Hawaii Day One (afternoon)

 

After the rest of the family returned from a grueling walk down to see the black pebble beach, we decided to head to the farthest point on the island that we could go to by car. You literally drive to the end of the road, park your car, and climb out at the Pulolu Valley Lookout. The Pulolu Valley is just past the small town of Kapa'au, where we first stopped for a quick lunch of barbecue! In Hawaii, they slow roast their meat over kiawe wood, which is very similar to mesquite. I had perhaps the best pulled pork I have EVER eaten, and that's saying a lot coming from a recent connoisseur of Texas barbecue!

 

The Pulolu Valley Lookout

The view was absolutely breathtaking. We loaded Hannah in the backpack carrier, grabbed our water and sunglasses and headed down to the beach.  Looking down at the beach (from all the way up here!!!), I was a little uncertain that we would ALL be able to make it with two little ones. Abigail suprised me time and time again:)

Below you can see why the road ends at the lookout; the valley is deep and wide. It is a several day hike to the next road (if my memory serves me right). Ranching is actually a large part of the local economy. We could see cows grazing in the distance.

Mom is sporting dad's sunglasses (I have a wonderful dad!). She also is sporting a thick layer of sunscreen. I'm happy to announce that no one went back home severely burned! And that's saying a lot for all of us fair skinned beauties :)

Hannah enjoyed hiking too!

 

As you can see, the hike wasn't super "easy", but Abigail was a trooper! As much as we have trouble with her whining about normal everyday activities, she kept her whining to a minimum while we were in Hawaii. She did GREAT!

 

"Papa" was a big help. I think everyone held her hand at some point on the hike.

 

 

 

We made it!

 

Taking a breather...

 

Mimi and Abigail watching Hannah's first reaction to the ocean. I will post a separate post on this later.

 

When we finally made it to the top, we were hot and sweaty and needed cool rest. So we stopped and got homemade ice cream before heading back to our Hawaii rental home. I thoroughly enjoyed Strawberry Coconut. Yum!

 

Laying in bed that night, I remember telling Rodney that we could leave the next day and I would be perfectly happy. I felt so privileged and blessed to experience such a perfect day.  

My First Full Day in Hawaii (morning)

 

On our first full day on the Big Island of Hawaii, I slept in late. Yes, my dear husband and parents entertained the munchkins and made breakfast. When I finally did roll out of bed, my mom brought me a cup of coffee, and they left with the rest of the family to go explore the beach at the bottom of the hill. I grabbed a bagel, coffee, and my Bible and then spent the next hour sitting outside on the porch swing.

 

Surrounded by beauty, my heart could not help but sing praise to God - praises of thanksgiving, joy, awe and contentment. Stillness, quiet, peace, beauty.... I could not have been given a more perfect gift on my first day of vacation.

 

Psalm 46: 10 "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted amount the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

 

I could see all of these flowers and plants from the swing. I grabbed my camera just as I saw (and heard) my family coming up the hill!

 

 



Pumpkin Festival

We live near pumpkin country and enjoyed the Morton Pumpkin Festival for the first time.

Abigail collected candy at her first parade, much to her delight. She was very timid at first, but after an older girl shared her candy and showed her the ropes, she filled her little sack in no time.

Abigail also rode on her first carnival rides! And to cool down (it was a warm day), we all shared some pumpkin ice cream. Yum!

Future pilots?

3 going on 13

Abigail : Daddy, can I have your phone?

Rodney: How do you ask nicely?

Abigail: Daddy, may I please have your phone?

Rodney: Are you going to play a game?

Abigail: No, I have high school friends I need to text.

Harvest Time

We have had a plentiful harvest this year! We've been eating zucchini bread, zucchini lasagna, chocolate zucchini cake, zucchini pancakes, sauteed zucchini, and grilled zucchini. I've also frozen a bunch for later use and given a lot to friends. This weekend, we're planning to make a batch of spaghetti sauce. Last weekend, I made a batch of plain tomato sauce. I've also baked an acorn squash and a small pumpkin. The pumpkin isn't quite Libby's, but it made good pumpkin bread. Sugar and Spices make almost anything good! Our second batch of raspberries has also been very plentiful. We get about two cups every other day. So even though our peas, beans, beets, and corn were enjoyed by the deer, we still consider our first garden a success!

Abigail loves helping in the garden!

Now that Hannah is walking, she is less "photo cooperative". She'd much rather be off climbing or walking than sitting still for a picture!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

• God's grace and blessing poured upon six years of marriage.
• my husband who sat up with my youngest last night, when I was at my breaking point.
• wood floors in my kitchen. Hannah is a VERY messy eater.
• spontaneous kisses from my littlest one.
• snuggle time with Abigail this morning, who was up first... so thankful for the extra rest.
• milky and sweet coffee.
• quiet children, one who is asleep.
• an abundant harvest from our garden. I'm looking forward to baking with raspberries and making some homemade spaghetti sauce this weekend.