“The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your grandchildren."
Lyla had a fun-filled third birthday on Thursday. She wasn’t the only one celebrating. The resident Cockatoo (see photo) at the Marriott Vacation Club was also born on December 9, though it turned 17 and was talking up a storm to anyone who passed by.
Lyla was so excited to open her presents. Later our daughter Michelle and son-in-law Kyle took her to Lahaina Animal Farm and Petting Zoo while we babysat Emmy. Later they took her swimming and hosted an intimate sunset dinner party. Lyla and her baby sister wore matching red print dresses. We strolled down the oceanfront promenade to Waicoco Restaurant for 6 PM dinner reservations at the Westin. Waicoco is the newest restaurant on the culinary scene of Ka’anapali Beach serving up fresh and creative dishes with a Hawaiian flair. The oceanside eatery boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific with expansive outdoor seating. As the sun began to fade behind the horizon, we saw Catamarands and other boats in the distance.
We began the evening with Mai Tais. Most of the entrees we enjoyed were a piece of culinary art. The ones that stood out were the Five Spice Braised Short Rib Curry with Okinawan sweet potatoes, piquillo peppers, cauliflower, long beans and crispy peanut that I ordered, and the one our son-in-law Kyle feasted on which Crispy Soy Clazed Pork Belly with kimchi fried rice, uncle louis’ sausage, scallions, with lime mayonnaise and two Kalua Pork Bao Buns. Cecile, Jason and Michelle had the Seared Local Fish (Waloo) with Kiavwe smoked grits, miso glazed baby corn, charred piquelllo pepper relish, and thai herbs.
For dessert we ordered a couple of chocolate chip cookies and ice cream dishes for the table. The waitress brought a slice of cake with a candle which after a few attempts Lyla blew out. Aside from the soothing sound of the surf, we benefited from piped in music coming from an outdoor wedding overlooking the ocean about a hundred feet from us including “Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars. I decided to bring Emmy who is nine months old closer in to witness the event and she was absolutely mesmerized as I rocked her back and forth in my arms. As we walked back to the Marriott, the bright stars felt close enough to touch. Of course Lyla and Emmy are the little shining stars in our family.
