1st Hawaiian Father's Day!

     It's that time of year where stores sell out of ties, aftershave, and "World's Best Dad" mugs! (we have our fair share) That's right! The Kling Family is celebrating Father's Day!

     We woke up late (and by we I mean me) and then we headed out for lunch to Cattle Company!

     After we waited over two hours (we should have made a reservations) we finally sat down in our very own booth!

     I knew it would take a moment for our waiter to swing by the table so we made a battle plan! 

     Menus ready and we scoured all the savory options.  We quickly came to our final decisions for our Father's Day lunch.

     Our waiter Bryant (who just came on to his shift) came and took our orders and he was happy that we are easy going and funny! (he was quickly slammed...ugh)

     Yatniel ordered the Prime Rib, Yared asked for the Top Sirloin, Yorick chose the Mac'n'Cheese with French Fries (what was he thinking?), I picked the Filet Mignon, and the guest of honor my Husband Joe chose the Rib Eye! (wow...that's a lot of steak!)

     The steaks were delicious and juicy! 

     Unfortunately, we knew we had to grab Bryant  for refills, extra bread, and dessert when we could! Lunch quickly deescalated to a game of "Catch the Waiter" but we knew the restaurant would be packed for Father's Day (...sigh). 

     Still the Klings had a great time at the Cattle Company!

     As an avid golfer all Joe wanted to do for Father's Day was play putt putt...(not my cup of tea!! But what Ookie wants...lol)

     Since we were in Pearl City we headed over to Tropics Mini Golf which is the miniature golf course next to the Pearlridge Mall.

   
     We easily saw the entrance and the boys received their balls and putters... but not Joe and Yorick! They brought their own! (HA!)


     Since golf is not my thing...I was elevated to keeper of the scores, referee, and Queen of the Course! Not a bad way to spend Father's Day!

     We had a blast at the Tropics Mini Golf which has a lot of cover (plants), interesting holes (Yared got a Hole-in-One!), and lots of places for the Queen (ME!) to sit...  

     After the last player finished on the 18th hole I added all the scores. It was a very close game but the winner is... Yared! (that Hole-in-One probably helped...?)

     We trudged back to the car and an exhausted Kling Family drove home. Our very 1st Father's Day in Hawaii was a complete success!

     We love and cherish Joe (my Ookie) for all that he is and all that he does. The kids and I are looking forward to next year's Father's Day! (ugh...just hope its not putt putt again...!) 

Back to Nature...back to MY Roots!

     We hadn't ridden on "Da Bus" on a Sunday before...I don't recommend it! (Ugh) I realize that public transportation is a great way to get from point A to point B but apparently not on Sundays...lol...

     To say it was highly packed is an understatement but we got the boys into some seats and after a while I and the Husband got some too! (Yay!)

     Our bus adventure (as Yorick calls them) didn't start out too early (yawn) but we had plenty of time to get to the Honolulu Zoo!

On "Da Bus"!

       
     As we crossed the lawn to get to the Honolulu Zoo entrance I was reminded of how beautifully breathtaking it is!

     Of course I took a few photos at the entrance! How could I not with those magnificent trees and that unfiltered light?

     We didn't waste any time, since the park closes at 4:30 pm and we got there after 2, to purchase our tickets.

     For my military brothers and sisters the Honolulu Zoo does offer discounts with a valid military ID! (YAY!)

     One of the first animals we saw was the Toco Toucan!

     It was incredibly funny that Yorick had a Toucan t-shirt on! (brothers from another mother...?)

     We saw the Black-handed Spider Monkeys swinging away. They were like Cirque du Soleil...it was amazing!

     We definitely took our time, hydrated, and took plenty of rests.

    Some animals were easier to spot than others... I did make sure to point them out to help (you're welcome!)

     We had to look to see where the monkey was hiding...the tail gave him away!

     The elephants were not much of a challenge (lol) but the last photo on the right hand corner...can you see where and what they are...?

     As we made our way to the exit, because the park was closing, we looked at each other and decided to grab something to eat. 

     My loving Husband spotted "Mami's Empanadas"! (Ay Dios Mio!) I had been looking for more authentic Hispanic/Latin food on Oahu and we literally stumbled upon it across the Honolulu Zoo! 

     We missed out on the chance to talk to Chef Alex Arango but we were still treated like royalty at this wonderful Colombian hideaway!

     I had an Arepa and shared some Buñuelos with Yatniel and Yared, Yorick had a coconut candy, and Joe (My Ookie) had a pineapple, macademia nut, mozarella empanadas!

My mouth still waters!

     Finding  "Mami's Empanadas" was the perfect taste sensation after a long walk through the Honolulu Zoo...we will definitely be back...maybe even to the zoo (HA)!

  

"Mami's Empanadas"

A Regal Date Night!

     "Let's have a date night...!"

     That is what I woke up to as my Husband, Joe, smiled like a Cheshire cat from his side of the bed. I rubbed my eyes and stifled a yawn..."Ok?"

     As he sprung out of bed and headed downstairs (it was his turn to plan for date night) I smiled and cuddled back into bed.

     I have the distinct pleasure of having an unconventional relationship with my Husband. We are not only lovers and partners but best friends. We have fun together regardless if its at a 5 star restaurant or simply dinner and a movie...

                                                                               ...and that's exactly what we did!

Plantation Tavern

     
     First we tried a new restaurant called, "Plantation Tavern", which is located in Kapolei. It was a drive from where we live but the movie theater Joe wanted to take me to was in that area.

     "Plantation Tavern" happens to be seafood oriented (although they do offer other foods) and our server promptly brought us chips to munch on while we looked over the menu.

     What he failed to tell us (before I took a bite) is that they were shrimp chips and I am allergic to seafood! 

     I know it's a bit of a oxymoron but I am...sigh.

Uncle Norm’s Poke Nachos (upper right hand corner)

     
     After both the hostess and our waiter apologized profusely we ordered our drinks (Coke and Fruit Punch) and started discussing menu selections. 

     The Husband decided on the Garlic Chicken and I wanted to try their ½ lb. Local Beef Burger (it sounded good). We also ordered the House Salad and "Uncle Norm’s Poke Nachos".

     Usually "Uncle Norm’s Poke Nachos" comes with seafood but we substituted for shredded pork. The nachos, which were fried wontons, were the best thing that came out of that kitchen! They were crisp, the sauce tangy, and the pork delectable! I will go back just for those nachos!

     Everything else, to us, was mediocre. Nothing to be sent back but nothing besides the nachos got me excited.

     "Plantation Tavern" touts "fresh from local farmers to our table" but I think they missed a few culinary steps in between.

Regal Kapolei Commons 12

     
     Not even 10 minutes away from "Plantation Tavern" we found ourselves drawn to the neon lights of "Regal Kapolei Commons 12"!

     Here we were about to embark on a movie experience fit for a Queen (...and King)!

     Opening weekend for the new X-Men Apocalypse and here we were in the brand new "Regal Kapolei Commons 12"! 

     What was truly curling my toes was that this theater would be the first time I got to sit in a King Sized Recliner Chair! (Yay!)

     Joe had heard about this theater from a friend at work and had been told to get our tickets in advance. 

     Thank goodness we did! 

     The line to get tickets was at least 20-30 minutes long and we actually had to wait another 30 minutes just to get snacks!
   

     As we stepped into the dark theater and hopped onto the King Sized Recliner Chairs I looked over at my Husband and smiled. Date night was a complete success...if I do say so myself! 

     We sunk in deeper and prepared to watch X-Men Apocalypse. Phones on silent. Lights out.