Spring Break

Spring BreakWhen we first arrived, we were a bit nervous!!  We were all amazed by the black lava rock- and brown grass!  Seriously????  This year for spring break, we were hoping to go somewhere warm (this was booked when I was 7 months pregnant- and might have had a little pre baby emotional issues :)    We started out thinking of the Grand Canyon-- but--road trip with a baby isn't that fun.  Then maybe back to California, which led to using the same miles as it would be to go to Hawaii.  The only issue was that if we went to Hawaii-  There were only mile tickets for the Big Island which we had heard different things about. Hey-- it's Hawaii- how could we go wrong??

However-- as we landed we were a bit nervous-- this was the sight!   The kids kept asking if it had any trees- or just---- black rock with brown grass.

Then-- getting out of the airport was a trick too.  We had a reservation  for a minivan-- but as we got there they realized that the car we were renting wasn't back yet!  So we waited for two  hours.   We had some great times hanging out in the parking lot...comparing shoe laces...playing games.....and trying to console Jackson...it was hot!


Allie was super patient- cuz she had on some sweet shades - and was dreaming of the beach! :)


The kids were hoping that -because they made us wait- we would get lucky and get a convertible-- 
not so lucky!!  
 Instead--we got this Pimp Daddy--Flo-Rida!!!  Nice Wheels huh??  Smaller than a mini-van-- It was hilarious trying to fit all the luggage in- but we didn't care, we just wanted out of there!!!  

 Things changed quickly- as we got to our hotel and had this as our sunset!!   Beautiful!!!

It didn't take long to realize-- Wow- What an Island!!!  We were so excited to hit the beach!!!

Boogie boarding at its best!!

Josh beat Mark :)

The hotel we stayed at had a glorious beach--just a short walk away.  They had all the equipment right there for us to use-  So much fun!!  Maddie became an expert paddle boarder.

And Zack-- a water biker :)

Allie and Zack loved snorkeling

Jackson's first experience with sand was hilarious.  Not sure what to think on those little toes- especially as the water came.  He practiced using his ab muscles- and as it got near- he'd yank his legs horizontally and hold it!  Hilarious!!

After a while he got used to it-- so we thought we'd get out his suit, and let him sit.  Didn't go so well :)

Hawaii is Awesome!!

Just driving along and saw papaya man- harvesting.  Way cool!  We stopped for a bit, and learned a great deal about planting, growing, harvesting.  It was cool to watch him pluck the papaya with his stick, reach out one arm, catch it, and throw it in his bag.   One by one. 

This land is full of amazing things.  This was one girls bird,  that talked.  

We had fun playing at the hotel pool.  

And even ran into a super nice man that plucked this passion fruit right off the tree

 for the kids to all have a taste!!!  Mmmmm Mmmm

We ended up staying on the Kona side- but knew we had to get over to the Hilo side to experience the volcano, black sand beaches etc.   Our first time seeing a black sand beach-- way cool.  The sand is more course, which made it awesome.  It didn't stick around.  Their feet were covered- and as they walked away it all fell off on it's own.  I like it!

Jackson loved discovering the sand on his own.

Then we made it to the volcano side.  What a learning experience.  Allie had just studied all about Volcano's and how it all works- and it was awesome to see it in action.  

There is a 5 mile hike through a jungle and across a giant crater that we just had to do.  The kids were in heaven seeing all the amazing flowers, trees etc.  We had many talks about Heavenly Father's creations-- and all the details.  This little wonder was one of them-- we saw these little purple things everywhere.

Then as we looked closer we realized all the giant trees around us had this same curly thing in the middle- only massive.  It was awesome to see the kids connect- how each little creation starts!

Hiking over the crater was cool.  50 years ago it was 3 football fields full of hot lava.  Now it is all dried up- with steam vents -letting out steam from the core of the earth.  

We discovered Lava Tubes-- another amazing creation!!  

And Jackson just hung tough on Dad's back!  Such a sport!

  

And at night- we had to get over and see the live Lava.  It wasn't flowing into the ocean at this time- but it was neat to see the glow.  They say this one is about 4 football fields big.  Crazy!

We discovered waterfall after waterfall.  Rainbow falls.....Akaka falls......Umauma falls.....and the list goes on!  It was so cool!  Our favorite-- Akaka--  That's this one below.  Our favorite story-- Rainbow Falls.  There we met a crazy guy that wouldn't leave us alone.  He thought we needed healing.  He was wearing shorts, his afro (not black though) and nothing else- and wreaked something fierce!!   As we got up to the falls  (which I might add- we were a bit disappointed that the ranger station had fenced off everything- so they were mostly near parking lots etc- bummer)  Anyway- he greeted everyone and asked if we needed healing- and would not leave, and stood right next to you. Didn't ever learn- that personal bubble thing!   One awesome lady and her family had tried to get away from him- so they went to the bathrooms.  As she walked out he was standing right there.  She was a large black women- and when she saw him she freaked out.  Pointing her finger she said --"SCAT-SHEW--I  am his MUTHA!!!--And you be on yo way!"  The kids were practically rolling on the ground- she was awesome!  I guess you had to be there.  But definitely went down in the memories.  This healer guy- was such a stink- and if anyone tried to get a picture- he would stand in the way.  As we walked away- we were so sad- we didn't take one with him in it.  You would get a better vision- if you saw the "healer!" :) 

This land is full of natural wonders!!  Here we are taking a dip in the natural pools- right up near the ocean.  Beautiful!  Just a little FYI-- Jackson was the only one that went skinny dipping!  Mark- might not like this picture- but I thought it was cute!!

After that- We were so excited to do the Umauma Falls zipline.  9 zips -- 300-500 feet in the air-- zipping over the falls!  Mark and I took turns with Jackson- so we could each zip with the kids!  So much fun!!

 We even found an awesome rope swing on the Hilo side!

After leaving Hilo we drove up north through the beautiful valley, and ventured back to the Kona side. The week started with what should we do-- and quickly became- There isn't enough time to do all there is to do on this Island!   We didn't want to miss Captain Cook's Island.  They said it was one of the best snorkeling spots in the world!  They weren't kidding!  

The next morning we left our hotel at 5:30am.  We had heard if you got there early enough- we would be greeted by the early morning dolphins!  So we rented some kayaks from some sweet Poly man, and headed out!

The dolphins were unbelievable.  You know- they try and say you need to pay $200 a person to swim with dolphins- and that it would be an adventure of a life time- (in those excursion places.)   We didn't need to pay anything- just go out at the right time- at the right place-- and they were there!  It really was an adventure of a life time!  It was so peaceful.  We had to be very quiet- slip out of our kayaks- and swim right along with at least 50 of them.  The water was so clear- that you could see it all.  AMAZING!  

We each took turns manning the kayak- while the other got in and swam with the dolphins!  

Maddie was hilarious!  Here favorite animal in the world is dolphins.  She was begging to swim with them- she even brought her babysitting money, just in case the opportunity came for her to go.  But-- when we actually got there- with them swimming right next to our kayaks, she wouldn't get in.  She was scared to death.  This is something we've learned about Maddie.  Totally wants to do something- but always super scared!    It took 20 minutes to coax her in- until we said that's it we are leaving.  We almost pushed her out of the kayak (mean I know.)  Finally- I got in with her- and we swam toward them.  She started freaking out----she was giddy-- she was actually swimming with them!!  So exciting!!  I couldn't stay in too long because of Jackson- but a sweet lady from the Netherlands took her hand and  they swam together right up next to them.  Truly- an amazing adventure for Maddie.  As she got back in the kayak- she said... "I always do that-- next time just make me get in earlier!"  It's true-- she freaks out at first-- then absolutely LOVES every adventuring experience!!

Jackson did great in the Kayak!  He just sat in my arms most of the way- while our big, strapping Man-
rowed us across the sea!  :)

We finally got to Captain Cook's Island!  First of all-- the water here on the Big Island is truly this blue-- and clear!  No photoshop- just different exposures.   The reason this is great snorkeling is because you can only get there by kayaks.  It was clearer than I have ever seen scuba diving- and the fish were so tropical. The kids felt like they were in finding Nemo!  

Afterwards we were at the  Kayak shack-- we asked the Sweet Poly man for directions.  He said-- pass the basketball field- and the bathrooms are on your left.  He wasn't kidding!  The boys got out and played a little ball on this "Basketball Field!" :)

This was our view as Jackson and I

waited for the others to finish snorkeling!  Aaahhh!  It really was cool to see all the lava right up to the ocean- amazing how the island keeps growing!

The Island has it all--even a Temple!!!!  We were able to go to the temple a couple of times.  Mark took the kids once- and then we went one early morning.  It was awesome!! Church was awesome.  A sister missionary was leaving on her mission, and at the end we all got up and sang "Aloha Oy'"

--so neat to be a part of.

 After church  we took a shot by the temple (across the street!)  

Back at it again on Monday--Love those Banyan Trees!

Our typical day-- guide book, sunscreen, hat, dried mangos, sunglasses and a bottle!  :)

We stayed in our hotel using points- it had a fridge etc- so it was super handy not to have to go out to eat much.  We splurged a few of times for dinner, and  got some tasty food!  

Mmm- the seafood is amazing over there!  

We only found one shaved ice place-- or at least we only looked once  for one.  They weren't on every corner like they were in Kauai.    The kids were dying to use the money from the  money jar that they had been saving at home.  We told them if they wanted any extras they had to add to the money jar.  We were impressed they had each put in their own babysitting, extra job money etc!!  Well worth it!!

This land is full of natural, free, wondrous adventures!!  Truly amazing!!  On our last day we had to fit it all in- we still hadn't made it to the "End of the World" cliff jump!  It's a good thing- or bad thing-- cuz I we probably would have spent every single day here.  It was INCREDIBLE!!!  We all jumped a few times and then it was time to race back and check out of our hotel.  We had to hike to this cliff/cave- it was 40 feet high.  We had it all to our selves until the end, and the coolest thing..... no one even hesitated-they just jumped right off the edge!    Something about glorious blue water waiting for you down below (and a great Dad waiting in case they "didn't come up!":)

Even little Allie- was a jumping queen, and we couldn't get Zack to leave!  

So-it's all true!!!  All the things you hear about THE BIG ISLAND-- it's a desert full of wonder!!!  

desert brown---black lava---red boiling lava---black sand beaches---glorious crystal blue water--cliff jumping--rope swinging---giant waterfalls--amazing food---steam vents out of the ground---craters---hot springs-- hot pools--rain-- sun--green green green jungles-- cool plants--amazing beaches--kind people---beautiful beaches---yummy shaved ice-- weird healing people--amazing snorkeling---great kayaking---dolphins, dolphins, dolphins--sea turtles everywhere---more blue blue water--stunning sunsets- and an atmosphere of love!!!  

And we didn't even get to see it all-- some day we'll go back and see the green sand beaches, Mauna Loa-Mountain--and the back country of the amazing Waimea Valley etc.

WE LOVE THE BIG ISLAND

Here we are on our Sunday walk after church.  We took a drive up to the very north point of the Island and walked down a path to find a very beautiful sight!   We all are amazed by Heavenly Father's Creations!!  It was funny- we saw other LDS families there at the same time- had some good talks- found out one of the kids in our ward- served with their son.  LDS world= small world!

I have been trying to practice my camera skills- and silly me decided to shoot in "M" the entire trip-- hence-- the blurry pictures!  When will I learn?!?!?!?  It's hard though- cuz I love it if I get a good one- it's just a bummer to get all these fuzzy ones.

And finally- on our way to the airport, we decided after driving by all the Lava Fields with white writing day after day---we would leave ours---Hope it stands!!!

Back home......we are having a very hard time keeping Jackson inside! :)