It’s hard to believe that I’ve been in Hawaii for 3 and a half months now. It’s even harder to believe that our long, drawn-out move isn’t wrapped up yet. But – the end is near. With one month left of Sam’s fall term, we’re finally in the home stretch for getting him – and the contents of our house – here to Hawaii. In the meantime, we checked off a huge milestone in the transition last week: moving Lola!
After a tedious 3-month process, Lola passed her final step with Hawaii animal quarantine, allowing her to finally legally enter the state of Hawaii. And without wasting any time, she and Sam hopped on a flight to make it official. Although Sam could only stay for the weekend, Lola is officially a Hawaii resident dog now.
I’m not sure if it’s the pregnancy hormones or just some pent-up emotions from being separated for so long, but I literally *burst* into tears when they carried Lola out to us at the quarantine office in the Honolulu airport. I missed that crazy pooch more than I could have ever imagined. Just call me a crazy dog lady, I own it. The poor thing was a little disoriented from the flight, the heat, and seeing me again after so long. But we took her home and spent the weekend getting her acquainted to Hawaii life. It didn’t take long for her to get in the island groove.
Sam and I also got to squeeze in some non-dog time before he flew out to Portland for the last time before moving to Hawaii officially next month (HOORAH!!). Here’s a peek at some of the fun from our weekend.
But first! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to express gratitude for my friends, family, and readers. These last few months haven’t been easy, but it’s reassuring to feel so love and supported. I couldn’t have made it without you! Or at least, it wouldn’t have been as much fun. xo
^^ First view of the beach in Hawaii!
^^ Awkward car selfie… I was TRYING to show Lola’s paw, which she keeps putting on my belly. Does she know something’s growing in there, or does she think it’s just a nice resting perch? Undecided.
^^ Sam and I made sure to stop for one our favorite cool treats: acai bowls.
^^ We also had Dim Sum in Chinatown. This was just round one, fyi. It was a feast!
^^ Family time at Kailua Beach. Lola learned how to swim pretty quickly!
^^ Last but not least, brunch at Koko Head Cafe – the new-ish eatery in Honolulu from chef Lee Anne Wong of the Cooking Channel. Clearly it didn’t disapoint.