Lots and Lots of Hawaii Pics...Enjoy!

We had an absolutely wonderful time in Hawaii last week, on the island of Kauai. I was spoiled in every way, time with Curtis, 80 degree weather in December, good friends (Brad and Debbie Welch, neighbors at our old house in West Valley) to share it with and lots of fun things to see and do. I really couldn't have wished for a better vacation.

This is the view from our patio, just a few steps from the ocean! There was a really nice bike path that ran along the shore for several miles. We rented a tandem bike and took turns with Brad and Debbie riding to a really nice beach up the rode.

We had lots of quality, romantic time together and no kids to chase thanks to my awesome mom, in-laws and neighbors. Thank you so much!

We spent the first day, Sunday, going to a craft fair, church, and playing shuffle board, a tradition we started on the last vacation we took with the Welches. We also planned our next trip together: Disneyland in 3 years with our kids. I really love traveling with Brad and Debbie. I think Curtis and I would have gotten a little bored all by ourselves.


We really enjoyed body boarding. I felt like a little kid going back for more and more.


Brad and Debbie had fun too. =)


Thanks to Debbie winning a catamaran boat ride, we got to see dolphins jumping right alongside our boat and we snorkeled and swam with sea turtles.


The boat was supposed to go up the Napali Coast to see the huge cliffs that rise from the ocean, but there were record breaking 50 foot waves.
The south side of the island was calm and beautiful.

We kayaked down the Wailua River and then hiked to Secret Falls.


I loved the beautiful smaller falls on the way.


And swimming in the large pool at the bottom of Secret Falls. It was refreshing. The falls were so powerful that it felt like I was in a hurricane when I was up close. It is not a good idea to stay under them long, rocks and logs can fall and cause major damage.


The hike through the jungle to get there and back was awesome. The temprature was perfect and the scenery was gorgeous.


We spent a morning listening to a timeshare presentation so that we could get $100 off our airplane ride. We did not buy anything.


Brad got to see a whale, but the rest of us missed it. It was not quite whale season yet.


The island was beautiful from the land, air and by sea. You can't go wrong on Kauai!


We hiked to Queen's Bath on Friday. It is a large pool formed by lava rock.


The hike down was once again gorgeous. I just love beautiful waterfalls.


This tree had a huge branch hanging out over the shore.
I loved climbing it and sitting with the waves rolling in below us.


We flew into O'ahu on Saturday and saw the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor. It was a somber place. I learned a lot about how it all happened those many years ago.



We drove around the whole island, saw the Pineapple Plantation, beautiful scenery, lots of hot surfers and the Laie Temple. Honolulu was too big and confusing for us. We prefer the laid back, small town feel of Kauai.


We got dinner at a small hole in the wall restaurant where they piled boxes in the dining area, couldn't figure that one out, but the food was cheap.

We were welcomed back by SNOW!

I am so grateful that we got such a good deal on everything, especially the condo. I am grateful that I was able to lose a lot of weight and feel a little more comfortable in a swimsuit, only 2 pounds short of my 60 pound goal, for which the reward was Hawaii. I am so grateful that I had plenty of energy and am feeling practically normal. I am grateful for the quality time I got to spend with Curtis and that Brad and Debbie were able to come with us. I am grateful that my kids did so well while we were gone and for those who cared for them.
I am so lucky! =)