Aloha from the Balingits!

"To a child, love is spelled T-I-M-E. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." (Mac Anderson)

By the grace of God, we were able to take our first family vacation to Hawai'i!

Here are some more photos from our very memorable summer trip: July 10-14, 2009...

Hop on in! Edward and Alison were very excited that we were staying in such a cute room.

The view from our lanai. This photo makes me feel nostalgic - a big wave of different kinds of emotions seizes me: We were there... We actually made it to Hawai'i! Among "MY 100 THINGS" were to take a vacation in Hawai'i and to take my kids to the beach. This vacation was a dream come true!

Dawn at Waikiki. "And the beach... Oh, the beach taught me not to ever feel sorry for myself. To be in the beach was to be in the presence of something way greater than I was. Being near the ocean drowned all my doubts and worries, and engulfed me with the vastness of God's great love." (Ode to My Childhood Summer Days, August 2008 blog)

Soak up the sun! We had a blast making sand castles, collecting rocks and tiny sea shells, and burying one another in the sand! :D

Ready to swim! Edward and Alison couldn't wait to try out their new floater swim suits, goggles, and beach toys in the hotel swimming pool.

I can do it! After Daddy spent some time teaching Edward how to float and kick, he decided he wanted to do it on his own.

Where's the rainbow? Everyday, somewhere on the island, we were greeted by a rainbow. "Who said that every wish would be heard and answered... Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection. The lovers, the dreamers, and me."

On our way to Hanauma Bay. All shakas with excitement!

Hanauma Bay. Breathtaking view, breathtaking snorkeling experience...

another magical and unforgettable day in the island.

Polynesian Cultural Center. Hard to choose what's most memorable about this place -

the amazing canoe pageant...

Family activities at each Polynesian village...

The peaceful canoe ride...

















The fun-filled luau...

Or the spectacular "Horizons" evening show...

Just like it's hard to pick which of part of our vacation I loved the most...

Edward and Alison, however, agreed that nothing could beat swimming in the pool! Edward said, "My favorite part was when Daddy taught me how to swim," which totally melted my heart. I realized that vacation or not, for children, the most wonderful thing is for us to spend time with them.


Dear Lord, Thank You for this blessed gift of family time. May Edison and I always be reminded that the best way we can show our love for Edward and Alison is to spend quality time with them. May our lives be filled with more heart-warming memories such as our family vacation in Hawai'i. Amen.