Easter weekend part I

I feel like our blog has just turned into a photo blog without much writing, and I know I will regret it later because it's fun to look back and read about our happenings, but I don't always have the time, or I guess I'm not really a creative writer.  My mind usually goes blank on what to say, and then I just put captions on the photos.  I'm lazy maybe?  But I will try harder to journal more.  

This Big Island trip was long overdue.  The last time we headed over there was for Thanksgiving!  You would think that we would make it over there more often since we are only a couple of islands away, but the plane tickets are ridiculous!  We were excited to be there for Easter this year.  It was a super short trip, but well worth it.  We needed a mini-vacation.  Day one we colored eggs and were lazy.  Christian and I spent some time in town running some errands, but we spent most of the day lounging.  Day two we made our way to Waipio Valley with our friends, Am, Ian, and baby Enzo.    

Heading down into the valley always freaks me out.  4 wheel drive only.  It's super steep, and the road is narrow, with drop offs on the side.  We are encouraged to take off our seat belts for the ride down, in case our car rolls.  It's always a little creepy when you see a couple abandoned mangled cars at the bottom, wrapped around trees.  The picture above is of T holding on tight while we drive into the valley.  It seriously feels like you're going to tip over. 

It looks like the wild horses have multiplied.

Beautiful black sand beach.  One of my favorite things to do is run around and play on the beach with my little man.  

Betsy girl flirting with Uncle Ian.

Bathing beauty!  Rubbing her feet in the warm black sand.

I loved the bright lime green moss on the rocks.  

Enzo and Betsy getting to know each other.  I think B was a little nervous about Enzo's forwardness.

Loved the rock texture in this shot.

So, we were visited by a couple of heavy rain squalls.  The boys continued to surf but the rest of us had to move our party to the trunks of our cars.  And we snacked and snacked and snacked, and Tristan sat in the front seat and pretended to drive us places.    

As we were leaving we realized that I had never seen the falls in the back.  It's beautiful back there!  I always love coming down here.

More beach time with the Kringels

After whale watching with the fam, we decided to stay on the north shore to eat and play a little on the beach.  It wasn't the warmest day, but it was still nice to be at the beach and watch the big waves.  And some of us were still a little drowsy from the Dramamine taken for whale watching, so a few of us got naps in.   Miss Ever being one of them:

And the boys paddled out:

 Christian top.  Jim below.

 

 

 

Best Friends Forever.

It's nice to be able to leave Betsy in one place, and know that she will still be there 20 minutes later.  No rush Bets, take your time.

The following day, we headed over to Halona Beach (aka cockroach cove, with no cockroaches).  Betsy and Ever played in the tide pools: 

While some of us jumped from the rocks.  The picture below is of Jim throwing Tristan into the water, but I missed it.

This hair is real folks.  Sticks up on its own, straight from the wash.  We're obsessed.

On the last day we went up to Round Top recreation area, (I'm not sure of the official park name).  It's a beautiful view of Diamond Head, all the way to the airport.  

I believe that's all the pictures we had from the Kringel/Hastings trip.  We were so glad we could finally meet baby Ever.  Thanks for coming!

Whale Watching

Whale Watching was super fun.  We saw a bunch of humpback whales playing around, no breaching, just slapping tales and swimming around.  They also put a mic in the water and we got to hear them talking to each other, coolest thing ever.  Spinner dolphins came to hang out with us too.  So cute!  I think that I would have been satisfied even if we didn't see any sea life out there.  The boat ride alone was fun.  I love being out on the water.    

 Betsy comforting baby Ever, who was really nervous about seeing whales.  

 Claiming the sunscreen.

Shaka.

Lanikai Hike

We had some special visitors in town last weekend; Whitney, Jim, baby Ever, and Christian's parents.  This was our first time meeting little Ever.  Probably one of the cutest babies I have ever seen.  Cute tiny features with wild wild hair and sweet eyes.  We miss her already.  

We've been trying to push ourselves to do new things on the island, and break away from our normal routines, so this was our first time hiking up to the Lanikai bunkers.  Well worth it.  Beautiful views!   

 Betsy is all geared up to go with Dad!  She was a great sport on the hike.  Can you imagine how sore Christian's back was after this hike?  And Betsy's feet were perfectly aligned with Christian's special place.  That had to be fun.  

 The girls with their dads.

 The Kringels posing on the first bunker.

 Attempting a picture with my loves.  

 I loved this picture.  The Kringels, so in love, and JLynn looks very inspired.

 This little guy was a champion!  He hiked all the way up and down by himself.  (Minor hand holding on steep parts but he was awesome).

 Just a little reminder to smile.

We made it to the second bunker.  Let all the wacky posing begin:

I think that Betsy girl is the only one that understands this crazy kid.  He had her in tears laughing.  Silly silly kids.