Fiji: Quick Highlights

One blog post (no matter how lengthy) could ever truly recapture a 10 day trip to Fiji. Nevertheless, here is my attempt!

Dave's parents took his whole family (14 people total) to Fiji. Dave's family used to go there on family vacations while growing up. We all had an incredible time! So, without further ado, I give you:

We were greeted at the airport with fresh leis and coconut drinks

Justin found a tree to climb while we were waiting for our ferry to the island

Approaching Castaway Island from the boat

The view from our bure (hut)

Justin's first time snorkeling in the ocean

Lots of sand castles were made on the beach

Sunrise with a full moon

Justin sitting on the steps of our bure

Justin posing in front of a seaplane

Grandpa and Justin perusing the tide pools at low tide

Sunrise

View of the main restaurant/eating area on Castaway

Grandma and Justin at the top of the island

All three of us after our hike to the top of the island

Grandma helping Justin swing on a vine like Tarzan

A Fijian at the top of a palm tree to do some pruning

After he was done, the Fijian used his machete to open up a fresh coconut for us to drink

Grandma and Justin with some of his cousins: Gabi, Nico, and Alex

Justin and his cousin, Alex, spent lots of time at the pool

Grandpa rigged up a couple of treasure hunts in honor of Justin's 5th birthday

For the first one, Justin had to say in Fijian, "My name is Justin" to the lady at the front desk. He got an attack of bashfulness but persevered and got his prize! The front desk lady was excited to be part of the fun.

Trying out his new toy from Aunt Corinna and Uncle Jorge on his cousin Alex (who volunteered!)

Uncle John's metal detector was used to find the second "treasure"

Alex and Justin digging up the treasure

Success!

For his actual birthday, we made him a special shirt for everyone to sign

The Fijians loved being asked to sign his shirt. There was hardly any empty space left on his shirt by the time the day was done!

We had a special birthday lunch for him. The Fijian staff had a blast helping us decorate and surprise him.

Here comes the special cake! We conferred with the chefs and they created a really special 100% meringue cake for Justin that was completely dairy and soy free! It was incredible!

The toasted marshmallow/meringue cake in all its glory

The breakfast chef became special friends with Justin and made him dairy free pancakes special for him each morning. One morning he made a gingerbread man-shaped pancake. And of course, sprinkles on top each time!

Dave and Justin with Chef Dewendra

We did have a few rainy/stormy days in Fiji. That didn't stop Justin and Alex from having fun...here they are playing in the warm rain with an umbrella!

Well, there's a brief and incomplete snapshot of the lifetime of memories we each carry with us. Thanks again, Mom and Pop for a wonderful trip and opportunity for the family to be together!