They Finally Came!

Per request, I'm posting today. I've been on a blogging break for several months. I guess it is time I update this thing. We've had a lot going on! I'm not going to update about the past four months. How long has it been? We're still in Hawaii and that's progress considering the amount of moves we've made over the course of our marriage. In fact, we have now lived in Hawaii longer than anywhere else. I don't mind! Just wish plane tickets were a bit cheaper so visiting family wasn't such a headache. It's a good thing they can all come to me!! We had Dad and Mom, Tessa, Josh, Kanani (flying solo on this trip), Kevin and Elsha come visit for fifteen days in August. I had a countdown until their arrival and was anxious beyond belief for them to get here. We had a great time and I loved showing them around this small town. It was perfect! We were even spoiled and headed to Oah'u with them the last week in August to relax at the  Hawaiian Hilton Villages in Waikiki for a few days. It was amazing and a great get-away with family! Josh survived some serious pounding at Hamoa Beach, which is how he lost his go-pro and we found it the next day. Miracles happened. Kevin didn't get hurt doing crazy tricks off the cliffs at Venus Pools and we all survived the Hana Highway, especially Mom. A favorite was standing on top of Maui at the Haleakala Summit! What a view! We snorkeled for hours till our lips were wrinkled from flapping around underneath those uncomfortable face masks (I hate them) and enjoyed lots of trips to Bradda Huts, which I'm guessing was the family favorite. Sun burns were avoided, but mosquito bites were horrendous and hiking quickly become the unwanted adventure. Not everybody was fascinated watching 1,000 head of cow be moved by a single song, "Cooommeee On!" While others didn't find eating poi and raw ahi very tasteful. We did eat like kings and queens though and Mom and Dad filled up our fridge, something they are really good at every time they visit. So thankful! I had my window seals cleaned, screens cleaned, bathrooms cleaned, carpets vacuumed, etc., all by my wonderful mother. AND I just have to say, our outdoor shower was very famous! I think everybody received a good taste of a "resort-less" hawaiian vacation and managed very well with it all. Needless to say, it wasn't a long enough stay, but we were exhausted by the end. I can't wait to do it again. 

Hiking through the Bamboo Forrest

Happy Birthday to Mom and swimming in the Lava caves

Haleakala Crater

Josh soaring above the clouds

Summer Refresher

Lots of Lemon Balm growing in the herb garden! Found a great way to put it to use. Tylani Country Cafe for recipe! Enjoy!!

One Paddle, Two Paddle

I never thought I'd say this, but I've joined the Hana Canoe Club. Paddling on a team was on my mind the day we arrived in Hana, but I never thought I'd get the chance. Let me tell you, I've never had so much fun! What makes it so great? The fact that I get to be out in the water. I LOVE it. I also paddle with the greatest crew of girls and get to see occasional ocean wildlife, like dolphins. Awesome. Paddling is similar to swimming in a lot of ways, so with that in mind I've been able to relate to a lot of the technique required to paddle smoothly and fast. Although, I'm still getting the hang of it. I've craved the competition and adrenalin rushes before races. It's so great to feel it again!!  Tyler and Aviana have been 100% awesome support. Driving to the other side of Maui for races on weekends gets long for the two of them, but they come and I love having them there. Two weeks ago we camped in Lahaina and took Aviana to the Maui Ocean Center. Spectacular, only because going with a baby makes it twice as fun! They have such a great perspective on life. Everything is "ohhh ahhh" and "wow Mom" and "fishy, fishy!" Tyler and I couldn't stop smiling the entire time. We loved camping out next to the ocean and looking at the stars. The next weekend Aviana and I went back out and camped again, the two of us. We roasted marshmallows, played with the kids on the canoe club, and had a great time. She is a perfect baby for a mommy who likes to be active and compete! She kicks back and relaxes and makes it so easy.  Heres to more paddling and more adventures around the island!