July 28th was our 19th anniversary and we told the kids that all we wanted was for them to come on a hike. They went and did not complain once, even though we left for the hike at 5:30pm and got off the trail at 7:30pm when it was completely dark.
Strawberry guavas littered the trail and we spent the first hour eating as many as we could as we trekked uphill. Even my no-fruits oldest child scarfed them down.
Owen talked on and on about how much fun it is to hike--running, jumping, skipping, and keeping everyone happy.
Red, Red, they call him Red.
I kept thinking that all the exposed roots look like the veins in my hands. I love my veiny hands every since my uncle told me they remind him of my Grandma Richards.
Owen was most excited about the rope climbing. At the Layton House, the kids watched American Ninja Warrior Jr. obsessively, and he felt like he was on obstacles and competing.
The payoff: a stunning view of Hanalei Valley.
We've hiked this many times, but these dusky conditions with mild humidity and temperatures made it the best time.
19 years strong: so lucky to have each other.
So lucky to have these three.
Vivid green as the sun set.
That night, we celebrated more with funny commentary on my drink/treat habits. Brady got a surf bag for his new adventures.
The next day, we of course went back to Hanalei. Brady worked but we made each day look the same: screen time while Mom works out, park, beach, park, beach, shave ice. It got a little lonely by Thursday and we were thrilled when the Hadleys came Thursday afternoon, and the Smiths came Friday. The Clarks also came up and stayed with us in the Layton House through Monday night.
Watching shows is more fun on a red couch.
Todd and Baby Paige.
"My friend Ruby!" exclaimed Owen when he saw the Smiths pull in.
Three amigas. They surfed together for hours. It is amazing to me that back in March, Penelope was the only one surfing and only when her dad pushed her. Now, all three girls are completely comfortable in the water. As they paddled back out to the break after catching a wave, they each timed their leap over incoming waves and caught as much air as they could before diving into the water.
Saturday morning, we explored Lumahai before the crowds. We basically had it to ourselves. It is a child wonderland--cliff jumping, tide pools, and beginner snorkeling with huge fish.
Owen did not want to jump off the big cliff, but he rock-hopped and swam his heart out.
A woman was writing her sister's name in the sand with freshly cut flowers. Her sister just had a baby. She asked if I had anyone I loved to send a message to. I thought of my own sister and her new baby, and used her flowers to make Emily's initial.
Nic and Heidi were so tolerant of Owen's "back rubs" and "belly button rubs."
The weather got a little rainy but that is only expected at Hanalei.
Matt Ellis told the kids he would pay the winner of a race $5. This was apparently the world's most motivating proposition, and the kids were all in. Kate was behind most of the race but at the end, she made a leap that gave her the win. I have never seen her so competitive.
They raced a few more times after that.
Owen was miserable and then suddenly he wasn't.
This summer has been full of new opportunity for Kate. She has babysat Paige (with Megan there) once or twice a week. Paigey-girl calls out for "ATE!" every time she sees her, and giggles when she sees Kate at the door.
How many boards are in the truck? The answer: 13.
Surf hair, and I DO care. I'm losing my thinning hair by the fistful.
We did a Stebbedlarks date that night, trying a north shore trendy spot with exactly one other couple. I am shocked any of these restaurants can stay in business. We ate the best thing I've ever had on Kauai: ahi and shrimp coconut curry, as well as several sushi rolls that made my taste buds sing.
We came back from the date and saw Zachary and Tate snuggled up.
Church the next morning complete with visuals and attention-grabbers.
More time at the park playing "lava" while I talked to another school option. It was around this time that I was in panic mode about Zachary's schooling and further investigating alternative education.
In the afternoon, we showed the Clarks the Club Med hike. I love this water tank.
Zachary makes every hike more fun.
Foundations.
Jaw-dropping north shore vines and foliage.
"Mom, do you think I am naked back here?" No, Adam. I think you've still got your clothes on!
We biked/walked down to Anini Beach with Nic, Heidi, Shay and Kate, and explored far into the shallow ocean.
Monday, we had our last day of staycation: checking out the caves by Ke'e beach, snorkeling the refreshed reef with brilliant hues of purple and pink along with large clusters of fish, and of course finishing the afternoon with more surf. The surf picked up, and Heidi watched Owen while I caught a few. It was later when we left and yet Kate was distraught that we were missing time with the Clarks. Zachary stayed in Princeville for a few days with the Clarks and Kate, Owen and I came home, ready for normal routines and happy we got a little vacation.
