Capuchio Designs

Tuesday, May 14, 2012

I was still in a  restful sleep on our luxurious Westin king sized bed, when my husband woke me up and said that Michael and Ally were already outside and ready to go down to the beach to see the sunrise with us.  I quickly got dressed an rushed out of the hotel in the quiet calm of the soothing sea air.

The descent down to the beach was about a 10-15 minute walk down a steep path riddled with leaves and fallen mangoes.  The beach below the cliffs of the resort was magnificent!  We arrived just barely in time to take some amazing sunrise photos.

sunrise at Princeville ~ Kauai

Dave and took a two mile walk along the golf course, where we saw a baby albatross sitting in the tall grass. It was so cute and fluffy as it tried to look invisible. Then we went to a breakfast feast in Cindy and Matt’s room. We ate savory Portugese sausage for the first time and enjoyed smooth cups of Kona coffee with our new family. My youngest son was too sleepy to get up at sunrise today, but he did get up in time to enjoy this scrumptious breakfast.

Next we headed a bit west to Hanalei Bay … yes, one and the same as the “land called Hanalei” in Puff the Magic Dragon. We parked and trekked the steep descent down a winding path surrounded by dramatic foliage and flowers, to the St. Regis resort pool area, and then to Hanalei Bay beach just beyond.

St. Regis

Just a side note, that George Clooney stayed at the St. Regis while filming the movie, “The Descendants.” Apparently it’s a movie star hotel.

Most importantly, this beach is the place where Michael proposed to Ally a year ago.

Of all the places we visited on our trip, Hanalei Bay has to be my most favorite! Its majestic, velvety green mountains, surrounding the most calm and clear waters, makes this the perfect place to relax.

After our beach day, we went back to the resort to rest up. Dusty and I went down to the BBQ pavilion early to save the space for the big dinner Cindy and Matthew were providing for all the wedding guests.

Dave manned a grill, while Matthew managed the other. We ate chicken thigh sandwiches, boca burgers, chips, grilled pineapple and skewered veggies, as well as sweet potato fries and onion rings. The food was excellent as well as the company, although I was anxious for my parents to arrive the next day.

It was off to bed for Dave and me after having drinks in Cindy and Matt’s room, while others in our group continued to party into the night.

Preface

It’s been a year since my son got engaged on the gorgeous Hawaiian island of Kauai.  This past year has been filled with excitement and anticipation in preparation for his wedding.  The wedding took place on Michael and Ally’s ten year anniversary of being together, as they were high school sweethearts.  They had vacationed a few times on the garden island prior to their wedding and knew that Kauai was the perfect place to exchange their vows.

Ally’s close family, my immediate family, as well as my parents, were able to make the trip to Hawaii for this very special event.  It was the first time to Hawaii for my family, so we continued our vacation and island hopped to two additional islands before returning back home.

Once home, the culminating reception was held on June 2nd at a well known iconic venue in our hometown.  Everything was perfect beyond our wildest dreams.  I can’t believe that my sweet little boy had grown up so quickly and has become one of the most kind, amazing, brilliant, handsome, men on earth.

Kauai ~ Hawaii

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Princeville

The excitement and last minute wedding details took their toll on me as I finished my packing just a few hours before we needed to leave our house at 3:30 A.M. on Sunday morning for our trip to Kauai.   Thank goodness we gave ourselves plenty of time because I was delayed at least 45 minutes at the airport’s security as they continued to search me  and scan my tote bag repeatedly.  Of course I am squeaky clean and knew they’d find nothing, so the whole experience was extremely offensive and annoying.  Finally the big boss came in and deemed me safe to fly and set me on my (late), way.

Upon our arrival at Lihue airport in Kauai, my son and his fiancee greeted us at the airport and presented me with the prettiest, fragrant, plumeria lei for Mother’s Day. They picked up Ally’s brother and his girlfriend who were on our same flight. I don’t travel all that well and looked like crap, but the lei was absolutely glorious!

Westin at Princeville

We were treated to a luncheon spread in Cindy and Matthew’s room, that was so much appreciated after a long day of travel. While there, we also received our “goody bag” which was actually an insulated beach tote (ice worthy) filled with gifts for our tropical stay. There was a polka-dot beach towel, water bottle, sunblock, water floats, macadamia nuts, aloe, lip balm, umbrella, items for your upset tummy and even more, along with a sweet note from the happy couple. I felt like we were treated like royalty the entire week surrounding the wedding, as our new in-laws took exceptionally good care of all of our needs.

The Westin Resort is by far the most extravagant and exquisite places that I’ve ever been. We stayed in a villa suite that consisted of a one bedroom apartment in essence with a full kitchen and laundry, attached to a studio that also had it’s own kitchenette etc. Our views were to die for, as our lanais overlooked the plush grounds and the ocean beyond.

After lunch, we took a dip in the main infinity pool along with Michael, Ally and her family.  I never go in water, but was enticed by the beauty of the pool’s surroundings, so I said “YES”!  It actually was very relaxing and refreshing, after sitting on a plane for so long.

Since it was Mother’s Day, everybody went to a little, cozy, plantation cottage restaurant in Hanalei for dinner, called “Postcards.” The Seafood on the menu was plentiful and was the most popular with our group. Since I’m not a huge seafood fan, I chose a dish that was corn tortillas layered with black beans, organic jack cheese, rice, vegetables and was drizzled with a macadamia sauce, which I thought was tomatillo. Yum, both pretty and delicious.

my vegetarian meal at "Postcards" restaurant

Today was already filled with wonderful experiences, which reminded me how lucky I am to be the Mom to three amazing children. I love them all so much!