ALOHA

Warning: Mass Quantity of Photographs . . .

Hanalei Bay. . . We spent a few different days at this bay, swimming, boogie boarding on waves perfect for "moms", and playing in the sand. The highlight of the bay was jumping off of the pier. It was beautiful, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and trees.

Horseback Riding at Silver Falls Ranch . . . Nana, Hoho, the girls, Al, and I enjoyed beautiful views our ride through the Ranch and up to the Falls. Ryan volunteered to stay with Justin, since he was too young. He and his dad made the time up on the golf course the next day.

The significance of the sign? It took us two days to find it. We had heard about "Tunnels" and how the snorkeling was amazing. Sea Turtles were known to hang out at this beach. One end of the beach is a reef, the other a place to surf. We went two different times and did both. We did a lot of snorkeling this day and even got to swim with the turtles. It was just as much fun watching them from the shore. As they would surf the waves, and the light would hit them just right, it was like looking through glass right at them. Nana and I watched them for about an hour one day, while the kids played and swam near them. There were four.

Ry putting on his fins.

Alie didn't have fins small enough so we swam together, so I could help her. She was very brave around all of the fish. All of the kids really loved it.

Back on another day to enjoy " Tunnel's" waves.

Justin with his Hoho, aka: (Master sandcastle builder).

He helped build castles all week.

Shave Ice was a daily commodity, sometimes twice. It was so nice to have grandparents to share our sips and bites with.

On the Fourth of July, we went to Lydgate Park. It was a bit of a drive, but all of the little crabs that roamed the manmade bay made it well worth the visit. Not to mention that it was a perfect day, so beautiful. We enjoyed doing our own fireworks in the front yard of the house, and welcoming Mimi, Papa, and Jonny this night.

We rented four bikes for the week, and had so much fun on our morning bike rides. We took turns sharing in groups of four, riding on the local bikes trails that were near the community. They went through areas where the trees grew together to cover the sky. It seemed like I was finding reasons to bike to the store or get a shave ice. Alie often put on her running shoes and ran besides us, claiming that she could use the exercise. She was a bit too small for the bikes anyway, so it worked out nicely.

Nana with Lindsay

Uncle Jonny

Ke'e Beach. We really enjoyed this beach. We went three times. We enjoyed snorkeling there. There were tons of chickens, roosters, and babies here. Lots of other birds as well. The island has chickens everywhere you go, but there seemed to be more here. They would eat right out of your hand. It was surrounded by cliffs and trees. The bottom of the Kalalau Trail was located here. We only hiked up about a half of a mile, it was a difficult and steep climb. We hiked far enough to the first lookout point. It was well worth it. The wind was more than refreshing, it was powerful.

Ryan feeding the "babies"

Papa out of his shoes and into the water!

Justin "resting his feet" along the trail.

The first lookout point of the Kalalau Trail. Hold onto your hats and glasses!

Kayaking down the Wailua River. After kayaking for about an hour, we hiked through a thick forest along the river full of roots, vines, and streams. We waded through several streams while hiking before reaching the waterfall. We enjoyed lunch there under the falls. Then, yup, back through the forest, through the icky sticky mud, etc. etc., before kayaking the hour back. I won't complain, I can't think of a better way to exercise. Thanks Jonny for taking Lindsay in your Kayak, I know she kept you nice and cool with every stroke. Alie got to go with the cute guide who reminded us of Bryan Thacker.

The girls are holding flowers that lie all over the forest floor.

Mimi and Papa crossing one of the streams

Destination: Waterfall

Fam pic. at small falls along the way

We are so grateful to have had this time together.