From Kauai 2009!

ALOHA! We just returned from 10 glorious days on the garden isle–Kauai–and I don’t mean to brag but it really was heaven on earth! We soaked up every moment of sunshine and even enjoyed the passing rain showers Kauai is known for. It sure beats the heck out of the sub-zero temps we were experiencing in Anchorage for the two weeks prior to our trip! Logan’s parents, Pam and Chris, rented a condo at Nihi Kai Villas on sunny Poipu Beach, Kauai’s south shore and it was wonderful being able to walk to the beach and watch sunsets every night from our lanai. There was a protected swimming area and a park with a playground just a few minutes walk from our condo so it was the perfect location for kids. Also, the adults were able to enjoy a run most mornings alongside the ocean–there is a path that goes from Poipu past the Grand Hyatt Resort (which is an amazing place in itself!) and the views were incredible. It was a great way to start the day. Pam and I even got in some beachside yoga one morning, which was fun!

Aside from our daily routine of running, getting iced coffees, hitting the beach or pool with the kids for a few hours, before heading back to the condo for the kids naps (we usually read and whale watched off the balcony during this time…) and enjoying mai tai’s at sunset, we also took a few little excursions (see captions below photos). It was an amazing trip and one we’d love to do again sometime….soon!

Just wanted to share a few pictures, highlights and funny stories from our time there. You can see more photos by clicking on the Online Albums link at right.

From Kauai 2009!     Ocean View from our Condo at Nihi Kai Villas, Poipu

From Kauai 2009!     Mountain Views from our Condo

From Kauai 2009!     Ellie LOVED the water and would even swim by herself, without anyone holding her–in the ring of course!

From Kauai 2009!     We walked to the Hyatt on our first full day in Kauai and Mason got to watch a demo on parrots and hold each of the 3 birds on his arm!

From Kauai 2009!     Sunset from our lanai

From Kauai 2009!     The Kids with Grandma Pam and Grandpa Chris, all dressed up to go out for dinner!

From Kauai 2009!     Catching some rays at Salt Pond Beach, on SW Kauai

From Kauai 2009!     Mason loved beachcombing at Salt Pond

From Kauai 2009!     Ellie enjoying a picnic lunch at Lydgate State Park on Kauai’s eastern shore. It’s another great place for kids with a huge playground!

From Kauai 2009!     Sand Monster!! Ellie loved crawling full-speed into the ocean and sticking her whole face in the sand—crazy girl!

From Kauai 2009!     Logan and I took the kids one morning on a drive to the North Shore near Princeville. This photo was taken on a short hike to Queen’s Bath

From Kauai 2009!     The waves were too big to go in to Queens Bath during the winter months but it was a fun adventure getting there nonetheless!

From Kauai 2009!     On the drive home we stopped for pinapple frosty’s at Banana Joe’s fruit stand…mmm!

From Kauai 2009!    All tuckered out after driving all over the island. This was a typical scene after our early afternoon outings!

From Kauai 2009!    The “Baby Birches” at beautiful Poipu Beach, just a few minutes from our condo–we spent most of our time here!

From Kauai 2009!    Mahelepu Beach, just east of Poipu was another favorite spot–aside from the time that I got stung by jellyfish. That was NOT fun–it stung terribly for a good 4-6 hours, then just itched so bad I couldn’t sleep well for a day and a half! Oh well, I lived!!

From Kauai 2009!    Sunset from Sheraton Beach–Logan and I took a walk without the kids one evening!

From Kauai 2009!    Family Photo at Mason and Ellie’s first Luau at the Hyatt

From Kauai 2009!    The kids looked so cute in their luau wear and Mason was entranced by all the dancers!

From Kauai 2009!     Lovebirds at the Luau

From Kauai 2009!    Mason with his hula dancers–he got up on stage with mom to dance the hula, though he mostly just stood there & stared at the girls moving their hips!

From Kauai 2009!    Ellie and I at gorgeous Tunnels Beach on Kauai’s north shore–that’s Bali Hai in the background

From Kauai 2009!    It was worth the long drive north just to experience the views–even though the current was too strong to swim that day.

From Kauai 2009!    Mason and Logan waded and looked at fish while Grandma and Ellie played in the sand

From Kauai 2009!    Daddy and Ellie watch the sunset over Poipu Beach on our last night

From Kauai 2009!    On the morning of our last day, we took a walk over to the Hyatt–here’s the view from the beach–it’s a pretty amazing place!!

From Kauai 2009!    Luckily, we got to catch another parrot demonstration. Mason got to be good buddies with this parrot…his name was Rico

From Kauai 2009!    Mason watching the koi at the Hyatt’s outdoor ponds

From Kauai 2009!    Bon Voyage! Mason and Ellie rode together like this in the stroller throughout the Honolulu airport….it was pretty sweet! Can you believe they like each other enough to do this!?!