The One You've All Been Waiting For

This sums up our week in Hawaii. We did everything at the speed of chill and did our best to do everything with "Aloha". (We decided that this is their catch-all word that could mean anything, like "Smurf".)

For those that haven't talked to me in the last year to hear me talk about going to Hawaii, in August Jamie and I had our 10th anniversary and to celebrate we spent a week on the island of Kauai. My parents flew out and stayed with the boys so it was truly a vacation!
Of course, we had a great time. It was so nice to have concentrated time for just us and uninterrupted conversations. It was fun to reminisce about the last ten years and talk about where we were and where we are now. We were gone long enough that I actually missed the boys. Sadly, I can't say that about every time I am away from them.
One of the nights we were there we went to a luau. I went to Oahu about 12 or 13 years ago to be a bridesmaid for one of my roommates (rough I know). At the luau especially, it brought back some fun memories of my previous trip. One of which included the groom's aunt trying to teach me and my friends the "Sophisticated Hula" to perform at the reception. Let's just say the 10 year old in the picture below, did a much better job than we did. Of course the pig was delicious and Jamie has now tasted poi.

This is the salt water lagoon at our hotel that was one of our favorite spots to relax. I especially enjoyed the nice girl that walked around asking if we needed anything. So of course I got a delicious fruity drink to enjoy while I sat in paradise. There were hammocks behind us that Jamie took advantage of, but in my current condition, they were a little tricky for me.

Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It was beautiful. I loved the green mixed in with the red rocks and the contrast of the blue sky.

Tunnels Beach where we did some awesome snorkeling. We spent our last day beach hopping on the north side of the island. We snorkeled at 2 different beaches and just enjoyed another one or two.

This was our last sunset on the island. We were at Hanalei Bay and it was amazing. The sand was so soft and because of the small bay, it was a little more protected and the waves didn't get as huge. At this point we look like we had been on vacation for a week. A little sunburned, quite relaxed, and enjoying our last night responsibility free. There were even a few times Jamie turned his Blackberry off and left it in the hotel room. That's how I knew he was serious about enjoying this time together and a much needed break.

A huge thank you to my parents, because without them, this week would not have happened! Thanks also to the many people that were willing to help my parents if needed and those that took Jacob or Parker to give my parents a little break.

Such a great week, too bad we waited 10 years to go!
Aloha!