Day 3

So we had the day to what we wanted so we decided that we would kayak out to the Capt'n Cook Monument. It was an adventure to say the least. John had never done kayak or canoeing so he wasn't sure on the steering. It had been a while since I had done either so it was interesting, lets just say. But it was well worth the 1.5 mile one way kayaking trip. It was a very pretty trip, then we went snorkeling and saw lots and lots of fish. And then on the way back we saw DOLPHINS!! Yes and lots of them. Now I was barely allowed to take my camera, let alone take it out on the water. But our friends had theirs out, so when I get copies I will post them. But until then here are the pictures we took...











After we did this kayaking trip we returned to the resort to get ready for the Sunset Cruise, John and I forgot our camera in our car so...we will have to wait for those pictures to come back, cause Whit and I had a BLAST tearing it up on the dance floor, and the funny thing is that we were the only ones NOT drunk. HAHA!! Wait until you see those pictures they are funny funny

Day 2

So day 2 started with a personalized breakfast at Jackie Rae's. A local restaurant that is not normally opened for breakfast, but open just for the group of people that we where with, so that was nice. I of course just ate fruit since all the served for breakfast was om lets, but John, Leland and Whitney said they were wonderful.

After Breakfast we decided to head to Pu'ahonua O Honunau National Historical Park. This is a place that was very special and spiritual to the native Hawaiians, and had been recreated to look like a village back in the day. It was very informative and very beautiful. We took a nice long walk through the park and then out on some rocks near by.
Ok I was trying to look like the warrior in the background. I was the only one brave enough to look like a fool to get this picture. HEHE

John by one of the house's door

Whitney and Leland playing an ancient game

This turtle was just hanging out in the bay eating some stuff off the rocks

One of the buildings there

The bay, there was a rope stopping you from going any father stating "Culturally sensitive place, Please be respectful"

This is at the same place just off to the side where we walked on the rocks exploring

Right as I stood up from this picture a HUGE wave came in and got everything all wet, luckily we escaped from the waves wrath.

As you can see everything is all wet, but John wanted to see the black crabs that were playing there. BOYS!?!?!

Another wave coming in

The water was so clear and blue

The water flowing over a rock

I made everyone listen to the first part again telling of the history of the Hawaiians, 'cause I SWORE it said Mayan tradition. I was going to be so happy and astonished if it did. BUT it didn't, it said my old tradition.

After we were all wore out from our rock exploration we went back for naps. YEAH!! After that we had a nice meet and greet that had a live band and was catered by Jackie Rae's again. This time there was LOTS to eat, and it was all so so good. I can attest to that, since I got to eat to it. Yippy!!

Ok I have no clue what kinda plant this is, pretty and all. BUT creepy, look at those eyes just staring at me.

It was a nice and relaxing day...Stay tuned for days 3-5

Day 1

So we picked up the sitter on our way to the airport, so that way she could have the car if needed during our trip. She dropped us off, after our quick good-byes to the boys and we were off excited to be FREE for the next 5.5 days. After an express check-in at the airport we had plenty of time to spare and hang out at the inter-island terminal at HNL airport. John decided to get some hot chocolate at Starbucks. As we were trying to fill our time before we boarded we realized that the cup and sleeve had "fiber" in them so we decided to get some fiber in our diets...

After upping our fiber content for the say we loaded the plane. Although I specifically request window seats we found our selves without one, and I am sure the local resident of the Big Island found my snapping away of the islands as we flew over them quite annoying, but he never lead on that it was, John did though as seen here..

We actually flew to Hilo first then everyone exited the plane in Hilo and except us and ONE other person that stayed on to continue to Kona. I tryed to get the captain to let us leave early since we had a 30 min lay over, but I was repeated laughed at... BUT we did get upgraded to first class since it was just us...YEAH!!! It was a nice flight from Hilo to Kona, we got to see much of the island from air as we circled Mauna Kea. Many people pay hundreds of dollars to see what we saw, now they may get a better view or more up close and personal tour of the island, not to mention a great view of the volcano (which the pilot was reluctant to give me LOL) but it was a nice addition to our trip.

After landing in Kona we got something to eat at a nice little diner, that was suggested to us by the rental car place, which we got upgraded at. The diner was called Chubby's and it must of been owned by a member or something 'cause it had pictures of both Hawaii Temples. Which I am not sure about others, but it always gives me the warm and tinglies to see temples featured in public places.

Well after fueling our bodys with tasty food we head for the Volcano National Park, about 2.5 hour drive from Kona, but it was the one reason I wanted to go to the Big Island. So we headed out, stopping at nice scenic points along the way. We stopped at South Point (the most southern tip of the USA). Well by the time we stopped every where and all we arrived at the Volcano National Park about 4ish. We paid our $10 to get in and SEE the volcano. I was so excited to see an actual live volcano. We checked in with the visitor center to only find out that the only visible lava was another 1.5-2 hr drive then a 1-3 mile hike depending on what parking was left. I was ready to go, but I was not the driver. John was reluctant to go since it would then be a LONG drive back after dark. I promised and pleaded, finally after some convincing we were off...BUT as some of you may know that have visited the Big Island, it is poorly marked for tourist things, the maps suck and roads are not labeled, and no signs telling you that you are close to anything. We stopped at a local food market to get some flashlights since the hike would now be done in the dark, and to see if they might know if we were headed in the right direction. The checkout lady was like "Yea, I think that this might the right highway, maybe, probably. Its an island it just goes in a big circle!" Well I told John that the lady said that it was the right way, so we continued onward, and suddenly in the middle of nowhere the road sign says "Road closed to Lava Flow" Then right behind that sign was another "No entry at 8pm" Confused as we were we went forward we were meet with lots of people and a man with a flashlight directing parking. WE MADE IT!! My vacation was complete and now I didn't need to do another thing, I found what I came for. YEAH!! Well the hike in the dark was interesting, but clearing marked with reflective tape and poles. You get out there to the "place" and you look off to the distance and you can see a red glow. And every once in a while you can see a burst of lava jumping out of that red embery glow. About 1/4 mile away we saw the beauty of lava making new land. We saw it with our very own eyes. Yes I would of loved to see it closer, but what can you do. Either way it was WAY awesome.



Ok It looks way better in person, but it was dark and it is as good as it gets without a fancy camera and tripod

This is what the hike on the way out looked like

The Big Banged-Up Vacation

After being thrown from a horse, and very likely fracturing a rib, and spraining my ankle on the trail to the green sand beach we have returned from our trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. We did thoroughly enjoy our time with each other, the other couple we went with, and our time away from the kids. (Yes I know I am brave to have left my 3 month old with someone else, everyone on our trip said so)

Since we did so much I will posting in segments, mainly lots of pictures cause they are worth a thousand words. So read if you would like, or just mark as read if you please, but either way enjoy...

At Least there is still some Innocence

Lately Isaac Has been really paying more attention to Noah, as Noah becomes more than a lump in the living room. With Noah now laughing and smiling Isaac has realized oh I have a friend. Yesterday I asked him "Is Noah your best friend?" Isaac promptly answered "Yes!" He has even been sharing with his brother more, his cars, and coins, and even his apple here and there. Those for safety reasons I was not able to get a picture of. But this I was able to capture:

Isaac reading a book to Noah. He was even saying some of the words in the book correctly. But mainly just blabbing on and on as he showed him pictures and turning the pages.

Also him seen here, with his arm around Noah and "protecting him". He has gotten very protective if stranger try to talk to Noah, he shouts "NO! NO!" over and over while covering Noah. The other day I was tickling Noah and he was laughing and laughing. Well Isaac came in the room and heard him and thought that I was hurting him, he starting tell me to leave him alone, and covering him up from ME!!

And many times Isaac just like to lay on the blanket next to him as he watches a movie or as he eats his snack. I am happy that Isaac has taken such a liking to him. I can't wait for the years to come as Noah become more and more mobile and more and more interactive.