Reno- Grand Sierra

My 14 month old, my mother (aka Grammy), and I went to Reno for 2 days. We took Grammy to see Sylvia Browne (the psychic) and so I could do some outlet shopping (not the normal mall outlets either). I got a great rate for the Summit for 2 nights for $100 total, including 2 free buffet breakfasts and other coupons.

The rooms were nice granite, updates (as I heard that one has to stay in the Summit rooms at this location) and my son just loved exploring all the drawers. The best part though was the mini refrig and microwave-which are a must with kids!This hotel was a former Hilton (which I stayed at during my working woman days), so I knew it couldnt be that bad. I was happy they upgraded things. Also the smoke was NOT bad at all. I couldnt even tell and I am sensitive to that.

Reno, is well Reno. Not that exciting. But Grammy was happy to see Sylvia and gamble any time she wanted. There is an arcade (for bigger kids), bowling alley, and movie theater in the hotel. Also a spa, but it closed WAY TOO EARLY on the weekend (like 5 or 7pm). They have an outdoor heated pool which wasnt open for the season yet.

We went to Circus Circus so my son could see the games and "circus". He was more interested in the people at his age. I rec'd the buffet there (get there early and get a discount). Actually get to any restuarants early (esp at the Grand Sierra) or the lines are CRAZY.

Oahu and Kauai- Nov 2008

Trip report- Nov 2008- 10 days on Oahu and Kauai with a baby

DH, our 9 month old, and I flew n/s from SFO to HNL on United (used my miles) for 5 days. Stayed at the Bay Landing hotel in San Fran with a good rate and 7 days free parking. Paid an extra $5 a day for parking. The flight was not full, so we had an entire row (5 seats) to ourselves. Our son loved that! We stayed at the Hale Koa military hotel in Oahu, which I only booked 2 months ahead of time. We have been to Hawaii many times, but this was our first trip to the Hale Koa. We usually stay in Ohana hotels and get a great military rate. Decided to try something different this time. Rented a car through priceline for $100 (including taxes, etc) for 5 days and picked up at the airport. We like the freedom of having a car. Our baby is a great traveler and in fact, people on the airplane commented that he is better than most adults. This was his first trip to Hawaii, but he has already been many places in his 9 months. This was our first beach vacation with him and it was very different of course.

After arrival, our first stop was to the Hickam AFB commissary to pick-up snacks, water, formula, diapers. What a beautiful base! Also stocked up on Kona coffee which I love!

Then drove to the Hale Koa to check-in, which was extremely LONG wait. The Hale Koa was just okay to us. Their room keys never seem to work, which the bell man says was common. The rate was also very average compared to other hotels offering military discounts. We stayed in the updated Illima tower in a garden view room. We ate at Bibbas restaurant many times, which had a great curry dish surprisingly. We enjoyed the free firework display at the Hilton next door on Friday night. I would also take my son to see the penguins, flamingos, koi, parrots, etc in the early morning while my DH slept. Enjoyed the Starbucks at the Hilton, but the coffee at the Hale Koa was pretty good and half the price. The keikis pool at the Hale Koa was also nice. I really enjoyed the small Bx on site to get stuff. Good prices too (like the $0.35 laundry detergent compared to the $1.00 cost in the machine upstairs).

One day we drove to the North Shore so my DH could swim with the sharks with Hawaii Shark encounters. It was $90 with a military id. He really enjoyed it, even though their boat broke down out there. I took my son and drove to Turtle Bay to look around while waiting for my DH. We are avid scuba divers, but there was no diving for us this trip.

Another day we drove over to Bellows. It was windy, but the cabins are right on the beach! So gorgeous and would be a nice place to stay for some R&R if it wasn’t so windy. It is the windward side though. I took pictures and stopped by the info desk to get info on the cabins.

We also drove to Pearl Harbor navy lodge and the Pearl Harbor PX. It is HUGE! Sooo many people, but some great deals to be had.

Our romantic nights were filled with walking our son around to see the torches and lights and sounds of Hawaii. We had a wonderful anniversary dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It was a long wait, but you really do get a lot of bang for your buck. Ahh, how life has changed :)

After 5 days, we were off to Kauai. Flew Hawaiian Air. I got a timeshare promotion for 6 days/5 nights and car rental, plus $50 at the Marriott in Poipu for $730. My parents met us there for a little R&R. The Marriott reserved a small Ford focus, so I upgraded us to an H3 Hummer (husband wanted to give it a whirl). We stopped and got groceries (wow-prices), since we had a 2 bedroom, with full kitchen at the Marriott. It is an amazing place, gorgeous grounds, BBQs, deli, etc! I would highly rec this place, especially if you have little ones.

I did have a hard time finding my sons formula (Good Start Natural Cultures) on Kauai, but finally found in Walmart and Safeway. Kmart and Big Save did not carry it, nor did the small Barking Sands Bx. Kmart was a great, cheap place to get souvenirs too. I SO suggest getting groceries at the Safeway near the airport before heading to the south shote. More selection and better prices.

We spent our days in Kauai driving to the North shore, checking out Barking Sands PMRF lodging (have pictures), swimming in the pools, Blow Hole, going to the beach to see the monk seals and turtles, and feeding the chickens. My son LOVED the chickens.

Barking Sands was a tricky base to get on. My DH is active and had his ID and I had mine. Both our names were on the rental car contract (which you MUST have), but his does not show up because it is just added through Hertz. My name was listed on the contract, so the guard made his switch and have me drive on base. The amenities on this base were little to none. Small Px, a subway, a gas station. The lodging looked nice, right on the beach. However, I have read this beach is not swimmable. I agree by the waves. It is also located at the end of a runway. As we were standing on the beach, I heard it coming and I thought it was just gonna plow us over. Ha ha Then it took off and and it was just overhead. It was a massive plane. Amazing. The beach is large and deserted.

In one of the few times we did eat out, I highly recommend the Puka Dog in Poipu. I thought a $6 hotdog was crazy, but it was great with the mango relish. Also the shaved ice (Wishing Well) was great on the North Shore.

All in all, we had a wonderful 10 days in Hawaii and of course will be back. Probably when our son is a little older to really enjoy the beach. My husband and I had a favorite island before our son and now have a different favorite with our son.

We have some great pictures, wonderful memories, and a little more travel experience with a little one under our belt. For anyone that discourages travel with a little one, do not listen. Just have realistic expectations that travel is different with them (not better, not worse- just different). If traveling is important to you before your child was born, then just carry on and adjust. :)

Alaska Bound 2010

Every year one of my family members picks a destination and we all go. Its pretty exciting because we all have different tastes. This year it is my dads turn and he picked...Alaska! Alaska is his dream trip. Its not our normal vacation of sand and surf, but we know we will not be disappointed.

So I am busy finalizing our trip to the 49th State. We are very excited! We will not be joining the rest of the extended family until later in the vaca because we realized traveling with a 2 year old is different than a baby. In order to save our sanity and his we are opting to just stick to two destinations (Anchorage and Seward) and explore those areas and really take our time. One of the requirements of this trip is an indoor swimming pool and a kitchen. Heck this seems to be the theme of most of our hotel requirements lately....good pool and kitchen.