Hawaii

We'd (I) been planning Hawaii since our first year of optometry school...we got new credit cards with some sweet deals on miles, and saved and saved all of our little miles in anticipation of a graduation trip to paradise. Graduation came and the new mountain of debt was dropped in our laps, that first paycheck had yet to come, and really, we were absolutely spent. 

To make a long (angry) story (kinda) short, Steve's mom dropped us off at the airport at like 4:45 am. 9,000 delays later, our flight ends up getting delayed until the next day. So she picks us up and brings us back home. To our kids. And normal, boring life. We would have much rather been on a plane going to paradise, but it was fun that she and Lori were there...she told us to go have fun with Lori and she'd stay home with the kids for a couple hours. OK fine (thank you!). The next day, she wakes up early and drops us off again, and hopefully for the last time At this point, we've lost an entire day in Hawaii, so we're on edge just waiting for something else to go wrong. We actually board our plane on time. And wait. And wait. And wait. An hour and a half later, our flight finally leaves, but impressively makes decent time and makes up for most of the delay! We had 15 minutes to sprint across the airport in San Fran to catch our connecting flight to Kauai. Steve and a couple other people made it before me, and when I finally caught up, my heart sank as I approached a closed gate door (but walkway still out and connected to the plane) and some angry passengers. Out-of-breath we all begin to raise our voices and demand she open the door. Not happening. We all huff and puff our way over to customer service, spew out our fiery demands, only to be met with a $14 meal voucher and a 4-hour wait in the airport for the next available tiny, little connecting flight. To LA. Then one more to get to paradise. This was the most welcome sight we'd seen in 32 hours of delays, 11 hours in airports, 10 hours of flying, and lots of cheese crackers and various uses of the word 'stupid'.

We made it to our cheap, little condo in Poipu, (south) Kauai just in time to eat a couple bites of frozen pizza and crash hard on our bed. We kinda wish we had stayed on the north shore because everything we ended up doing was up there. That made for a daily 45-minute/1-hour trip up north and then back at the end of our days, but really. We were in Hawaii. Alone. Who cares. We slept in a decent amount, but nothing crazy most days. We had things planned most days that required setting an alarm, but had enough days where we didn't do anything so it was all wonderful!

The first morning we went and got a few groceries for our condo then took off for a little hike along the shore close to where we were staying, Maha'ulepu trail. I'm glad we did it first, because while it was beautiful, it really paled in comparison to the sites we saw the rest of the trip! And it was easily done in flip flops.

Next we drove to Wailua Falls (opening credits to Fantasy Island?), where you're supposed to just get out of your car and stare at the waterfall from a parking lot. We obviously couldn't just do that. We hopped a chain-link fence and hiked/slid down a steep hill using huge tree roots and ropes hooked to different trees. As the hill leveled out and there was a clearing in the  trees and shrubs, it opened up to this beautiful pool and waterfall, with tiny tourists peeking over the parking lot down at us. We swam in and around the waterfall, laid out on a rock to dry off and warm up, then hiked back up the short hill. 

Off to Tunnels beach for some snorkeling.

Tunnels is absolutely beautiful. The snorkeling wasn't that great, but I think it was because we went in the middle of the afternoon, and I think it's generally better first thing in the morning. Again, who cares. We were in Hawaii. Alone.

We got so much more video than pictures, so I don't have a lot of pictures of things! We explored this huge cave right there at Haena Beach Park as it was lightly sprinkling on and off, but still so warm so it wasn't a big deal. We napped, we snacked, played in and out of the water, and just were. Driving through the island was always breathtaking. The lush, soaring cliffs that looked so much like Jurassic Park everywhere we went were incredible. 

The next morning, we set our alarms at arrived with our eyes half-open at a tiny little shack to check in for our kayak tour of the Na Pali coast. Barely awake, we signed all sorts of waivers, slathered on sunscreen, took some dramamine for sea sickness, packed our wet bags for the kayak and dry bags for the van to bring to us when we arrived at our destination, and began some small-talk with our fellow kayakers. After a brief intro to all things kayak on the drizzling beach of Haena, we were pushed out onto the water to begin our 17-mile journey under a rainbow, hoping for a tailwind and gracious waves. Lots of paddling, learning to paddle quickly in-synch with the swells and slow down as the swells lowered, and really mostly gasping at the views. 4000 feet cliffs of the most beautiful green scenery standing majestically in front of the sun and clouds above us. We saw dolphins and sea turtles, and had a blast riding the crashing waves.

We paddled in and out of several sea caves, one of which was completely dark except for a stream of light coming in the entrance. The water was so warm and calm, it was a nice retreat from the rough ocean (although the ocean water really was pretty warm!).

Another cave was a massive open cave with the bluest, most turquoise water I'd ever seen! At that point, Steve had apparently been pretty sick and didn't say anything to me as he puked behind me while we entered the cave. It wasn't until I turned around to see if he wanted to get out and jump off the rocks when I noticed. Oops. He popped some more dramamine and slowly settled down.

Blessed, blessed Milolii beach. About 5 hours in, we reached our lunch destination famished. The guides had sandwiches, chips, drinks, and the best pineapple I'd ever had while we all chatted in the shade. We waddled over under a tree, laid out, and passed out for about an hour until it was time to finish the trek. Such a beautiful, relaxing sight.

Another couple of hours and 17 miles later, we made it! Polihale Beach! We each had a successful landing, hopped out, and collapsed on the beach. Such joy! We all peeled off our rash guards and dove into the warm ocean. After helping pack up our gear onto the vans, we showered off, changed into dry clothes, were met with cold drinks, and settled in for the hour-long drive back to the shack. We had an absolutely delicious fish dinner, drove back to our condo and passed out.

I'd been wanting to skydive for forever, but always thought Texas or Utah or wherever would be so boring. I'd been waiting for an opportunity like Hawaii, and am so glad I did! Steve's been in Utah before, and it was pretty because of the mountains, but he said Kauai was stunning in comparison. The feeling of falling without actually feeling like you're falling was an out-of-body experience. I told the guy before we jumped that I wanted him to get crazy, so we did a gainer right out of the rickety old plane! Then he let me pull the cords to steer us side to side. I've done it once, I probably won't do it again. While it was an exhilarating experience and absolutely beautiful, I personally think it was worth it...like one time. 

We had planned on going to Waimea Canyon, but with us losing a day in Kauai, we had to make some fast decisions. There was an accident or something so traffic west in that direction was crazy, so we made a split-second decision and opted to turn around and head back to the Na Pali coast and hike it instead of Waimea. We figured Waimea was similar to hiking/parks in Utah (Bryce, Zion's, Moab), whereas Na Pali is insane. Absolutely incredible. It was fun to look down and see where we had kayaked the day before.

We thought we'd only have time to do the 4-mile roundtrip Kalalau trail to Hanakapi'ai Beach, but we  got there and still had daylight, so we booked it the additional 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Falls. The trail was narrow and jarring, wading through rivers and up and down steep rocks. It really wasn't bad at all. The 300 foot waterfall and enclosing valley was gorgeous! We jumped into the freezing cold pool for a minute, hopped out, and dried off as we kinda jogged our way back as we were losing daylight.

 

Seriously one of the most beautiful sights I've seen with the endless, blue waters, green cliffs, and warm sun slowly fading in the distance.

We finished the trail and came out onto Ke'e beach. I think this might be my favorite. I love how time freezes during sunset on the beaches in Hawaii. Everyone stops to take it all in. On our way home, we stopped and had burgers and fries at Bubba's while we ate outside looking out into the street, watching people come and go. Again, made the trek back to our hotel and passed out hard.

The next morning we packed up and had the easiest little (45 minute) flight of our trip to Maui. Driving around, it was definitely more populated and civilized than Kauai with more fast food places, grocery stores, definitely felt less like Hawaii. We drove up to our resort (Makena Resort), walked in, and just looked at each other with grins on our faces. We got upgraded to a higher room (they all had an ocean view), packed a bag, and headed to Ka'anapali beach for some snorkeling. The beach was pretty windy and there were kids everywhere, which is the opposite of what we were looking for. We decided to try out the snorkeling, and saw some fish....then the turtles! They were totally oblivious to us, slimy, and funky-looking. Perfect. We walked over to the Sheraton and used their pool and lounge chairs, took a nap, then left for Lahaina.

We walked around the cute little town with the huge Banyan tree, got an ornament for our Christmas tree, got some snow cones, and ate some of the most delicious pizza we've ever had at Prison Street Pizza. It's New York style pizza (I'm not a deep dish fan), and the owner was the nicest guy ever. I'd be pretty nice if I lived in Hawaii too, but we loved him.

We drove back to Makena and went to watch the sunset at the secluded Big Beach. Still not tired of the sunsets, sorry.

While we were loving the adventure and action, the next day was also one of my favorites. We did nothing. NOTHING! It was amazing. Had a stack of coconut macadamia nut pancakes Kihe Cafe, played shuffleboard, went down to the beach at our resort, back up to our pool, ordered lunch poolside, fell asleep on lounge chairs, went back up to our room and showered, put on makeup and did my hair for the first (and only) time the entire trip, and went to get tacos overlooking the beach at sunset.

Serenity now. 

The next day we did the Road to Hana. We'd already done a lot of waterfalls, so we didn't feel the need to stop at every one.  There was plenty of rainbow Eucalyptus trees, rope swings, banana bread, black sand beaches, roadside fruit stands,  and the Pipiwai Trail with bamboo rainforest and more waterfalls. Instead of turning back around, we took the road on the backside of the mountain back and continued our loop around the island. I'd read that it looked like Mars, and I have to say, that was quite accurate! The road must have been redone since everyone screamed the treachery of these back roads, because they really weren't that bad. More incredible views as we drove the deserted roads along cliffs looking out over the ocean, dancing to our own tunes in our little rental car, and finally ending with Ululani's shaved ice.

Our last day started with another early wake-up call drive to Haiku. We signed all sorts of waivers (again), got fitted for bikes and helmets and jackets, and loaded into vans with a group of honeymooners and adventurers. We were driven up the Haleakala crater at 5 am under the cold, pitch black, star-filled sky. We got to the top of the crater, 10,000 feet in the air, stepped out of the van, and were instantly hit with a wall of frozen air. How there were people up there in shorts, I don't know. The pitch black slowly brightened above the clouds to a navy blue, and we slowly caught glimpses of the yellow sun coming up. It was amazing how we gradually warmed up as the sun slowly rose. The sky quickly began to paint itself purple and pink and orange and then yellow. A man we had been talking to suddenly dropped down on one knee and quietly proposed while she nodded yes. Another one of the most stunning views I've ever seen.

We were driven back down a bit out of the way of the crowds, got outfitted on our bikes, and hopped on. I picked this tour because we could go at our own pace and didn't have to stay with the rest of our group. We saw a couple people on the way down, but other than that it was pretty deserted (minus a few cars). Cruising down the paved, smooth roads above the clouds, winding around curves that dropped off Maui's cliffs was such a cool experience. Watching the landscape change and the crater become more populated with fragrant lavender farms and houses in the hills was beautiful. We stopped close to the bottom for breakfast, then a beach to watch the surfers, then to the bike shop to drop off the bikes. Oh how we've missed biking!

We finished the day poolside at our resort, slowly wallowing in sadness as we prepared to leave paradise. On our way out, we stopped by Kina'ole food truck for the best coconut shrimp and fried calamari we'd ever seen. The shrimp was massive and the calamari was bigger than our fingers. Took the food down to Kihe beach for one last sunset before we drove to the airport. We were so thankful for our family that took care of our kids, especially Steve's mom and sister who flew out and watched them for a week. I couldn't ask for better in-laws who love my kids so much. This truly was a priceless trip (that got me through so many days looking forward to it!) where we forgot we were mommy and daddy, and about 9,000 other roles we play every day. It was wonderful to just play husband and wife. We only talked about the kids a couple times, and it was absolutely magical. We fell harder in love, and I couldn't have asked for a better other-half!

{The youtube video isn't HD, this fb link at least gives you the option to select the HD option on the bottom right here}

March

After consoling him post-table-fall, he demanded, and I quote: "Waaaahhhhh sit o the couch next by me. Gimme my little black blankie. And a caaaaaar waaaaaah!" We're obviously all sick around here. And tired. And cranky.

So lucky to have moved into a great ward! I love these girls nights where we can eat good food that we didn't have to cook, don't have to clean up, and can get away from the kiddos while connecting over all things girly, wifely, and motherly.

"OK Lyla, you lay down and I'll cover you with all the blankets. She's stuck! She's stuck! I did it!" "{giggle giggle giggle}"

Homemade play dough meal. It was filled with lots of yummy towers and sharing. I love their crossed feet.

This little one has no fear. She jumps off ledges without looking, rushes down slides. Total opposite of Parker. He was always a cautious, timid little guy.

Steve stayed home sick with body aches and a fever, and needed Dairy Queen's free ice cream cones to feel better. "Look, Mom, I'm swinging my ice cream! {giggle giggle} it's so squirrelly to me {giggle giggle}!"

House hunting with kids is no easy task. Lyla wants to go up and down the stairs, Parker is scared of the house and wants us to hold him, we're trying to listen to our realtor, examine the house, and give each other our opinions. Then get back in the car and do it again, all on a tight schedule to see houses between Steve's work schedule and kids' bedtime/mealtime. Sheesh. Such a roller coaster. After looking at one house in particular in a neighborhood we really wanted to be in, we went to a park close-by to get a feel for the area. After playing on the playground for a while, Parker noticed the excavator and other tractor and just like that his little legs went running across the huge field and they didn't stop until he got there. Probably the longest distance he's ever run before in his life.

These guys have so much fun together on their little playdates. Parker's slowly gotten better sharing and playing nice. Hallelujah. I think preschool will be so good for him next year!

It snowed! Like a lot! It started the night before and we woke up to a beautiful  winter wonderland! Parker loved driving his trucks through it. "Hey Mom. Make me a snowball. A BIIIIIG snowball. OK now I'll go step on it."

She giggled, she ran through it, she fell, she cried.

Post-snow park day. We really can't handle being cooped up for long. She nailed it.

6 years of loving and shaking and baking. He's my favorite. We went to a nice dinner at Roy's with a gift card we had, then went to the temple. Celebration to be continued in Hawaii in 6 weeks......