Kauai Hawaii, 2013

We were lucky enough to be able to take the family to Hawaii in October 2013.  It was a fabulous, magical trip.  My parents, little brother Taylor, and my sister Cass and her crew all came. 

 Visiting Poku Dogs for their famous hot dogs.

 Hanalei Bay.  We saw a huge sea turtle here!

 My pretty Mama boarding!

Blakely Belle looking like the cutie she is!

 Our first morning in Hawaii.  We stayed in a little B & B before going to the condo.  It was so beautiful eating on this little terrace with the chickens (everywhere) and the stunning flowers.

 The Dry Caves.  These massive caves go back pretty far, with many creeping crawling things.  I didn't last long in there, as you can imagine.  But, it was gorgeous outside.

 Ty with Bridge-Dog inside the caves.

 Ma and Pa stayed at a separate place due to spacing issues, but it was really close by.

 When we first arrived in Hawaii we stopped at a fruit stand to buy some fresh produce and take pictures of the kids in the giant pineapple.  Deakin, 3 years old.

Dillon, 7 years-old.

 Inside the fruit stand on our first day.

 The grandkidders having a blast together.

 Chickens...everywhere.

 I got a terrible eye infection days before our trip and had to wear my glasses the whole trip.  Sucked. Loved having Jonny pick flowers and give them to me daily.

 Puka Dog's.  I thought they were a little weird for my taste (many combine with sweet flavors) but a cultural experience necessary!

 Convincing the grandkidders to try the weird hot dogs!

 Dillon taking care of cousin Bridger.  They had so much fun together.

 The birds in this area were exceptionally tame and would fly down and eat out of our hands.  It really freaked Dillon and Deakin out.

 Bunch of Beach Bums!  This is pretty much how we spent the entire trip: crashing out at different beaches all over the island.  It really was so magical.

 Dillon spent the entire week in the ocean mastering skim boarding.  If we would have rented him a surf board, he would have done that too.  This kid is part fish, I swear.

 Deakin was so little, it was a good thing he had a tiny bit of fear of the water.  He played in it and loved it, but didn't want it over his waist, making it much easier on us.  He was so happy to be slathered in sunscreen and just digging in the sand and playing in the water.  One day we saw 2 huge crabs in the sand, then he wasn't too excited about playing on the beach in that area.

 Such a great picture.  This is how we spent our trip, playing in the water and catching a wave! Taylor and my dad were the best at catching the waves and riding them all the way up the beach.  

 Dillon

 Love my little surf baby!

 Handsome Jonny loving the water as well.

 It was such a beautiful week.

 Hiking around the island finding unusual trees.

 The Nepali Coast.  We all took turns getting sick this week. This day I was in the car because I was sick.  It is hard to imagine wanting to stay back and sleep in the car, but it was violent sickness.  When Dillon got it he burst blood vessels in his face. Poor kid.  He got sick on Sunday, so we teased him about not wanting to go to church!  Then he barfed and we stayed back and babied him.  Just admitting we are great parents here, really sympathetic.  Haha!

 Hiking to Queen's Bath.  So stunning.

 Deakin and Daddy on the boat out to the Fern Grotto.  That was such a beautiful place.  They say many people get married there, and I can see why.  It is stunning.  Deakin loved making googly eyes at the beautiful dancers. A shameless little flirt.

 My best friends by my side as we took this awesome trip.

 There was a stray cat on the island while the natives were telling us the history of the island, Deakin just wanted to play with this fleabag cat.  The funny part was that he and Gage were diverting so much attention.

 We went to the Smith Family Luau.  I was a little disheartened by the name...Smith.  I mean, really. That doesn't sound very authentic, or legit.  But, I was SOOO wrong.  It was astounding!  The food, entertainment, and the gardens surrounding the event were beyond words.  And, other family members who had gone to other Luau's said this was the best by far.  If ever we go back to Kauai, we will for sure repeat this one!

 They are praying to the 4 corners...

 Before removing the meat from the underground fire pit.

 A pic of me and the hubbs enjoying our time in Hawaii, celebrating our 10th anniversary.

 Dillon enjoying his food next to uncle Tay.

 Just as they were about to take the meat out of the ground, there was a torrential downpour. But, little Gager didn't mind.  We all ran for cover, but not this little stud!

 Then we got to see a show after the dinner, which was awesome as well.  We were so tired and ready for bed, that when Deakin fell asleep we used it as an excuse to go back to the condo and go to bed.  

 Dillon and Deakin would blush and get so irritated if we would ask them which one was the prettiest and which one they wanted to take on a date.

 Taylor turned the big 16 on this marvelous trip. For his birthday we rented surfboards and played in the water all day. Surfing is harder than it looks!

 Can't skip Breakfast in Bed!  We purchased this tasty island made syrup with coconut and passion fruit.  It was a fun morning!

Wailua Falls 

 The Fam at Waimea Canyon.  Where we stayed was a town called Princeville, which is stunningly beautiful and covered with trees and flowers. But, when we drove to the other side of the island it looks more like Southern Utah.  It was dry and desert like. 

 Sally and Blakely Bell

 Cass, Ty, Bridge, Blake, and Gager

 Our Family

 We stopped daily to get shaved ice and relax for a minute.  This is Deakin helping daddy hydrate.

 Right next to our condo was this beautiful point with a lighthouse on it.

 Kauai

 The trip to the Fern Grotto

 My Dad took these beautiful pictures of the local vegetation.

 Smith Luau...such beautiful grounds.  We rode a train all over the property which was hundreds of acres covered with such amazing flowers and trees.

 Reasons not to take kids on VERY expensive vacations:  They don't give a flip.  They would rather just wrestle on the grass.  "Cool mom, ya, the trees are cool.  Can I play my tablet now?"  AHHHHHH!!!

 There is a legend of a dragon that was trapped under the rocks and you can hear him moan and blow water up through the hole every few minutes.  The kids really liked that legend and watching it erupt.

 Local basket weavers.

 Happy Birthday Buddy!