July 13-All Good Things Must Come To An End

It is hard to believe that this is likely my last post from Hawaii. I will probably have a few follow ups after we get back, but eventually, the barrage of emails will slow, then cease. Probably, much to your relief.

We got up a little bit earlier than the girls wanted to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve that is the place to go snorkeling around here. Only 9 of the girls wanted to go, so we loaded up 2 vans and headed east. The bay is incredibly beautiful, and we watched a brief educational video before walking down the hill to the water. We rented our gear and without waiting, waded into the water. There is a huge area that never gets more than chest deep (at least on me), and much of it is waist deep. Once we all got comfortable with the gear, it was off to see fish. We floated around for about an hour and a half and saw abundant sea life. Lots of big and little fish (that is their scientific name), all over the place. No one really wanted to leave, but we had to, so we grabbed some food and ate in the vans on the way back to the hotel.

After a quick change, and a reunion with the rest of the team, we "busted it" out to the fields, where the playoff rounds were still going on. It was much quieter there then it was during pool play. We received our Sportsmanship medals on a podium, with a couple of people in cow suits (Meadow Gold Dairy is the main sponsor of the National Games) and received the adoration of the crowd for our remarkable sportsmanshipness.

Then, back to the hotel for relaxation, packing, the pool, or whatever, until dinner time.

We had reserved a private room at a local Chinese Restaurant, Maple Gardens (which still sounds to me like a hockey arena). The food was plentiful and delicious, and we had very capable waiters. After we ate, I took my last opportunity to address the whole team, and make a few remarks. I handed out gifts to all from the coaches, Katharine and AYSO, some serious, some not. Then, our captains addressed the team, and after making some poignant general remarks, they made positive and funny comments about all of their teammates, chaperones and coaches. Their good humor and grace reminded me of why I enjoy their company so much.

After dinner, it was back to the hotel. The kids are hanging in the hallway, socializing and enjoying themselves, although, I am about to do bed check and send them to bed.

Hannah and Susie leave early tomorrow for Australia, and Zoe leaves a couple of hours later for Tokyo. So, the 2008 Shooting Stars will be breaking up. The rest of us will have the big breakfast from Eggs n' Things, check out of the hotel and spend the rest of the day shopping until we are picked up at 5:45 pm for the trip to the airport, without Kayla and Ginger, who will be staying a few extra days. Sara Rod. leaves us in LA, so our diminished band will return on Tuesday.

I don't think I want to sum up the trip now. It is too soon, and I need a bit of time to get perspective. This trip has been everything that I was told it would be, and, at the same time, totally different. And if that makes sense to you, then maybe you were here.

Lots of pix will be up on the blog at some point.

Mahalo