#aulani

You and Bucky were able to carve out some time off together and Bucky decided you all needed a family vacation. The next thing you know, Bucky booked a trip to Hawai'i. It has a Disney resort on the west side of the island of Oahu, Aulani. You'll be away from the hustle of Waikiki and the city, to hopefully get some true relaxation. Or as much as you can with a wild Abigail on your hands just dying to get into the ocean.

Not wanting Abby to be in pain first thing on vacation, you slather on the sunscreen. You'd be set for the day at the beach if Abby would stop squirming. "Mama, this sticky and stinky."

"Stop complaining." You stick her in her floaties and start applying sunscreen to yourself. Abby darts off again but Bucky scoops her up making her scream. "Abigail!"

Throwing her head back, "I need to SHIMS!"

"You need to wait for me & Mama. Do you want us sunburned?"

Frowning, "No." Bucky kisses her cheek and sets her down and she adds, "But pwease hurries up."

You and Bucky quickly get each other's back and hard to reach spots under Abby's winter soldier glare. Arms akimbo. Foot tapping. She's such a brat sometimes. Holding out your hand to her, "Ok, let's go!" She grabs your hand, squealing as you both run down to the ocean's edge. This isn't grey/green waters of Coney Island or the Jersey Shore. Crystal clear water meets you, cool and refreshing. Abby runs until she full body plops into the water.

She quickly stands, rubbing her face, "Mama!" She starts sputtering and spitting. You pick her up trying to wipe the water off her face. "It taste junk!"

Laughing, "I know! Keep your mouth closed. Your eyes too. The salty water is going to burn. This isn't like the pool.

Bucky comes running over,"Here Abby Baby, put these on so the water doesn't get in your eyes." You laugh at the ridiculously pink sparkly goggles.

"When did you get that?!"

Shrugging, "Before we left." He's so sweet you give him a kiss.

******

See the line where the sky meets the sea

It calls me

And no one knows how far it goes

If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me

One day I'll know

If I go, there no telling how far I'll go

Floating on your back, splashing around, building sandcastles, you and Abby sing Moana's song on repeat. Out of tune, but wholeheartedly. Abby spent the day swimming and playing with you and Bucky. She kept an eye out for "Pudge" the fish. If she found him Bucky said he'd buy her a sandwich so she could feed him.

Abby is not a fan of sand. It sticks to her body and hands and gets into the worst places. "It so much dirt Mama!" She waddles up to you and Bucky from her toys at the shore.

Bucky smiles, " It's sand, not dirt."

"I tinks it gots in my pants." She gives a little shimmy. "I don't wikes it!" You laugh, scooping her up and carrying her back into the ocean. You hold her with one arm while trying to empty out her swim bottom with the other. "Mama," she gasps, "my butts is out!"

Looking around, "No one can see. Do you want sand in your pants?" She giggles at that & shakes her head. "Ok then." You give her a little shake & adjust her bottom, "You should be fine until we get back to the hotel and take a bath." You smack her bottom as she runs back to the chairs with Bucky. "Mama had my butts out!"

Bucky cracks up, "What??"

"We shook out the sand in her bottom."

Abby wiggles her bottom, "I thought the fishies would bite my tushie!"

*****

The air was warm and balmy as you stepped out onto the lawn. You see the sun dipping below the palm trees and you can imagine the beautiful sunset you'll get tonight. You and Abby are dressed in sundresses. The weather being so much warmer than New York. There's live music being played as you make you way to the luau grounds. You and Bucky get kukui nut and shell leis upon arrival. Abby got the choice of a necklace with Maui's fishhook or a shell lei. She was excited to get the necklace.

"I thought you didn't like Maui for saying Pu'a was boat snack?" Abby pretends not to hear you as she examines her new necklace. Feeling a little guilty knowing Pu'a is propped up against her pillow back in the room.

There were so many demonstrations prior to dinner. You were able to leisurely wander from station to station. Abby found a temporary tattoo station, which she needed one. "Mama, I need one. Pwease!" How could you say no?

Then she found the lei making stand. She made a little orchid wristlet. The colors were so vibrant.

She also wanted a ukulele after taking a quick lesson. You said you'd think about it, but by the look on Bucky's face, you knew he was bringing a ukulele home.

By that time, Moana made an appearance inviting everyone to dinner. Abby squealed, jumping up and down, "Mama, lookit! That's Moana! She's here!!" Bucky grabs Abby, throwing her up on his shoulders so she can wave and get Moana's attention. Abby insisted Moana waves directly at her.

Once dinner and dessert was completed, the evening show started.it was not overly Disney or cheesy. Moana, Minnie and Mickey made an appearance, which thrilled Abby. The show was very educational, the history of the land was told through beautiful dance and song. Abby lost her mind when they invited the children to gather in front of the stage to participate in the dance. Covering her mouth to cover a gasp, "Oh Mama! Cans I go?"

"Get up there! Absolutely!"

Once she was up there, she kept waving to you and Bucky. You also saw the little furrows on her brow trying to learn the dance. Your baby is so adorable. Bucky kept inching closer to get pictures and videos of Abby dancing the hula. He had to send it back for the team to see. Just like a proud father would.

The evening ended with the famous fire dance, telling the story of how Maui fought with the Sun God, Kāne. Abby was cheering and clapping so hard her palms were bright pink and you thought her voice would be hoarse the following morning. This trip was going to be one she never forgets. Bucky keeps bringing magic into your lives. Giving you a life you never thought imaginable.