Pineapple Express and Haleiwa Joe's

Yesterday, we visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

Of course, we had to take a ride on the Pineapple Express!

Dole Whip!

We love playing "tourist!"

Before Bob and Sharon flew out last night, we had an amazing dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Haleiwa Joes. The food is always amazing and the grounds are breathtaking!

Epic fail family pic. Too funny not to share!

Staycation

Since we didn't make it to another island while Ray and Mary were here, we decided to take a staycation for a few days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon. We'd walked around this hotel plenty of times before, but never actually stayed there. Of course, everything was beautiful and first class. 

"Bear" enjoying the plush beds in our hotel room

We had an amazing ocean view.

We were so blessed to get adjoining rooms in the Rainbow Tower, right in the center of the action.

It was so much fun to sit out on our lanai and listen to the ocean and people-watch.

The pools were crowded, but by boys didn't seem to mind.

Of course, the waterslides were such a hit! Keaton must have gone down this one 75 times. We were surprised that he didn't get scared because the slide was pitch black tube! He told Scott, "I just pretend that I'm being flushed down the toilet!" ha ha

Head first (of course)

Snack by the pool.

The hotel also has this great lagoon. It was so nice because we could let them play in the water by themselves without worrying about strong waves or currents.

Daddy took Mark out for a swim around the island on the boogie board.

Lord help me. He's trying to surf already!

Scott and I were able to escape to the pool bar for some tropical drinks after the boys went to bed. A rare treat!

Our hotel even had penguins!

Such a memorable time! Feeling so blessed.

Grammie and Papa come to Oahu: Part 1

Where to begin? Grammie is in town, and the photos are piling up, so I better get started blogging! 

On Friday, we met up with Scott's cousin Sharon and her husband, Bob who are also on Oahu this week. We enjoyed an afternoon on the North Shore.

Shave ice!

 On Saturday, we spent some time in Waianae, where Bob and Sharon are staying. 

They had a condo right on a beautiful, secluded beach.

Sharon and Mary

The boys had a such a great time playing on the beach!

This is the life.

 We took a drive up the west coast all the way to Yokohama Bay just to see the waves!

Always busy...

Keaton and his "smile..."

Welcome to our OOL. Notice there is no "P" in it.

I actually can say with much certainty that there is plenty of "P" in our OOL, thanks to my boys, but oh well.

 

Grammie and Papa arrived yesterday, so the boys are in full show off, spoil mode! They are here until April 1st, and we are so excited! It was a little muggy in our house yesterday afternoon, so we headed up to the pool to cool off.

Scary story: Mark has no fear and loves the water!  He gets around really well in the pool with his floaties, but hasn't really practiced much without them. Yesterday when we got to the pool, he was so excited that he ran over and jumped right into the pool without stopping to put on his floaties. Of course, I jumped in right after him (fully clothes, btw). But, I was surprised that he did not sink! Although he struggled, he kicked his way to the ledge without my help! 

I'm really hoping we can get rid of those floaties before we get to Brumbra's house this summer. It would be so nice not to have to worry so much about this fearless boy around the pool!

Keaton is my little fish! I'm amazed at what a strong swimmer he is even after no lessons!

Scott ordered a waterproof case for our point and shoot camera. It was only $20 on Amazon, and it works great! I'm wishing we would have gotten something like this a long time ago! Looking forward to taking it to the beach soon.

Baby Karis

You guys know by now that I love playing with my camera! It's such a fun hobby for me, but believe it or not, I sometimes get tired of taking pictures of my own family (and they get tired of having their picture taken!).

I asked my good friend Jayme if I could come practice on her kids for a change. She just had a baby girl one week ago. I have no practice in photographing newborns, so it was a fun challenge for me.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Her name is Karis Nevaeh Rain which means "grace from heaven like rain" She's one of most beautiful newborns I've ever seen. Her features are perfect and so feminine!

we had so much fun with the Easter basket. I was surprised that she could fit in it! I always forget how TINY newborn babies are. So precious!

She has two very proud big brothers, Kai and Koen.

Sweet brother kisses!

Thank you Jayme for allowing me to practice on your family and spend time with your sweet new baby girl! I could not have had a more beautiful subject!