It is 6:30 a.m., the dishwasher and washing machine are humming, I am on-line checking work e-mails, and it is raining outside.
Now is a good time to reminisce about our Hawaii trip.
I planned the vacation while pregnant because I had a feeling I wouldn't have the time or energy and too worried about the how-to-travel-with-a-newborn logistics once she arrived. Considering how difficult it is for me to plan a dinner these days, I was probably right.
We originally booked non-stop flights to/from Kona, but Delta cancelled the non-stop flights and rerouted us through LAX with four- and two-hour layovers. Yes, they were LONG 14- and 12-hour days. Fortunately, our then 3-month old daughter was much more flexible and happy-go-lucky than mom and dad and slept, cooed, and smiled through the entire ordeal. She didn't even show signs of jet-lag or difficulty in adjusting to the time zone change.
We spent our eight nights and nine days in Waikoloa Beach hiking nearby waterfalls and volcanoes, snorkeling, diving, golfing (my brother James joined us for a few days on the trip and golfed everyday - seriously), and relaxing by the pool. We also celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary and toasted to our growing family, wonderful marriage, and bunch of other sappy stuff that Mike would never allow for public blogging/reading.
Several highlights from the trip below... If interested, 250 more highlights on Flickr!
Uncle James and Isa.
Snorkeling in Kahaluu Beach.
Hiking Pololu Valley.
Nice little resting spot after a hot and very humid hike to the beach.
Isa's first toe dip in the ocean!
Hiking Waipio Valley.
We encountered several of these "CAUTION" signs on our hikes around the island... which made us feel like bad and irresponsible parents.
At the Luau - Fairmont Orchid's "Gathering of the Kings."
Chip off the old block.
Mike and James on the golf course (steps from the condo).
Relaxing at the pool.
Believe it or not, she wore these sunglasses for a full TEN minutes before they were flung off.
Mom and Isa.
Isa working on strengthening her legs.
Gorgeous sunset.
Hawaiian graffiti welcoming Mike to the Island.
Ahalanui Park - swimming in the thermal pools.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Lava Tube Trail.
Isa is fascinated with her toes.
And sometimes very upset by them.