Teagan and Declan: Oahu, Hawaii Trip - Day 10: Disney Aulani Resort & Ko Olina Lagoons

Naomi had the great idea for everyone to go to Disney Aulani resort on Oahu to celebrate Greta's birthday. So on Day 10 we ventured to Ko Olina to the resort for the character breakfast. When we first arrived we were greeted by Mickey, dressed in his aloha wear. The girls were SO excited to see him. We all posed for various group shots and then were escorted to the outdoor seating area. The resort was gorgeous. It was a perfect temperature for dining al fresco. The buffet was huge, offering every breakfast and brunch item under the sun (and then some) and everything was delicious. As we ate they had a cute little show going on - an Auntie playing the ukulele and singing songs and the kids could get up and dance, hula, play instruments, etc with the various songs. Minnie and Goofy were roaming around visiting each table. The girls were grinning ear to ear when Minnie came to our table. We danced, we ate, we visited and we enjoyed watching the girls' excitement.

Teagan, Greta, and Mickey

The whole gang

C family and Mickey

G family and Mickey

Minnie saying hello to Abbie

Super excited little girl

Dancing to the music

Chillin' with Daddy

Since we were celebrating a special birthday girl, we were brought a birthday dessert for her and we sang. Greta wasn't quite sure what to think, but once she had some chocolate there were smiles on her face.

Not so sure about the birthday hoopla

"Clean...clean"

There was more singing and more dancing and general happiness. The girls tried to find each of the characters again to say hello and pose for more photos. The little ones were just chilling - Declan was getting pretty sleepy and Abbie had finally woken up. We found Mickey one last time to say goodbye and the girls checked out the fish pond.

Making music with coconut shells

Look who is awake...

...Look who is ready for bed

Greta saying goodbye to Mickey

Teagan saying goodbye to Mickey

We wandered around the resort a little - what gorgeous grounds. I guess I would expect no less from Disney. They paid attention to detail with the design, keeping it very Hawaiian. It would have been nice to stay there for a night - to check out the grounds more and the pools. But at about $500 a night per room we decided to pass!

One wing of towers at the resort

The main hall

Lobby

Two wings of hotel rooms to either side, lanai below where we ate, lazy river past it

Waterfalls, pools, and the outdoor eating area

After we left the resort we made a short drive down to the fourth Ko Olina lagoon. The plan was pictures and then swimming. I shared the family and cousins photos previously but I just had to share this set-up shot - 3 baby wranglers and myself photographing had to be quite the sight to see!

Ko Olina lagoons are four man-made lagoons off the West coast of Oahu. The rocks protect the lagoons from waves and current. The sand is soft and white and the water is clear and perfect. It is so calm and shallow for quite a ways. With views of the ocean, mountains and palm trees in the distance it is just breathtaking. I think I can say this was my favorite beach on the island, also because it is so kid-friendly. The girls ran in and out of the water without worrying about waves knocking them. Naomi and I floated in the shallow water while the girls played in the sand near by. And the guys ended up on sleeping-baby-duty up in the shade of the palm trees.