Big Island Thanksgiving

We headed to the Big Island for Thanksgiving this year.  We were all in need of a little vacation.  After almost 3 weeks of sick kids in our house, we were excited to get away.  Tristan and Betsy passed a head cold back and forth to each other.  Then it turned into a chest cough.  Then Betsy began to vomit and then diarrhea for a week and a half.  After a couple of blood tests and a stool sample, her doctor urged us to take her to the ER for an IV.  At first he was worried that she had salmonella poisoning which made sense to me because we just got a peanut butter recall from Costco.  He ruled out any bacteria in her poop, thank goodness!  They believe it was just a virus and that it should pass.  

So we visited the ER on the Tuesday night before we headed off to the Big Island. (Saddest thing ever to watch!) She regained some strength and was able to eat some of the (yucky, bland) foods she was supposed to eat, and drink lots of fluids.  She was getting better on the BI but had a relapse right when we got home with more vomiting and lots of diarrhea.  Maybe a new virus?  Or an allergy?  Or teething?  I have no idea.  I just want her to feel better again.  (And I'm sick of doing 2-3 loads of laundry every day).  Poor baby girl.  

Anyways, we had a really nice weekend with Christian's parents.  On Thursday, Christian got to "slip out" for a morning surf with his two friends, the Ians.  After some driving back and forth they found one of their favorite spots had fun waves: secret waves because they had it almost to themselves for a while. They were stoked to have a session together just like the old days. 

Our Thanksgiving feast was spent with a couple other families from their Waimea ward.  Really nice people.  Below, some of the kids feasting away.  Poor Betsy, so limited with what she could eat.  But she LOVED sitting with the big kids.   

The spread.  Everything was delicious: 

The next day we went to Waialea Beach/Beach 69, and met up with a few friends.  I feel like the kids are easily entertained at this beach; rope swing, trees to climb, swimming, rocks to throw.  Dad showed Tristan how to make sand balls which he was pretty excited about. 

Below: Tristan paddled out with his dad for a little.  Of course he got cold and needed to come in.  Betsy happily waits for her brother.  

Digging a hole with Tutu:

I love these pictures below of daddy with his little girl.  These two adore one another.  P.S. Betsy's hair has gotten pretty unmanageable.  I seriously don't know what to do with it.  And she hates when I touch her head to even brush it, or pull it back in a pony.  Whatever.  We just let it go wild.  

On Saturday before we headed to the airport to go home, one of Christian's friends, Ian Lindsey (who is an AMAZING photographer! http://www.ianlindseyphotography.com) took some pictures of our family out on Mana Road.  I love that drive.  There are so many colorful barns and rolling green hills out there.  As expected, the kids were a nightmare.  Hopefully we get something for our Christmas cards!  

Below: This was Betsy's happy place; eating goldfish while visiting with her boyfriend, Imi.  

Below: This was Betsy's cry face.  She was screaming the whole time we took these photos. This one could maybe be pulled off as a smile?  What is with these kids and taking pictures?

So sassy.

This little guy has made his home at the Hastings house.  Here he is hanging on the Christmas lights on the porch.  So cute.

Saturday afternoon, the sun came out long enough for us to pull the slip n' slide out for Tristan.  He had a ball.  Below, Betsy girl cheers her brother on.  

We look forward to heading back over for Christmas!