Hawaii

I am finally getting around to posting about mine and Isaac's kidless trip to Hawaii.  It was, in a word....relaxing.  I didn't realize how much sleep I was missing out on until we had our first night away from the kids.  Don't get me wrong, we missed them loads while we were gone, but we definitely appreciated the break.  And let me just add that my mom is the super mom of the century, I mean, I already knew that but she watched both kids for us and dealt with a sick toddler (daphne of course got a 24 hour bug while we were gone) the woman is amazing.  We were so grateful for the break and my mom was so willing to help and made it such a fun week for Daphne.

We stayed in Kona on the Big Island with my grandma and had such a wonderful time.  The trip was full of lots of beach time, snorkeling, kayaking, hikes and of course endless eating.

Day 1:
Because of the time difference, I woke up pretty early and Isaac and I walked down to the Ocean.  The big Island beaches are so neat and different, the volcanic rock is absolutely beautiful.  After a delicious waffle breakfast we headed to Pu'uhonua O Hõnaunau Bay/City of Refuge.  This beach is known for great snorkeling.  Boy did we luck out, because on our first day and first snorkel we swam next to a beautiful sea turtle and after going out a little farther were surrounded by a dolphin pod.  They were swimming all around us and below us.  I have always had a hard time swimming in the ocean, especially when I can't see the bottom (seriously though, what is out there?!) but this was such an amazing experience!  I have never been that close to a dolphin, it was so incredible.  Also, while we were out with the dolphins, just 50 yards away from us were a couple of whales!  I mean, seriously, how were we going to top that? On our first day!  After our snorkeling adventures we headed to get some lunch at the Coffee Shack, a cute little sandwich and salad place with some of the best coconut cream pie money can buy.  I am not exagerating one bit either, just talking about it now makes my mouth water.  I am still trying to figure out a way for them to send a pie out to Utah.  The Coffee Shack also had the most amazing views.  Afterwards, we headed back to the kondo so Isaac could take a nap and I went to read my book by the pool.  My sister Sarah has been going to school on Oahu and she flew out to the Big Island to come hang out with us.  After picking her up from the airport we headed to dinner at Walmart to help my grandma fix some things around her condo.

^^

the bread on this sandwich was out of this world amazing

Day 2:
Day 2 started on a good note with some fantastic malasadas (doughnuts) that Sarah brought from Oahu.  We all then headed up north to Mauna Kea Beach.  We rented a jeep while we were there and it was so nice driving with the top off.  Because of high surf, the beach was closed but we were able to hang out at a near by beach (Samuel Spencer).  I did some more reading and Isaac explored around.  We grabbed lunch after at Cafe Pesto, a favorite of grandma Gayle's and then did some more snorkeling at Kahalu'u Bay.  The golf coarse at my grandma's condo has the most beautiful view of the sunset.  It was so neat to see the waves crash up against the lava rock.