We started a tradition with Brayden that for the kids' tenth birthdays either Curt or I would take them on an exciting adventure. It's developed into quite an undertaking... Curt took Bray to the College football hall of fame and fulfilled a dream of having a Notre Dame experience. They palled around South Bend for an extended weekend only a couple of days after Viviana came home for the first time from the NICU. They had the time of their lives...loved every moment of it. Here's to moving on with life's plans and not letting the bumps and get in the way of 'living!'
Fast forward 18 months to this last week...
Lucky for Kenz, her 10th rolled around and we had miles to use or lose, so I was the lucky travel companion this time around. Kenz and I flew first class to Hawaii using all miles, despite our crazy financial and house situation at the moment. I figured if we were going to use the miles, why not go to a little bit of paradise and really put the miles to good use! I think I needed the break more than she did. And an added bonus...my mom surprised Kenzie and met us there to share the 5-day-long birthday celebration! We quickly learned that Kenz doesn't possess our adventure gene! Despite a few 10-year-old tantrums (yes, they still tantrum at this age), we all had a fabulous get-away in paradise. Staying on the North Shore in Oahu was a little chillier & rainier, but more scenic and beautiful than the over-built tourist trap of Waikiki.
A GIGANTIC Thank you to Curt for holding down the fort with the other five kiddos, even if the girls went to church looking like no one loved them:)
Some of the hilights:
La'ie beach-front rental morning sunrise walks on Hukilau Beach roosters in the wild sea shell collecting cool driftwood roadside fruitstands boogie boarding & wave watching at Waimea Ted's Bakery searching for giant sea turtles walking through 'no-trespassing' signs to take shortcuts Birthday at Dukes Waikiki finding and getting to go on the LOST set (Thanks, Katie for the directions!) collecting cool coral on Hale'iwa Beach Matsumotos shaved ice The Polynesian Cultural Center Kua Aina's best avocado pineapple burgers & fries snorkeling at Hanauma Bay & watching Kenz freak out 2 foot fish cruising past my nose hiking in the rain cool finds at the swap meet Pearl Harbor quickie...but not so quickie Waimea Falls hike & swimming in the freezing falls (I opted out of the swimming part) collecting sand from all the beaches we visited afternoon at the beach with Katie & Addy...trying to snorkel in murky Ko'Olina lagoon Dixie Grill showing Kenz the painting of her Great Grandpa Brower at BYU-H (he was the president in the 70's) appreciating Hawaii's unmatched natural beauty the temple rainbow over Sunset Beach giant storms blow hole watching kite surfers on Hukilau strutting peacocks pineapple whip
How grateful I am to have been able to share this dream vacation with two of my most favorite people in the whole world!
How lucky you are, McKenzie, to have these memories and experiences with the two women who love you the most!
Happy week-long Birthday, Lucky Girl!
First Class all the way!
15 comments:
I was so honored and blessed to have been included in this birthday celebration. Kenz got a little tired of us telling everyone it was her birthday EVERYDAY we were there - hey, she did get sung too and a huge ice cream dessert FREE! So, after the third day when she didn't want us to say it was her birthday we decided that it was OUR birthday - but then she wanted to reclaim the title of Birthday Queen. We had a WONDERFUL trip, but I think Kenz thinks her Ama and Mom are a little nuts.
Just can't wait to see the incredible pictures Shayla took of moss, rocks, water, and flowers! (My camera's shutter didn't work in all that humility - it started working when I got home - ugh)
How fun for you and your mom and Kenzie - what a great tradition. I don't think I could have handled if Robb took Camryn to Hawaii without me - it was definitely fair that you got to go. What a great memory!
Looks like an awesome trip! Did you get Mom to try any fish?
What a great report! Icing on the cake would have been if Sawyer WAS in the tent...lol :D
Happy B-Day to Kenz! I'm so glad you had a nice "little" break in paradise.
When Wayne and I went to Kauai no one told us about the roosters. I loved them too! What a crack up. I love all of the beauty & smells of Hawaii...it's all so very therapeutic & I can't wait to go back someday. You got some wonderful photos. Kenz is one LUCKY girl!
Wow you have tons of great pics!! It was so fun to see you guys! Wish you could have stayed just a little longer! I'll be mailin' your drift wood on monday, but I need your address, just e-mail me!
What a great "Get Away". The photos really capture the fun and beauty of the trip. Soooooo jealous! Kenzie is one lucky girl. Mom is pretty lucky too.
Hugs
Happy Birthday Kenz! What a trip! I loved looking at all the fun pictures. I am now dying even more to go to Hawaii!
OK - I know your brother's are going to comment on the fact that my surf board was upside down - but hey, at least I was able to stand up (giggle)
...and yes Wayne, I did eat some fish at Dukes - it was a very MILD white fish. Figured if I could try gattor and frog legs in FL then this wouldn't be too painful. It actually was very good.
Looks like a total blast! What a trip! Brayden told me about the hair troubles with the girls. I totally can relate! I am not so good at girl hair either! I loved all the pictures
You take as many pictures as Sean. What a fun vacation. I am so glad you guys got to enjoy yourself. What a fun bonus to have your mom go with you girls. You only turn 10 once....it looks like you made it special!
Looks like you guys had a BLAST!!! I'm jealous!
How fun! I told David about how you guys do this for your kids' 10 years birtday and that we're going to do it too. But, I still have a few more years to go before planning Savannah's big trip. Looks like you guys had a ball and how fun that your mom could join you. And yes, I still watch "Lost".
Looks like an amazing trip!! Love that picture of your grandpa and you got me craving Matsumoto's
Wait...what...you went on the set of LOST?!?! Does anyone watch it anymore?!?!? I'm so jealous!!! I'm a self proclaimes LOST nerd. We went to Hawaii in summer of 2006 and I made my poor husband drive all over the North Shore to all these LOST spots only they weren't filming at the time. Lucky ladies! Looks like such a fun time! I love all those spots. Waimea was barely a tinkle of water when we saw it, but the hike IS gorgeous. I'll have to show you my pictures of the tree canopy some time!
What a trip! It looks like you did it all. It made me miss HI- we lived there for two years while Mike finished school at BYUH. Our favorite restaurant is Duke's and we have seen someone famous there almost every time we've been! We're also LOST fans and think that's so cool that you got to visit the set!
Post a Comment