Mom and Dad in Kauai Part IV

I'm happy to report that thanks to an ill-balanced diet of delicious Decon, we have been mouse free for the last few days. Hopefully the mice decided to leave our house to rest in peace. I suppose we'll smell one way or the other over the course of the next week.
Friday was waterfall day for Mom and Dad. They visited Wailua and Opeaka Falls.

Karen and I discovered a fantastic sunset spot last year and we were excited to share it with Mom and Dad. We grabbed a couple of subs to go and watched the sun melt down the ocean horizon. Admittedly, those meatball subs are good!

Zac took the opportunity to practice one of his favorite hobbies--rock throwing.

Saturday morning we planned a visit to Kealia Beach for a stroll on the Coastal Walking Path. Zac had a difficult time keeping up--with so many rocks to throw and all.

The plan was to then introduce Dad to boogie-boarding. Apparently, Eastside Kauai decided not to show up. There were no waves whatsoever. We headed to the South Shore to introduce Mom to snorkeling and also check for boogie-boarding waves. Strike two and three. A south swell churned the water at the snorkel spot and enlarged waves at the boogie-boarding spot. We called it quits and went home to start dinner preparations. Dinner was an adventure of its own. Dad had a craving for seafood chowder all week long. We started with some freshly caught Opah.

Then diced up some swordfish and large prawns.

Throw it all together with some potatoes, vegetables, and creamy base and....

Voila. It seriously was delicious.

We have loved having Mom and Dad visit. Zac will be heartbroken tomorrow morning when he wakes up and realizes Grandma and Grandpa are gone. Thanks for coming. Can't wait for your next visit.

Mom and Dad in Kauai Part III

And the adventures continue. Mom and Dad headed for Waimea. They can fill you in on more pictures and details later, but they had a great time. Of course, they hit Jo-Jo's on their way back down. The rainbow shave ice with Mac-nut ice-cream was splendid.




Afterwards, we took an afternoon stroll atop of shipwreck's rock. After we lost Zac's sand bucket and dozens of rocks due to Zac's pitching practice, we called it a day and headed back home. Little did we know, we had to deal with mouse #2--Shirles. The capture of this little creature is a story for another time.

The next morning, Dad and I took to the seas. Besides the incredible Napali coast, we also saw dolphins, humpback whales, and sea turtles.

We also ran into some ferocious Great White Sharks--wait, I mean that's Dad.

Atta boy, Luther!

Dad was having a hard time holding his other fingers down while giving the "Shaka". It was hilarious.

And then we came home to this. To my siblings--EAT IT!!! And we did. Lots and lots of them. Mom made her scrumptious orange rolls.

The next morning Zac climbed up the tree to say farewell to Mom and Dad as they ventured up the North Shore.

Mom and her lighthouses!

Mom and Dad even hiked the first part of the Kalalau Trail. They loved it! I don't think I've heard Mom say "awesome" so many times in one story. They both thought it was a tropical paradise.

After cleaning the mud off, we headed to the Beach House Restaurant. The food tasted as good as it looked.

Mom and Dad both went with the Monchong fish. Mom said it was delectable.

Of course, dinner was accompanied by beautifully lit skies.

Mom and Dad in Hawaii Part II

I affectionately refer to this photo as Mom and Dad's "Engagement Photo". We were thrilled that the rain let up after church to allow for beautiful scenery.

Dad spotted this rainbow in the back yard.

Mom doesn't like this picture because her hair is blowing. Isn't this a great picture of her?

Zac wasn't at all concerned about the sunset--only how far he could throw the next rock!

More engagement photos.

Sunday night, Dad and I went on a big game hunt in search of a ferocious, man eating, quick-as-lightning rhodent. Ironically, the first mouse in the house came on the night Mom and Dad arrived. We had no snap traps, no sticky traps (otherwise I would have made a barricade Paul and Ang). So the girls demanded this creature be caught! Mom laughed as she documented the event. No folks, this is not butts up. Mom was convinced this creature went in the closet. Yet it alluded me again. Yes ladies, that's me.

There he was, we finally saw him the next morning halting in his tracks. He knew then and there he had met his match. Kids and Ryan, you may want to turn away. It gets a little ugly from here.

Dad was the scarer and I was the capturer. We finally got him! However, with a sudden leap he bolted out of the basket (girls and Dad screaming).

Before he could get to the corner, I trapped him again ("speed of hand, speed of mind"). There is slight possibility I wasn't as accurate. What do you think? We finally transported little Harry to a lovely field far from our home (and slightly maimed).

On Monday, although a bit rainy, Mom and Dad checked out the Botanical Gardens in Poipu. Here are some shots from the wet adventure.

Later on, Mom and Dad visited my work for a personal tour. Don't worry, Zac's head is extra hard.