Aloha!

Just got back from Kona, Hawaii on the big island! It was wonderful, I begin to sweat profusely at about 75 degrees, so I wasn't sure what I was going to think of the tropics. Hawaii was awesome, when the water is 70, who cares if it is 82. We went boogie boarding, hung out on the beach, and our condo was perfect.

(The sunset from our condo)

Serenity and I were able to get away just the two of us for almost an entire day. We slept in, went out for breakfast, and then went to the beach to boogie board, snorkel (sorry Heath and Emie, I loved it) and take a deep breath away from our (wonderful) children.

(Serenity and I at Hapuna Beach)

I tried to teach Avery and Ally how to swim, but they thought the water was too cold and wouldn't go in. Here we are in the middle of the day, it is 82 degrees, the sun is blaring and they both want to be in the hot tub.

(Avery and Ally at Kikaua Beach)

Even though we didn't get any pictures, my favorite was the Kayak trip to the Captain Cook Monument across Kealakekua Bay. As we kayaked the 1 mile across the beautiful calm, clear, blue waters we were accompanied by dozens and dozens of spinner dolphins. Swimming along side of our kayaks and cresting every 20 ft. or so. On occasion they would jump out of the water or spin just under the surface. When we got to the other side of Kealakekua we snorkeled, seeing all sorts of colorful fish. What a day!

(The view from our balcony)

Avery did learn to swim with arm floaties on. He couldn't stop giggling he was so proud of himself. He was getting increasingly brave as the week went on, venturing out into the water at Kikaua Beach all by himself - and loved it (which is basically a lagoon and is very calm, but still very brave).

(We are a bunch of rebels - we went swimming anyway!)

The best part of the entire trip was just hanging out as a family, eating, swimming, and playing on the beach - We all loved the trip - THANKS GRANDMA!!!

(Avery and Ally diggin' a hole with Daddy at Kikaua Beach)