Category Archives: Uncategorized

Jul 16

Kona, days 1 & 2

I had grand intentions of blogging a lot on this vacation. 

That hasn’t happened. 

Here’s the thing… I don’t feel bad about it. Because instead of writing, I’ve been living which always makes for more interesting stories later. We’ve enjoyed so many things this trip, and it isn’t even close to being over! 

The trip to Kona was surprisingly l-o-n-g. Although we only had to change planes one time, there was a layover, and we ended up being awake for nearly 24 hours by the time we arrived. As we landed, we felt the warm tropical air descend upon us and we knew that finally, we were here!!! 

We started our first day in Kona with breakfast at one of our favorite restaurants, Bubba Gump’s. Sadly, they changed their breakfast menu and don’t have the same rum French toast I enjoyed here on our honeymoon but I am willing to let that go because a) the breakfast was still pretty dang good, and b) they make a damn fine Bloody Mary, which I enjoyed immensely. The kids shared a breakfast dish with mahi mahi in it… Never let it be said that I am raising picky eaters! They loved it!  After breakfast, we walked around town a bit. Later, my SIL and I went to Costco for groceries, while the guys and the kids played in the pool. There is really no way to vacation affordably without cooking facilities and a trip to Costco, and I am thankful for both. It rocks! 

Hey! One of those is mine!!! 

Day 2: We visited one of our favorite beaches, which is Hapuna.  It’s a little bit of a drive from where we are staying, but totally  worth it.  They improved it a lot since B and I went there for our honeymoon 14 years ago. There are pavilions now, a lifeguard stand and a snack shack. I didn’t go to the snack shack, but we almost did when we discovered that most of the frozen water bottles we grabbed had salt in them, left by the previous condo renters in the hopes of making more usable ice packs.  Live and learn!

 
The kids loved Hapuna though. It was so fun to watch the smiles on their faces as they headed towards the water. It reminded me of the times I spent on the beaches as a kid, the first time this Oregon girl realized that it was possible to be in ocean water that didn’t require survival suits.  They spent a lot of time just playing in the waves, but also did some snorkeling and boogie boarding.  Alex snorkeled and boogie boarded at the same time, because he is awesome like that…. Lily took to the water like a proverbial fish, and couldn’t stop smiling. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my kids have such a great time! 

We are off to an amazing start here. My goals for this trip are simple: I just want to slow down. To be in the moment, free from anxiety and stress. Truly present for each memory with the people I love most… More to come later!

Wow! This water is so warm!


The aquatic multi-tasker!

May 21

120 days and counting

120 days…
There are 120 days that remain until we board a plane for Hawaii; and this, my friends, is when the hysteria in the my house starts to build.

We believe, you see, that part of the fun is in the preparations. Because trips are over so quickly, and imagining all of the scenarios, needs, and adventures you’ll have over the course of the trip is all part of our fun.

Towards that end, I have a new iPad air for syncing my photos. I will carry my newly ordered Shootsac to keep my dslr handy for lots of photos. We are very excited about making another photo book like we did last year. I wonder what the total photo count for this trip will be?

I’d like to take Captain America again – and take more photos with him. It just always seems to fall apart though because it’s actually kind of time consuming to set up those shots, and usually everyone else is ready to move on. 

I’m starting to think about a preliminary packing list for me and the kids. I think it is very helpful to do this actually, because the more I think about it and write down thoughts as they come to me, the fewer packing mistakes I make… At least, that’s what I tell myself! 

 

Note – I wrote this a while ago, but just found it here, unpublished.  So, better late than never! 

Mar 5

Well, THAT was awkward

Wow. One post in July. That’s all that’s here. I wish that I could say that’s unusual for me, but that’s the thing about life… you make plans, God laughs, and you finally one day, accept that you are just along for the ride.

That being recognized, it’s still a pretty good ride. A lot has happened since I wrote that post in July. We went on an awesome vacation to Montana, Wyoming, S. Dakota, and N. Dakota. Got to see some family, and just had a great time. I took over 3000 pictures. Maybe I’ll put some of ’em up here too. 

Now it’s March. We’ve slogged through another winter, and are counting the days until our next vacation. I remember being a kid, and my mom telling me to enjoy the moment because life went by too quickly. That it does. But, I can’t say life would be much fun either without things to look forward to. 

I really, really love the idea of blogging. I love getting my ideas out and having an outlet for my creativity. I’m gonna try to keep this going. Not even sure if anyone reads it. I don’t really care either way right now, I guess. It’s fun to do, and for right now, that’s enough.

But if you are reading it, YAY!  🙂