Summer Update

The Dotsons have indeed been having a spectacular summer so far!  We just returned from 10 days on the gorgeous island of Oahu, and it was again incredible.  This time, we explored the island at a more leisurely pace and added a bunch of adventure.  We spent lots of time relaxing on the beach, enjoyed great food, went horseback riding at sunset, did a day of zip lining on the North Shore, and had an AMAZING snorkel sail and swim with dolphins, turtles and fish.  Couldn't have asked for more on our second Hawaiian adventure.  Here's a very random array of our trip...

Pure paradise!

At the resort on the 4th of July.

Breakfast at the resort. It's hard to see in the picture, but breakfast was ocean view!

One of several stops for shave ice.

At the Waimea waterfall.

Occasional selfie with mom. 

Sailing on the dolphin cruise.

Groomed for a life of leisure!

Smile daddy! you're having fun.

The dolphin pod loved to surf in the wake of our boat, but we also had a chance to get in the water and swim with them.  It was amazing.  All wild, spinner dolphins -- with such personality.

On Waikiki Beach.

Simone's lei on the last day.

Tossing it to the sea for a future return!

Lookout near the Halona Blow Hole.

Playing at Haunama Bay!

Posing at Haunama Bay.

At Kailua Beach.  

Running at Kailua Beach -- our favorite for white sand and clear water.

At the ranch.

Simone on her horse.

Riding along the water on the North Shore.

All three of us on the ride.

Simone becoming an equestrian pro.

Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley

Waimea Falls.

Beach at Jump Rock.

Sunday brunch at Orchids -- DIVINE!!!

Strolling after brunch.

Poses after brunch.

Before the luau.

Ziplining!!

So now we're back, safe and sound and missing our tropical traditions of lazy days and shave ice.  But lots more summer ahead to enjoy, and we plan on making the most of every moment.

May Round Up

Well, we certainly had one busy month.  Virtually every weekend was filled with some sort of going on. However, two events deserve recognition -- the first one being this past weekend.  We had an exceptional Memorial Day weekend up in PA.

Even though Tony stopped drilling for Navy Reserves over a year ago, he officially retired from the Navy this month, and Simone and I worked hard to plan a celebration of the occasion with a special family dinner with our closest family members.

We had the dinner at a restaurant named Ocean -- how could we resist?-- and it was really lovely. In addition to the impeccable service, it was a cozy, private space with great ambience and terrific food. We made Tony blush with a slide show of his Navy years and champagne toast.  And Simone recited a customary Navy poem called The Watch for her daddy. She also helped me design the card and cake below.

Aunt Sue made treat boxes for everyone.

With daddy at one head of the table and Simone at the other, we enjoyed a  dinner to remember forever.  So special!

Helping dad open gifts.

What's a party without a little dancing?

The Dotson family.

The retirement event was made even more meaningful because Tony was invited to be the main speaker at the local Memorial Day ceremony.  The whole family, of course, attended to mark such a special remembrance. Despite the rain, it was touching tribute to honor the fallen of my hometown and all who have served.  Truly what Memorial Day is meant to be.

Finally, I would be remiss not to highlight Simone's annual spring piano recital last weekend.  She did a great job once again! Each year the song gets a little harder and she rises to the challenge.  So proud of her for sticking with it and continuing to make progress.

Our June promises to be a bit less busy, but July then picks right up again.  No complaints though. Simone's years are racing by and we cherish every memory of every month we share together.