The Gosdin Group

Lounge and Luau

11/27/2024- Day 4 of our Hawaii Vacation

Pool then party

Since we spent the prior 3 days traveling around the island, our goal was a relaxing day at the resort. We started off on the beach, playing in the water for a bit before moving to the pool. Instead of fighting for a lounger at the crack of dawn and’ ‘reserving’ it with a flip flop that ends up being stolen. We rented a cabana, this can get pricey, but we find it is worth it for our family to order food and relax in comfortable chairs. Our resort had a slide for the kids and 3 different pools for them to enjoy. I had the best pineapple lemonade, and my mother-in-law had a fresh fruit served in a pineapple. Lunch was from Duke’s Beach house; I took a risk with ahi tuna tacos and the kids had burgers. We hung by the pool until about 3:00 pm. Then we needed to get ready for the Luau.

Our Evening at the Luau

Admittedly, I had mixed feelings about a Luau. There are opinions about authenticity of the event, pricing for a show and which show is the ‘best’. We wanted to spend an evening together as a family, try some local foods but also include kid friendly options like chicken nuggets and we wanted to see hula/fire dancing. Keeping all this in mind, the group settled on the Wailele Luau at the Westin. It was minutes from our resort, they had reserved table seating, an open bar and fresh flower Lei greeting. The luau takes place in an outdoor venue with the sunset as the backdrop.

The Seating

Preferred seating is worth the upcharge. We had 2 tables in the front row which gave us unobstructed views of the show and priority access to the buffet. The Westin Luau offers a lavish buffet featuring a variety of Hawaiian and Polynesian dishes. From Kalua pork, fresh island fish to delectable desserts There is a kid section with plenty of options to choose from, ensuring everyone can partake in the feast.

Front row seating- we had 14 people in attendance

The Show

The performers were so talented! We truly enjoyed the performances, and I appreciate how they showcased the various cultures of the Polynesian islands. There was a point where they invited the audience onstage to learn a traditional Hula dance. Stella and Ford both jumped on stage to take part. As the night progressed a man climbed a coconut tree with his bare hands and feet! The show lasted a full 2 hours with constant entertainment while taking us on educational journey. At the end I realized that the music for the show was sang live by 4 people at the front! Every person was important to the show and made a great experience for all. I definitely recommend attending this one if there is room in the budget.

Our Day trip from Maui to Pearl Harbor

Day 3 of our Maui dream vacation. When planning our week, I decided each kid would have a special excursion. Ford and I wanted to visit Pearl Harbor to see the USS Arizona. Initially, I was going to use a concierge travel service. I figured it would be less stressful, but when I realized the time commitment (6:00 am- 7:00pm) and pricing (500.00 per person), I started doing my own research on how we could make this happen. Grant showed an interest in taking the day trip, so I definitely didn’t want to pay 1,500.00 for 1 day.

Southwest Airlines: We settled on Southwest airlines; they have multiple flights a day from Maui to Oahu. I really didn’t want to leave the hotel super early in the morning. I decided 9:00 am departure would give us ample time to get up, eat breakfast and drive the hour to the airport. We traveled the day before the Thanksgiving holiday, and I was expecting heavier traffic.

Rental Car: Although ubering is an option when I looked up the pricing, I felt like I would be spending about 100.00 with tip to navigate to and from the airport. I could rent a car for less than that, which gave me the option to store a bag, water or food in the trunk while visiting the memorial, as you’re not allowed to bring a bag into Pearl Harbor. I also wanted to see the Palace in downtown Honolulu. Having our own mode of transportation allowed us to squeeze in a trip to the Palace.

Iolani Palace: We were in our rental by 10:30 am which meant we had enough time to swing by the Palace. We found an open parking meter and decided to walk up to the palace to take a picture. I found it to be beautiful and quite different than the palaces I have visited in Scotland. We walked near the back of the estate and saw the most magical banyan trees. We stopped there to listen to the birds and just admire how large and unique they were. It was an unexpected surprise and made the trip to the palace extra special. We spent no more than 30 minutes and decided to make our way to Pearl Harbor.

Bowfin Submarine: We arrived at the Pearl Harbor memorial by 11:45am, which meant we had some time to visit another site until we needed to be at the ferry location. We opted for the Bowfin Submarine. It is in the same location, so you don’t have to bus over like the other exhibits. It also has a couple of food options so we could eat before our tour time. The tour of the submarine isn’t very long at all if you don’t have the audio headsets, which we didn’t. We enjoyed looking at the various items and discussing it. Like the bathrooms, bunks and kitchen! We probably spent 45 mins in the submarine and then had lunch.

USS Arizona Memorial: To obtain tickets for the USS Arizona, you have to purchase the reservation time through the Recreation.gov site. Tickets are only 1.00 and can be obtained up to 60 days in advance. This was the only “Must Do” for our trip. I booked a 1:45 tour. I figured this allowed us ample time to get there from the airport, even if we encountered a delay. The boat ride to the memorial was somber, and upon reaching, the sight of the sunken battleship beneath the clear waters was a poignant reminder of the tragic events of December 7, 1941. The memorial itself is a beautiful structure that stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives. The park ranger shared information about the events of the day and the black tears that rise to the top. I’m really proud of how respectful the boys were and interested in the events of the day.

Touring the USS Missouri: Next, we toured the USS Missouri, also known as the “Mighty Mo.” Walking the decks of this historic battleship, where the Japanese surrender was signed, marking the end of World War II, was an educational experience. We walked all 3 decks, overheard some narration by one of the guides and decided we were ready to make our way back to the airport. We probably could have included the flight museum, but we were pretty tired by this point. The bus back to the Pearl Harbor visitor center picked up tourist from the flight museum, so I was able to see the one thing I was interested in which was the hanger glass with bullet holes.

Return to Maui: We were back at the airport by 4:00 pm and sitting at our gate by 4:30. Our scheduled flight was set to depart at 6:00, but the gate had one leaving at 5:00pm. I asked the person at the gate if we could switch our tickets to the earlier flight. They had ample space, and we were excited to get home earlier than originally planned. I decided to make a target order so we could pick it up before driving back to the resort on the west side of town.

Conclusion: The day trip from Maui to Pearl Harbor was an unforgettable journey into history. Planning your own day trip is cost efficient, must easier than expected and can fit your desired goals. Our trip was a day filled with learning, reflection, and deep respect for those who served and sacrificed. If you’re in Hawaii, I highly recommend dedicating a day to visit Pearl Harbor.

Witnessing the Haleakalā Sunrise: A Maui Must-Do

“It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always.”

– Mark Twain

When we started planning our adventures for our vacation, I knew I wanted to watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakalā in Maui, Hawai’i. Known as the “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, Haleakalā’s volcanic summit rises over 10,000 feet above sea level, providing an unparalleled vantage point to witness the dawn of a new day. Not only would I see something unique to the morning I toured, but I would also be visiting a national park.

Booking a tour

The adventure begins long before the first rays of sunlight touch the horizon. For most visitors, the journey requires an early morning wake-up call, often as early as 2 or 3 a.m. I agree with the recommendation to book the excursion as close to your arrival day to take advantage of the time difference. No need to clutch your pearls over a 2 am wake time, that was basically 7 am Tyler time. I booked with Skyline since they offer hotel pickup, a heavy jacket to use and breakfast after the sunrise. I met the driver of the small bus at the hotel lobby at 2:45 am. I was so nervous I would get car sick. I’m not susceptible to motion sickness but reading reviews it sounded like a real possibility. Driving up the winding Haleakalā Highway in the pre-dawn hours can feel surreal, there are so many stars! It was so dark you can’t see any of the landscape, only the bright stars. Our guide recommended we sleep on the way up and he would give information on the way down.

What to wear

It is cold and windy at the top. You arrive about 5:40 am, in the pitch dark, and you need to be dressed for 30–40-degree weather. I stood out there for close to an hour because I wanted to see the entire sunrise unfold. I found this neck pillow that I used to hold an REI down jacket, scarf, hand warmers and gloves. The hand warmers are probably what made it possible for me to stand there. I placed them in my shoes. If my feet are warm than I’m typically able to handle to the cold. I also used their heavier jacket with a hood. I really appreciate they offered a jacket and not a blanket like another tour group I noticed on the summit.

Watching the sunrise

To have an unobstructed view you have to claim your spot early and stand there. There is a rail that you cannot pass and a small visitor center. I stood to the left of the visitor center right by a big rock. As the sky begins to lighten, shades of pink, orange, and gold gradually illuminate the horizon. The sun emerges slowly, casting its golden glow over the crater’s otherworldly landscape, a scene that looks like something from another planet. The valley below becomes visible as the sun rises and the clouds dissipate which adds depth to the experience. On my tour day the clouds were much higher in the sky, and we were able to see the ocean below. According to our tour guide the ocean is visible only a few times a year.

Breakfast at the Mill House

We left the summit about 7:00 am to make our way to the breakfast location. On the way up the summit we placed our order and it sounded really good. I’m a little bummed I didn’t try the macadamia pancakes. The Mill house is in the Maui Tropical Plantation. This was a surpise treat for me. The area is beautiful with green plants, flowers, water features and historical information. They also have a large gift shop which happened to sell the best macadamia white chocolate cookie i’ve ever had. After breakfast we started our journey back to the various hotels.

A Memory to Cherish

Experiencing the sunrise at Haleakalā was a highlight of my trip to Maui—it’s a spiritual and emotional connection to the natural world. The sheer beauty and tranquility of the moment serve as a powerful reminder of nature’s wonders and our place within it.

What I’d do differently

I really had an enjoyable experience. If I did this tour again, I would make sure my phone is fully charged and bring a backup battery charger. I would also sit closer to the front of the minibus. I didn’t get sick but closer to the front would help reduce my chances and I would have the panoramic view on the way down. I would pack warmer gloves. I had my camera out or holding my phone. The gloves I packed were quite flimsy and almost useless. I would have bought another cookie at the gift shop.

5:40 am. Stars visible with the start of the sun peeking through

DFW To Maui

American Airlines Review- Week of Thanksgiving

Traveling to Maui from DFW: An East Texan’s Adventure

Living in East Texas has its unique charms—rolling hills, pine forests, and a slower pace of life. But when it comes to long-distance travel, one of the realities is that we often find ourselves driving to metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to catch flights. This was the case for my family’s recent adventure to Maui, and what a journey it turned out to be!

The Drive to DFW

Our flight was set for Sunday November 24th, 2024 at 11 am CST. We have the luxury of family living in DFW that we’re able to stay with, so we arrived in DFW on Saturday afternoon. When leaving from DFW plan your parking in advance. We typically use the Parking Spot vs parking in the parking garage where you’re paying a premium and will end up with a hefty bill at the end of a 7 day vacation. If you’re making this trek, my advice is to leave plenty of time for Dallas traffic (At least 2.5 hrs)—especially if you’re navigating rush hour. Arriving at the airport with ample time to spare set a stress-free tone for the rest of the trip.

An Almost 9-Hour Flight: What to Expect

When booking our tickets, I was slightly apprehensive about the almost nine-hour flight from DFW to Maui—especially riding in the main cabin with three kids. If you’ve never taken a flight this long, it’s important to prepare for the physical and mental demands.

Here’s what worked for us:

Entertainment Is Key: The plane had individual entertainment for each seat with a variety of shows, games or music. We also packed the kids’ electronics and Noise-canceling headphones. American also offered small earbud style headphones at no additional charge if you happen to forget yours.
Snacks and Hydration: Airline food can be hit or miss, so we packed a variety of snacks to keep everyone happy. I’m so glad we did because American Airlines only offered a “Snack” for this flight. In fact, before boarding they suggested that we grab food for the flight. The option was a chicken and goat cheese wrap or an artichoke ciabatta sandwich. Both sounded appetizing to me, but they were not fresh, good or filling. I packed an empty Stanley that we were able to fill with water once we passed TSA.
Comfort Items: Small travel pillows and blankets made a world of difference for nap times. Each person had a small carryon that was able to be stowed under the seat in front of them making it easily accessible.
Stretching and Movement: Whenever the seatbelt sign was off, we encouraged the kids to stretch and move around a bit to avoid restlessness. We sat near the middle of the plane which happened to be in front of the restroom. We could easily access the restroom to stretch our legs and break up the flight.

Arriving in Maui

We spent almost 9 hours in the air but arrived at about 4 pm Hawaii time. Stella was beyond excited to see the beaches and terrain from the airplane window. The weather was perfect, I expected more humidity like I’ve experienced in Mexico. It was warm, breezy and beautiful. We stayed on the west side of the island, which meant an hour drive to the hotel while the sun set.

Tips for Fellow East Texans

If you’re planning a similar trip, here are a few tips:

Plan Your Timing: Driving to DFW adds a couple of hours to your travel day, so account for that when booking flights.
Prepare for the Time Change: Maui is four to five hours behind Central Time, depending on the season. This can be an adjustment for kids, so try to ease into the new schedule gradually. We kept them up as long as possible on Sunday and let them sleep in the following day. We never really fully acclimated, but it wasn’t an issue like was I worried it would be.

Final Thoughts

The flight wasn’t as bad getting to Maui. I would pack and plan the same way we did this trip. The flight back was shorter yet felt longer and more uncomfortable.

Things to Know About Visiting Canton, Texas, and YesterLand Farm

If you’re planning a trip to Canton, Texas, two must-visit spots are the historic town itself and YesterLand Farm. Both offer unique experiences that blend Texas charm with nostalgia and adventure.

First Monday Trade Days: A Canton Tradition

Canton is home to the largest and oldest flea market in the U.S., the famous First Monday Trade Days. Held the first weekend of the month and is a shopper’s paradise with everything from antiques and handcrafted goods to clothing and home decor. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, wear sun protection and bring a collapsible wagon to prepare for a full day of exploring the many booths.

Parking– There are several places around the market to park. There is a fee associated with parking. 5.00 for cash and 5.50 if using a credit card.

Map- The place is huge! I believe they advertise 450 acres of vendor space. They have an app to help you navigate the various areas. It is called Trade Day Navigator. It’s helpful with locating the restrooms, food and vendors.

Pricing– The items the vendors offer vary. You can find items for a few dollars to a couple thousand. Most vendors accept some type of card along with cash. The food is priced like fair food. A corn dog was 12.00 and a cup of lemonade 5.000. I purchased fried pies from an independent vendor and paid 28.00 for 6 pies. They were delicious and Jerrod bought some street tacos for 17.00.

Overall, we enjoyed getting out and walking around. The available seating was limited, we managed to find a bench under a covered bridge. I think visiting in the summer would be miserable in the Texas heat. My son spent his money on a 3D printed item on our way out of the market. We only lasted a couple of hours and they were ready to get home, plus Jerrod had a dumpster to deliver.

YesterLand Farm: A Fun Family Adventure

Located just outside of Canton and about 8 minutes from First Monday you’ll find YesterLand Farm. A seasonal family attraction that offers a variety of activities throughout the year. In the fall, you can enjoy their Pumpkin Patch, corn maze, and spooky trails for Halloween. During the winter, they offer Christmas tree cutting and holiday-themed attractions. If you visit in spring, you’ll find plenty of outdoor games, a petting zoo, and carnival rides for kids of all ages.

Parking– free to park, you’re essentially in a moved field or large gravel parking lot. It is close to the entrance but might be challenging to navigate with a small wheel stroller.

Map– They don’t have a map to easily find the attractions, or at least I didn’t see one in the park. I also didn’t see one online.

Pricing– if you get your tickets online there is a small discount on the price. It was just Stella and I who visited. We paid 74.27 for entry. Which allowed us to ride unlimited rides. We met our friends up there and they paid for tokens and shared 2 with Stella so she could ride a pony. The food is a bit pricey. Water is 3.00 and a souvenir cup is something like 10.00 and 4.00 for refills. They do offer some adult beverages- I got some kind of wine frozen drink that was 14.00. It’s essentially fair food with churros and corn dogs. Our friend let me use her cup to buy a lemon cream soda that was super delicious.

Cons– If you have younger kids, I don’t think they would get the benefit of the rides as you need to be 38” or 42” for most rides. BATHROOMS are porta potties… They’re clean but they are portable and not air conditioned or heated.

Visiting the park on the same day as Canton wasn’t bad at all. The girls were able to ride everything they wanted multiple times. I would recommend a sun visor, bringing your own wagon or stroller to carry your items and bringing your own water. We passed on doing the pumpkin patch or picking our own flowers. I think even my older boys would enjoy going but we’ll wait to see what the Christmas experience is like.

My overall thoughts- are we enjoyed our time outside the house and with the kids. I would recommend visiting both and making a weekend out of it. We didn’t explore all First Monday had to offer as each pavilion had about the same selection as the one prior. A vendor selling clothing, a vendor selling 3D designs, a vendor selling jewelry etc. To get your full money worth at YesterLand it would be better to go when they offer evening activities like on a Friday or Saturday. We went Sunday afternoon, and they close earlier.

Toadies @ True Vine Brewery

If you’re a fan of alternative rock, the name Toadies likely resonates with you. Friday 9/27, I had the chance to see them perform at True Vine Brewery in Tyler, Texas, and it was an unforgettable evening filled with great music, local brews, and a vibrant atmosphere.

The Venue: True Vine Brewery

True Vine Brewery is a popular brewery in Tyler, Texas. The larger facility is off Earl Campbell parkway. We’ve visited True Vine several times and really like the play area for the kids and relaxed atmosphere. However, I found it a little difficult to image it as a concert venue, let alone one I would seriously enjoy!

The stage is under a covered pavilion with stall doors that open to expand the area. The bulk of the picnic tables were removed to accommodate a sold-out show. A handful of concert goers paid for reserved seating; the rest of the area was general admission.

Since True Vine doesn’t allow outside food or drinks you are limited to their selection of drinks. They have beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Food is Sola Bread company, a couple of food trucks and the nearby options like Lemon Yellow Latin Bites.

Restroom situation- during normal business hours they have a 2 or 3 stall temperature-controlled restroom. For the concert they had 4 or 5 porta-pottys near the play area. They were dark but had toilet paper and there was a handwashing spot for patrons.

The Performance

Toadies’ performance was nothing short of electric. The band drew everyone in, making it feel like an intimate jam session rather than a typical concert. The band seamlessly transitioned between their older hits and newer material, showcasing their evolution while still staying true to their roots.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in Tyler, make sure to check out True Vine Brewery’s events calendar. You never know when your favorite band might be performing next! Cheers to great music and the vibrant local scene that brings us all together.

Wildcat Youth Cheer

A Parent’s Perspective on the Whitehouse Wildcat Youth League

This is our second year with the Whitehouse Wildcat Youth League. Our daughter, Stella, cheers for the Freshman team, and our son, Ford, was on the Junior team last year. Having never participated in a sport like this before, we had no idea what to expect. Since we now have more experience with cheer, I’ll break that down:

Registration & Cost
The league isn’t affiliated with the school, but the school does allow them to send home a postcard advertising enrollment and fees. This typically happens at the end of April or May, with the registration deadline being in early June. The league also has a website and Facebook group for specific dates and updates.

Cheer Registration Fee: $200, which covers the uniform—a well-made, cute outfit that includes the shirt, skirt, bloomers, shoes, a bag, and pom-poms.
Age Verification: You’ll need to register your child on Team Link to verify their age, which I believe costs an additional $10.

Age Groups
The youngest participants are around 5 years old. We enrolled Stella at age 6, just before she entered 1st grade. The teams are divided by age group into Flag, Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior teams. Stella cheers for the Freshman team, and tackle football begins at this level, which typically starts at age 6.

Practice & Game Schedule
For the 2024 season, practices are held twice a week for two hours—Monday and Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Practice Tips: Bring a foldable chair, fan, and water to stay comfortable while watching practice, as it can get pretty hot out on the tennis courts. Your cheerleader will also need a large water bottle, athletic clothing, and their hair in a ponytail.
Restroom Warning: Be sure to use the restroom before practice, as the ones near the tennis courts are not clean, often lack toilet paper, and aren’t temperature controlled.

Games
Games are on Saturdays, with varying locations. Some are home games at the Wildcat Stadium, while others are away, sometimes as far as Tyler Legacy or even Texarkana. There’s usually a scheduled start time, but games rarely start on time, often running late.

Entry Fee: There is a cover charge to enter the stadium, and it’s probably cash-only.
Seating & Comfort: While there are bleachers, you’ll want to bring something for added comfort like a bleacher seat, pillow, towel, or blanket. The metal can get hot.
Food & Drinks: Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but most places will let you bring in water for yourself, and athletes are always allowed to have water.
Sun Protection: You’re typically allowed to bring sun cover like umbrellas or pop-ups. At a minimum, bring a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.

Parent Involvement
The league is entirely volunteer-based, and I think the organizers do a great job. I personally can’t commit to the level of involvement some parents do, but I’m happy to contribute when asked, whether it’s donating $20 for a cheer bucket, mums, or anything else the team might need.

Season Duration
Practices start in August, with the first games in September, and the season wraps up by the end of October. The length of the season isn’t bad; it’s really the heat that will make you question your decisions.

Final Thoughts
Overall, we’ve enjoyed our experience with the league. However, this year it’s been harder to get Stella excited about practices, so we might not make it to the Sophomore team next year. I’m not the kind of parent to push sports on my kids—I’d rather they try new things and find what they enjoy most.

A Vibrant Weekend at the Tyler Art Festival

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the 3rd annual Tyler Art Festival, a true celebration of East Texas creativity. Downtown square was lined with booths showcasing incredible works from local artists—paintings, sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, and more. The festival highlighted both seasoned and up-and-coming artists in an inspiring display of talent.

A Glimpse Into the Festival

As we walked through the festival, it was clear that the artistic spirit of Tyler is stronger than ever. Each booth we visited had something unique to offer, from stunning paintings to sculptures crafted from repurposed materials. We even stumbled upon a few live art demonstrations, where artists painted murals, offered a spin on the pottery wheel, painting a cement figure or wood image.

But the highlight of our weekend was seeing Stella in the Tyler Paper! While enjoying a painting activity a local journalist asked if she could capture an image of Stella painting her mermaid. This morning, 9/15, we can see her image online! Grant also enjoyed seeing the various booths and talent. He enjoys drawing fictional horror characters and felt so inspired to create more of his artwork. He mentioned having his own booth one day. I told him if he creates enough work I’ll rent the booth and sit out there with him!

My favorite work of art was the Pine Needle Baskets from Elizabeth Art and Design. She takes local pine needles and crafts them into stunning baskets, hats, and ornaments. It is hard to describe just how beautiful some of her pieces were and really have to be viewed in person to see the amount of time, talent and love in her creations.

Music filled the air as Gypsum and the Travelers performed original music along with 90’s hits. I follow them on Instagram, so it was so fun to see them live in person sharing their music.

Looking Forward

We spent a couple of hours and enjoyed our walk around downtown. It was great way to walk off the Chuy’s we had for lunch. We hope to catch it again next year.

A couple of upcoming events:

Avalon Fair Oktoberfest on October 4^th and 5^th.

Edom Art Festival on October 12^th and 13^th.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_6dSw2SXUR I made a reel for Insta an the Visit Tyler Page reshared it!