Kauai

For our honeymoon, Dan and I spent an amazing week on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was the perfect setting for romance and relaxation, and has always held a very dear spot in our memories.

About 3 years ago I decided that for our 10th anniversary we needed to go back - but this time I wanted to show him the beautiful island of Kauai. So we began planning. It wasn't going to be as easy this time - after all, now there were children involved. We didn't want to leave them at home, but also wanted some "date time". The solution? Have family join us! With the help of my parents, we reserved two condos in Princeville where we would stay with my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and parents.

It was amazing. The weather was perfect - partly cloudy and in the low 90's, a couple brief rain showers every day, and lots of great sun breaks. The company? Fantastic - it was great having everyone there together. The island? Gorgeous - towering cliff faces, white sand beaches, lush green jungle and sweeping taro fields.
The water? Heaven. Simply heaven.

While the time always goes too quickly, we made the most of every day. An active out-and-about morning of golfing (for the boys), shopping (the girls), snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, or other activity was followed by naps and an afternoon swim in the hotel pool. We took turns fixing dinners in, and enjoyed some nice dinners out. Dan and I particularly enjoyed an anniversary dinner together to bask in the glory of a Hawaiian plantation view. Night tennis and game playing accompanied by the world's cutest geckos rounded out our time. It really was wonderful.

Now, it's picture time:

Reading with Mema (a favorite activity for all three grandchildren, no matter the latitude):


Max and the boogie board on the way to the pool (One of the best things about this trip was watching Max fall in love with just playing in the water. It was amazing to watch him conquer his fears and try new things!):


Pool time with Papa and Daddy:



Max enjoying the pool:


Tunnels Beach, just east of Hanalei Bay:




Going out to dinner for our anniversary (and yes, the kiddos stayed home!):


Lunch from Bubba's Burgers in Hanalei:




Waimea Canyon:


Spouting Horn (there were great sea turtles here, too!):


Playing at the playground in Poipu before flying out:


So there you go - our week in heaven! I'll be back soon with more.