sunset. Rene' and I sat and watched the sunset and had a great time.


These were just a few of my 500 Hawaii pictures.
But now, back to the present, I'm off to see Rene' and the family. I'm so honored to watch Heather and Andrew pledge their marriage vows! I'm so excited for them, I can't wait.