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:

VEM Reunion, 4

The Beach House


The Beach House is getting to be a hoppin' place on our blog. This is the last time you will see us here for a long time. Gotta give the bank account a little breather!

We had a perfect table, and the scenery never disappoints here. Best line of the night: Aaron, as he is bringing a bite of fresh fish to his mouth, "Here it comes, here it comes, here it comes!"

I don't usually get embarrassed of our visitors...usually.
We chose the pregnant pose instead of PDA. (No, I'm not preggo.)

The gals:
The boys:

Switching couples for dessert so we could have what we really felt like. Again, not usually embarrassed, but...

Last Gigs at the Beach

This is my all-time favorite beach picture of Zachary.

More pictures that make me think, "Can't wait for the zoom lens!"

It's fun to have so many photographers around. I love how Zachary is holding me in this picture.

He almost fell asleep with me, but Julie had the magic touch.

Zachary--once again--is baffled about where you all disappeared to. He checked closets, bathrooms, cars, and the garage for you. Thanks for the good times and memories. See you at the Provo Half Marathon?