4th of July is a little different in Kauai. Sure, we have some fireworks, but they are the kind of fireworks that end and you have to say, "Well, at least we have the ocean." They pale in comparison to an Oakland As game or the Stadium of Fire--they look more like sparklers up against those big guns.
Zac was introduced to glow sticks. He cried in the morning when he realized they don't glow the next day.
The cool part was the fireworks were over/near the ocean.
Remember that blog post that I said I'd move back to the mainland when I found a centipede in my bed? Well, this one was right next to my bed. So, not moving yet, but ew, ew, EW!
When Zachary was tiny, I remember being so excited to play baseball with him. He turned two, and we bought him a T-ball set. He couldn't care less. He pulled the ball off the T, and kicked it.
We pulled it out again a few weeks ago, and he loves to hit the ball. Somehow, Brady has perfect timing, and he can get Zac to hit the ball over and over again with his pitches. During the day, Zachary often wants me to try this with him, too, but eventually gives up when he realizes that mama can't pitch toddler-style.
Zac has to take turns. He hits the ball, then we hit the ball.
We just need to work on getting that elbow up, huh, Scott?
Buzz sharing the action.
Just missed the sunset at our favorite rock-throwing destination.
July 5th (aka Brady's bday), we took off to Lydgate for park time and swimming. Brady's never been to this park with Zac, and it's the best one on the island. It even has swings (a rare find around here)!
Yep, look twice: that's TERRIS! Aaron and Julie were gracious hosts and had us stay at their place for 3.5 days at the beginning of our Oregon trip. They actually live in Washington, but only about 50 minutes north of Portland. They took Terris when we moved to California in '06, and she's had a great doggie life with them.
Our first outing was the Portland Zoo. This was actually Zac's second zoo experience this month, but because I'm getting a little lazy on the blog entries, I still have the pics sitting in a folder. He loved seeing the animals, especially with Trey and Audrey.
I showed him these pictures tonight, and he pointed to the one above and said, "DOGGIE!" Oops, not quite, kiddo.
Zachary was pretty wasted from our 1:30am bedtime the night before, and of course the long plane ride over. We told him we would take him on a choo-choo train before we got to the zoo, but once we were on it, we wondered if another day might have been better...
He perked right up after a few minutes, though, and spent the rest of the trip asking to go on the "choo-choo rain" again.
Beautiful, green Oregon:
All weekend, Zac followed Miss Audrey around, played with her toys, and gave her hugs and kisses. 
Saturday morning, Aaron took Brady into the mountains at 4:30am. They spent the morning fishing, and we met them a few (um....quite a few) hours later to see waterfalls, drive through the woods, take some short hikes, and share a picnic lunch. It was beautiful, crisp, and a refreshing change from our scenary. 
We hiked down to these falls and stepped into the chilly water. This was Zac's instant reaction, which did not stop until he was completely dry. 
Aaron's kids, on the other hand, were not cold-water wimps. 
Waterfall #2: 
Afterwards, we drove for the lookout over Mt. St. Helens. It's 1980 eruption was the "deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States," with 57 dead and 185 miles of highway destroyed. (Courtesy Wikipedia) It was active again in the last few years, but has since calmed down and visitors are allowed. Aaron and Julie actually hiked to the rim. Awesome.
Sunday, we enjoyed a morning stroll by their beautiful lake. Brady said it felt like old times walking "his" dog. 
Aaron and Julie were perfect hosts: feeding us yummy meals (salmon and fresh grilled veggies, Cafe Rio salad, and an unbelievable fresh blueberry pie!), driving us everywhere, and even arranging babysitting for a night out. We only wished Roni and Coleman were around for our game night. Next time!
