Big Island - Part 1

We look like were moving.  
2 suitcases, 1 rolling duffel bag, 1 stroller, 4 carry-on bags, 2 car seats,
and 2 munchkins, 1 tired and exhausted mom.

 A picture from day one, fresh off the plane, worn out and tired, but so excited to be in Hawaii!!     We are more than halfway through our vacation and the time if flying by too fast. 



Girls who are not suppose to be in the hot tub. 

We are staying in the Waikoloa Resort area at one of the condos.  Its fantastic as it has close proximity to the beach, pool nearby and a kids pool with sandy beach.   No waves, less worry, perfect for little kids.     The area is gorgeous and we are thrilled with the accommodations.    Just what Mom and Dad had in mind.   Lots of other kids to play with as well, helps keep our girls happy.


Kick Kick Kick

The girls are having a great time playing at the pool each day.  The run back and forth between the pool and the kids pool; and can't get enough.    The beach is a short walk away and in late afternoons Turtles are usually resting up on the beach.    They both still have a hard time with the sand complaining off and on about sand on their feet.    At the same time they seem to love coming down and checking stuff out.  
 

Turtle, one of many seen thus far

Path between resort condo/hotels; near our beach area, great for spotting turtles.

Hapuna Beach

 We took a drive up the road to Hapuna Beach.   We had some initial crying but once they found out how fun it was to dig in the sand, they were all over it.   Both of them went into the ocean with us and loved it.   I was amazed that Maddy wanted to go on the Boogie Board with me.  She has never been about the water and always a bit nervous.  I love the water, ocean, snorkeling, diving...I love it all.   I try to be patient with her and understanding, no pressure.  I was in shock that she wanted to go back in the ocean for more boogie-boarding with Mom!!   Success.   I heard her say "I love the ocean".   Now, we just need to teach a few safety rules and continue with those swimming lessons.

"Say Cheese"

Ask the girls to pose for a picture and this is what you get.  Actually first you get a whole bunch of games, goofing off,  and other annoying behavior and then...just maybe they'll pose together.  But to get them both smiling in a photo - NO WAY!    So this is as close as it gets.   All cleaned up and showered off, ready to go home.     

Flying with kids

Michael and I decided it was finally time for a family vacation a few months ago.   We gathered up our courage and got on a plane headed for the Big Island of Hawaii.   Planning and packing for a family vacation is a lot more complicated that the glorious days of just the two of us.     Armed with many kid toys, dvds, electronic gadgets and snacks, we boarded the plane.      We were just about the last ones on the plane due to two parents not paying attention, and one surprise diaper change that was demanded at the very last second.    

The plane ride was difficult, but we made it.   Every hour seem to go on forever.   Maddy was really good and kept herself entertained most of the time.  Makena required both of us to keep distracted.   We had one grumpy old man in the seat before us that was turning around and complaining not even and hour into the flight.   A few more complaints and I finally stood my ground and told him to take it to the Flight Attendants if he had an issue, which he never did.  I realize kids are a huge pain in the butt on planes, but I assure you that as a mom I was doing everything possibly to keep the peace, keep my kids entertained and everyone mellow.  There was no crying, little screaming, and two very good kids.   But the man was on high alert for any kid issues, so any bump to his seat made him angry.  Well yes, my kids will bump your seat.  After all they are 2 and 4 years old, so sitting still for 5 hours is not something their capable of.  Hell, I am not really capable of it at 38 years old.    Michael nicely pointed out an empty seat in the next row over suggested he make a change.  He grumbled and left us alone. 

View from Hot Tub

I will admit about half-way through I tried to give Makena a little something to make her sleep.   I have used it before and it just mellowed her out.  Well Karma bit me in the ass, as it wound her up and made her irritable and ancy.  This is about the LAST thing you want from a 2 year old with 3 hours to go in a flight.   Makena must have climbed into and out of her seat about 150 times.   Oh man, it was dicey for awhile there....and somehow we eventually got here.    Lesson learned and I won't attempting that again.

Anaeho'omalu Beach

The girls are still on Seattle time, so were up at 5:30am each morning thus far.   But its light by 6am and gorgeous, so not that hard to take.   Its simply gorgeous and so wonderful to be in warm breezes with two girls who are loving it.  

*Images are not mine; just stolen to for viewing pleasure!