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!
