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. 

Motion is Poetry @ the Honolulu Museum of Art!

     As an artist myself (poetry, photography, video editing...) I have a general fascination with other people's works and the history of. 

     Every time I visit or live in a new city I always comb the museums for exhibits that touch my senses to the very bottoms of my sole. (wink)

     What better place to quench my thirst than the Honolulu Museum of Art...?

Yumminess at the Cafe!

     
     So...my Boys (Yatniel, Yared, and Yorick) hopped on Da Bus and we headed towards downtown Waikiki!

     The Museum is located across the street from Thomas Square Park and as we walked through we decided to have an impromptu photo session...(I do that a lot!)

     The Boys tolerated it (lol...they are usually good sports) and we got some pre-Museum photography art of our own!

Thomas Square Park

     
     As we walked in I asked the wonderful lady behind the counter if they had any Military Specials...? Wouldn't you know it! We came a couple of days too early...ugh!

     The Honolulu Museum of Art is reinstating their Blue Star program for all Active Military and their families. 

     "Each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day, all active-duty military and their families receive free admission to the museum, with valid ID, as well as a 10 percent discount at our Museum Shops."-Honolulu Museum of Art-Hours/Admissions

     On the bright side kids under 17 years old are always free so admission wasn't too bad!

   
     Happy to be in the Museum we traveled (from room to room) to view different genres, awe inspiring historical works, and immerse ourselves in cultural diversity.

     While looking through the "Hawaii in Design" floor we stumbled across a new exhibit that was opening that day! 

     The Amazing and Multi-Talented PaulPfeiffer was featuring his work "Caryatids". I unknowingly walked into his discourse about the work and was completely fascinated.

     Paul creates a 4-6 second video clips where he highlights a boxing match (or basketball game) where the opponent that is winning is completely taken out (by layering other backgrounds of the same video images on top of one another) and showcases the athlete that is losing in their most painful and defeated moments.

     As I watched the images of all six video clips I came away with a sense of awe. In those crucial moments I could feel the boxers hurt as I scrunched up my face in fear of the punches they were receiving.

     The images he is portraying at the Honolulu Museum of Art are a violent commentary on society and watching these images was true poetry in motion. 

     Paul has been working on his art since the 1990s (when editing and layering were a process of months not hours). He is a video artist, sculptor, and photographer and these skills have only elevated his art over the years.   

PaulPfeiffer @ Honolulu Museum of Art

 
     As the discourse came to a close I asked a question (really...who doubted I wouldn't?). I looked Paul in the eye and took a breath, "If your work today features boxers, what comes next? Will it be MMA Fighters or perhaps Sumo Wrestlers?"

     Paul's eyes lit up with a smile because he understood that I had been listening and had followed the lecture.

     "MMA Fighters would be a natural evolution from boxing but Sumo is something to think about.", Paul replied with a smile and a nod.

     PaulPfeiffer's "Caryatids" will be featured at the Honolulu Museum of Art from May 27th - September 11, 2016.

Utterly Done...

    
     Back on Da Bus we headed home. The Boys exhausted and I on a natural high from brushing up against great works at the Honolulu Museum of Art! Dreaming, planning and looking forward to my next Hawaiian adventure...

WATCH OUT THAT'S A GREAT WHITE!...Oops, Nevermind It's Just Shark Cove!

     We have been preparing for this day for a Whole Week! 

     Towels?Check! 
                         Water Shoes? Check! 
                                                        Swimwear? Check! 
                                                                                    Sunscreen? A Must!

     Adventure is calling the Kling Family as we head towards sand, wind, and water! (Yipee!)

Preparations are a GO!

    
     We packed all our gear on a not so early Sunday and made our way to a spectacular place called Shark Cove on the North Shore of the Island of Oahu. 

     It is known for its snorkeling, powerful undertow, and shark tours! (The Husband and my Oldest Yatniel did the tour but that's another adventure...)

We made it to Shark Cove!

    
     It seemed that everyone had the same idea to be a beach goer that Sunday! 

     Ugh...it was extremely difficult finding a parking spot but My Ookie (Husband Joe) never gave up and he found a spot pretty close to the beach entrance! (YAY!)

Breathing in the salty air!

     
     As we placed everything on the sand I started to put sunscreen on all the kids (to include the Husband) so that no one would feel the sting of the Hawaiian sun later...

     When I reached for the 9 year old I noticed something strange! Yorick had put on his swim shorts wrong! (HA!) After we teased him three of us held three towels and made a makeshift tent so he could fix his shorts...smh...

Shark Cove is Fierce!

     
     We rolled around the waved, on purpose and sometimes not so on purpose (lol), collected many rocks and corals (which are now in my gravel), and got bumped on the rocks (Yatniel and Yared still have the scratches to prove it!) . 

Buen Provecho!

   
     Ofcourse we had to finish the day at Shark Cove Grill (where else?)! 

     I had to wait more than 15 minutes for someone, anyone, to appear from the Shark Cove Grill food truck. I was told rudely, by the cook, that they were no longer serving breakfast.

     I had my heart set with eating breakfast on the beach but I finally settled for a hamburger. They got my order wrong and Yorick asked for a PB&J, which they gave him deconstructed. 

     The good news is that there were many other places to eat and we enjoyed some local cuisine. 

Wish you were here...

   
     We had a great time even if the ending left a lot to be desired. We are definitely going to see more of what North Shore has to offer in the years to come...

     A happy and tired Kling Family made our way back home...All in all it was a perfect beach day! 

Mother's Day Never Looked THIS Good!

     Mother's Day came in 2016 with a slow yawn...lol...the children, Yatniel, Yared, and Yorick let me sleep in (how lovely) and I did!

     After my morning of sleeping in (again yay!) my Loving Husband (my Ookie) Joe took me to "The Ward Warehouse" in downtown Waikiki!
     

"The Ward Warehouse"

   

     I had received a notice on my FB Page that "THEFACESHOP" was having a Mother's Day Special! Sooo...being the Loving Husband he is he sacrificed himself and went shopping with me (whee!). 

Ready, Set, GO!

     I had a great time looking though "THEFACESHOP"! As you guys know I'm in love with Korean culture especially KDramas and KPop so going to a Korean beauty shop was a true treat.

Look what I got!

     The Mother's Day Special was an interesting promotion. Once you got all the products you were going to buy you scratched a ticket to uncover what percentage you would save. Some people even got 100% off their purchase! 

     I was not so fortunate...I got 10% off...lol...

KIM SOO HYUN

          ...but I did get to see a CELEBRITY!!! 

     KIM SOO HYUN from "MY LOVE FROM ANOTHER STAR" and "DREAM HIGH". (HA!)

Look what I GOT!

     I also had bought face masks for both my Husband and I at "THEFACESHOP". I had always seen them in the dramas and was curious as to how they would feel. 

Leading Lady...?(LOL)

    All in all it was a great Mother's Day... and I'm looking forward to Father's Day to see if my Ookie will make me go golfing with him?!? (Ugh...)

ComiCons a Way of Life!

     Whether it was partnering and solving crimes with the Dark Knight, running through the forests with Wolverine to kick some butt, fighting the denizens of hell with Daimon Hellstrom or discovering the mysteries of the universe with Sandman I love and have grown up with a great love for all things comic!

     What better way to celebrate my comic affliction with my family than The Amazing Hawaii Comic Con!

Made it!

    
     We hadn't even left the parking area when my son, Yorick, spotted his first cos-player! (people who dress as their favorite characters/superheroes) 

     These mighty cos-players were dressed as Rose Quartz and Greg Universe from the "Steven Universe" animated series which was created by Rebecca Sugar and it was the first show Cartoon Network produced in which the creator was a woman! (Yay!)

Rose Quartz and Greg Universe

   
     LOL..."I Ain't afraid of no Ghost!" ran through my head as we found this childhood memory (for me...sigh) as we took another step closer to the Comic Con.

Who You Gonna Call...?

   
     As we made our way into the Comic Con we saw familiar faces and a variety of story lines. Yatniel and Yared spotted the Storm Trooper and ran over to grab a photo.(I asked if they were looking for new recruits but they just laughed...I was serious...!)

Off to Imperial Storm Trooper Academy...

     
     Seeing so many fellow comic enthusiast was amazing! Being able to share the experience with my children was unforgettable...making my 8 year old, Yorick, stand next to Ghost Rider...PRICELESS! (ha!)

Hawaiian John Blaze...?

    
     The highlight of the day was meeting and taking a photo with the Legend himself...Stan Lee! Even if my kids don't realize how much of a historic event it was to meet him we will always have this photo and the incredible adventure of the The Amazing Hawaii Comic Con!

The Great Stan Lee!