Aloha

What can I say about Hawaii in January...amazing doesn't quite cut it. First of all, thanks to Bebe and Papa who made this trip happen. We wouldn't have these amazing adventures together without you. It is hard for me to explain how special it is to get to spend 10 days with my family, not to mention in such a beautiful setting. I got so spoiled getting to see Dana so much over this last month, between the snow storm delays and this trip. I love that she and Ian got to spend so much time with the kids, and I know they did too.

We got to see some whales, enjoy a visit with Anna who lives in Honolulu, eat banana frosties, shave ice and even had ice cream for dinner. We attended a luau, saw waterfalls, sunsets, geckos and lots of chickens. Sadie wanted to know if we could go swimming or to the beach everyday. Ian and Matt snorkeled off the beach at Princeville. Dana soaked up the rays. Mom and Dad relaxed even though they would tell you they aren't really "beach people." I tried to keep Cashion from eating too much sand. Sadie built sand "snowmen" after we saw a real snowman made out of snow from the peak of the mountain on the big island (another family's Christmas card photo this year). We ate amazing food at local places like Ceviche Dave's, thanks to Ian's research and passion for food. We enjoyed cocktails on the deck at the St. Regis overlooking Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay. The girls went for pedicures and a trip to the Lihue Walmart. The kids napped in the car in between sight-seeing stops. We tasted coffee in Kona and rum in Kauai. We drank Pina Coladas and Mai Tais. We tried local fruits from the farmer's market and fruit stands. Ian tried a couple of local dishes the rest of us stayed away from (moko loco and something about spam sushi?) We drove every full-size car in the class, including the Dodge Charger (that thing gotta hemi?) We bought aloha-wear for the kids, because it was just too cute to pass up. It was warm during the day and cool at night. Even the rainy days weren't too rainy. I have always loved traveling with my family, but it might be having my own children on these trips that really makes these moments feel so precious. I love you all so much it hurts.