September 2023

It's been so fun having Kristi on the island with us. She has the knowledge of what to do, what to eat, and what to avoid from her last 2 years of trial and error while living here. We met her to go shopping at the beginning of month.

Kate eating a chocolate coco puff from Liliha Bakery at the International Market Place.

We hiked with friends to Lulumahu Falls.

For Kristi's birthday, we paddle boarded from Kailua beach park to Moku Nui Island. It was a really fun day for everyone!

Our first papaya. I am not sure how to get them to grow bigger? Anyone?

Howie was invited to a birthday party. Our neighbor's dog turned 11 years old and had all his dog friends over for some fun. Treats and party hats were given to all the dogs. And apparently there will be a dog calendar for next year? Haha!

We hiked the popular Manoa Falls Trail. It is absolutely gorgeous!

Kate has been really into cooking. She checked out a Harry Potter cooking book and made a parmesan cheese pastry to look like the Whomping Willow. 

The girls had a sleep over at Kristi's apartment. They both said it was the best weekend ever! It was full of crafts, the Barbie movie, and sugar. 

Meanwhile, Bryan and I went on an epic hike on the east side of the island- Kuli'ou'ou Ridge-Pu'u 'O Kona Loop Trail. This was my birthday present from both Kristi and Bryan. I loved it!

Every (almost) Monday, we go to White Plains for family surf night with friends. This particular evening we got to see a Monk seal!

Bryan left for the mainland and Howie decided he was allowed to sleep near me for protection?

We went on a sunset hike to the Pink Pillbox, also known as Pu'u O Hulu Trail.

Our church had a little beach day at Haleiwa Beach Park, paddle boarding up the 'Anahulu River.

 

August 2023

Every weekend we try to explore different parts of the island. 

We boogie boarded Makapu'u Beach Park.

We camped at Bellows while Bryan took a wilderness first aide course with Kristi. Howie learned all about the ocean during his first visit to the beach. Kate and Jane learned that there are centipedes here and to keep the tent closed. 

Sunrise at Bellows

Teaching the girls how to play the game of LIFE while we cool off in the air conditioning.

Playing in the sand at one of Ko Olina's lagoons.

Both girls were excited to go back to school so they could start making friends. It has been tough finding friends in the neighborhood because most kids are inside staying cool OR they are at day camps because both parents work. Our specific street happens to be mostly retired, elderly persons.  It is a good thing our girls play well together, and love being with one another. 

There is a walking path by our house that leads to the elementary. It is a quick 5 minute walk. Howie likes to join us. Sometimes we meet parrots.

Bryan had a business trip to the Big Island during the third week of August. We joined up over the weekend to do a little bit of exploring Kona.  

Kailua-Kona

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Lava tube

Volcanoes National Park 

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park 

I have been learning (sometimes failing too) how to grow/fertilize/water/prune the different tropical plants on our property. I have been attempting new recipes to use the fruit, as well as freezing some for smoothies and dehydrating some for snacks. Below is a fig custard cake. It was pretty yummy! 

Swimming at Waimea Falls. 

 

Paddle boarding up the 'Anahulu River in Haleiwa.

Lei Po'o Making Activity with our church.

July 2021 Part 1 -Colorado Springs & Grand Tetons

We had fun at the Belton parade on the 4th of July. Afterwards, we went to one of my co-workers house for the evening and watched the fireworks over Lake Belton.  Technically I was still on crutches until the 9th, gradually adding weight.  This worked out well as we were headed into a month long vacation touring national parks on that day!

We drove through the night to get to Colorado Springs. First stop, Garden of the Gods.

We stayed at an RV park with fun games and a waterpark.  The girls enjoyed riding their bikes around and jumping on the big trampoline.

I dropped Bryan off early in the morning to hike Pikes Peak. We met him up on the top after taking the funicular.  It took an hour to get up to the top by train. I think Bryan climbed up in 5.5 hours. Good grief he is fast!

My best friend Jennifer said I wouldn't be able to hike Manitou Incline. I had to prove her wrong.  My girls beat me to the top, but I did make it! I had some hiking sticks and used my left leg more to lift me up the 2,700 steps.  I am about 4 weeks post surgery, 3 of those weeks on crutches. I was pretty damn proud of myself.

Our reward: a macaroni and cheese pizza!

Our little home for the next 3 weeks.  My parents pop-up trailer.  Lots of card playing and telling the other side to quit moving at bedtime.

We found some fun little hike an hour or so away from Colorado Springs where Bryan jumped into the freezing water!

Next stop: Grand Tetons

We did a lot of paddle boarding on the lakes and hiking.

We got to watch some show in the streets put on during the weekends at Jackson. It was fun to watch and unexpected. Our timing was just right!

We did a little scenic raft down the Snake River. We saw moose, eagles, and osprey.  

Found Mormon Row for great pictures of the mountain range. 

Jackson Lake

Inspiration Point and Jenny Lake

Our camper at the Tetons.