VEM Reunion, Part 1

Brady and I were never certain that a "VEM Reunion" would really happen. It's no secret that the Varneys, Edwards, and Millers (VEM) were best buddies at BYU, and we have talked constantly of doing a reunion. We were pretty amazed they pulled it all together and came out to Kauai.

On the way to the airport to pick them up, I told Brady I had nervous butterflies. What if the magic wasn't there any more? What if kids, work, and time wrecked our compatibility? What if I drove them all crazy? I didn't need to worry, though, because within an hour, it was obvious we still had the spark, comfort, and laughs of old friends.

This post was so overwhelming, I decided to take it in chunks.

Brennecke's

Right after the airport, we whisked them to Brennecke's for waves, turtles, and plenty of sun. We went through a can and a half of 50SPF in the afternoon!

Duke's

Thanks to the generosity of Nic and Heidi, we left Zachary for the night and spent the evening chatting it up and eating by the ocean.

Aaron and Julie:
Coleman and Roni:

We saved enough room for the Kauai favorite, Hula Pie:

Friday morning, we started getting ready for camping. Brady and I think this is the all-time best camping on the island. 17 miles of uninterruped beach, crashing waves all night long, a beautiful mountain backdrop, and gorgeous night-time scenary. One of our friends, though, was not initially impressed, stating, "Now Karen, what is it that you like so much about this place???" OUCH! haha...(and yes, this is the last time I will mention that...)

Call me old fashioned, but there is something so quaint and precious about watching our boys having a good time.
Brady's body surfing "shark fin":

I think the scenary, sunset and warm water eventually won over our guests to the glories of Polihale.
This is Brady's fire stick. He found it on a campout probably five years ago, and takes it every trip. We almost lost it in the sand, but it was recovered!
We kept the evening going strong with tin foil dinners, s'mores, a couple mean games of "Password," stories, and taking turns skinny dipping. It was our first time in Kauai, and wow, what a feeling to body surf sans clothing and under a full moon! Highly recommended...

Aaron and Julie also introduced us to "Woof Ems"--a fire toasted pastry with pudding, berries and whipped cream. Nothing tops marshmallows for me, but these were tasty, too!

We enjoyed a great night of sleep, with no raves or drunk teenagers (the typical con for camping at Polihale). Aaron caught the gals sleeping in:

Seriously, what could I possibly love about this place???

Zac helped make pancakes in the morning. Coleman was nice enough to let Zac dip his entire pancake in sand.
One of the best parts of having these guys over was how much they played with Zachary.
Zachary is still in his "ball obsession" phase:

Oh, good times. See you in a month, Polihale!

VEM Reunion, Part 2

Waimea Canyon

We took off from loading up our camping gear, and headed straight for Kauai's "Grand Canyon." The views were splendid, but the fresh coconut flakes, mango candy and other treats we purchased from a local vendor made it even better.


Alakai Swamp Trail

By the time we reached the trailhead at the top of the road, it was approaching three o'clock. We weren't too concerned, though. According to my recollection, the trail was only like 4 miles, and it was easy. We made lunches and off we went.
The sexy boys with a goregous backdrop:

Alakai Swamp is the highest swamp in the world.
This is about the time when Zachary pooped. Somehow, in our haste to make lunches and be on our way, we remembered everything except our son's needs--a diaper, wipes, and a few snacks. Wow, seriously?

Here is the halfway point, where the trail opens up and you suddenly see Hanalei Bay, on the north side of the island. This was also the point when I started to wonder if "maybe the trail is a little longer than 4 miles."

The people who took our picture were also nice enough to feed our child snacks.

We rushed back to the car to take care of our stinky little man, and discovered that the trail was actually closer to 8 miles. It took Brady and I two hours to drive home, because I got car sick and made Brady drive 10mph. The rest of the gang ate dinner at 11pm, and I think we were all still friends despite my wild underestimating of distance and time.

VEM Reunion, Part 3

Kipu Falls

Monday night, Brady met us up at Kipu Falls, the 20' waterfall that we try to convince everyone to jump off. It still gives me the jitters a bit, but I no longer freak out on the ledge.

Aaron and Julie jumping off together:

Coleman's 6'6" hanging off a rope:
Kalalau Trail to Hanakapa'i Falls

Tuesday morning, I went with the gang on the 8 mile trek to Hanakapa'i Falls. The weather was perfect and the water clear and glassy.Our favorite beach on the island:

Aaron and Julie bought a new camera, and caught this snazzy shot.
The destination:

These shots (combined with the surfing shots below) convinced me that it is definitely time to get a zoom lens.

Surfing Kalipaki

Aaron really, really wanted to surf while here. Unfortunately, waves are not the best for beginners in June. We went early Thursday morning, where we had to wait forever between waves. It was pretty successful, though, especially considering all the conditions for a first-time run. I absolutely LOVED being out there early in the morning, and it convinced me that I need to do that more often, even if I'm alone with other surfers. I think I'm finally to the point that I won't kill myself on reef.

Aaron and I are in the middle: