More from Maui

In an attempt to remind Jim and Judy why they chose to live 1000+ miles from their grandchildren, the parents left all three kids with Jim and Judy and we headed to Hana. We were on the complete opposite side of the island, so despite leaving at 6am we would be gone till well after 6pm that evening. Some sights from along the way.

An empty black sand beach was a nice place to start our day

From Hawaii

I think this photo completely captures the scene, and may be one of my favorites from the trip. Jill and I went into a lava tube cave and walked to the edge of the water. Just then a big wave came in and drenched Jill, and I of course was ready to snap a pic of it.

From Hawaii

Just me and my girl

From Hawaii

From Hawaii

Inside the lava tube cave again

From Hawaii

After ambling over to Hana, we did hit up the Seven Sacred Pools and then hiked up to this enormous waterfall.

From Hawaii

The next day we all kept close to home and relieved Jim and Judy of the sitting duties. Lauren got to soak in the kiddie pool at the Ritz.

From Hawaii

From Hawaii

Fun in the sun

Sitting in a less than luxurious Courtyard in Casper, WY in late February feels a long way from Maui, but the memories are still fresh. Was a great getaway for the whole family and the kids sure had a blast. Some more pics from our adventures.

I used the GoPro Hero camera a lot for beach and pool action. Here Katherine gets up close and personal with it.

From Hawaii

Lauren loved all the pool time

From Hawaii

Something tells me that I'm about to get hit with a rake

From Hawaii

Cooper spent the whole week in the water

From Hawaii

Lauren just relaxing in the sun

From Hawaii

We were treated to several gorgeous sunrises and sunsets

From Hawaii

From sea level to over 10,000 feet in an hour. Looking down on the clouds from Haleakala

From Hawaii

Enormous rainbow. No lucky charms were found at its end.

From Hawaii

We hiked down to this blow hole that would shoot spray 75 feet up into the air.

From Hawaii

Couple of love birds

From Hawaii

Looking towards the ocean from the Olivine Pools

From Hawaii

More to come tomorrow...

Island Life

I could get used to live in Hawaii. Of course, its a little delusional to think I can live in a sweet condo on the beach and do fun things like snorkeling without having to have 2 or 3 jobs, but for a week I lived the dream. Monday of last week, Jim and Judy took on the monumental task of watching a 3.5 year old, a 1 year old and an almost 1 year old for the day while Jill, Justin and Dr. Linda Kimberly and I went out on a snorkeling adventure.

I had never been snorkeling before, but what an amazing place to go for your first time. Its kind of like learning to drive at the Indy 500. We were on a small catamaran charter that headed out to Molokina, a collapsed volcanic cinder cone, to spend the day. On the way out we were treated to an amazing amount of whale sightings and a dolphin escort. The video details the rest, but what a fantastic day to be out.

Jill and I posing it up on our way out.

Approaching the Molokina crater, which is basically a crescent moon shaped paradise for snorkeling.

And the video from my GoPro...

Cooper hits the beach...and the beach hits back

Quick video we grabbed of Cooper getting to the beach for the first time. Every time I watch this, it looks like he is in fast forward as he runs away from the waves. Cooper is having a very big time here with a beach at his beckon call and a pool even closer.

Overdue time off

A very long time ago, we booked flights to Hawaii. In what was likely about 6 months actual time, but felt like 6 years between the booking and the time it came to actually travel to Hawaii. I was in Tempe, AZ on Thursday night with 3 separate flights home on 3 different airlines and a lot of uncertainty about getting back to CO due to a massive winter storm that was dumping nearly 2 feet on a lot of CO. A late night flight and a white knuckle drive into blowing snow at 2am to get home, I was ready to relax on the beach and forget everything else.

The condo that Jim and Judy procured is amazing. We are right on a gorgeous bay with giant waves crashing and a nice beach area. We've been hear one day, but I think I'm at least a full inch taller.

Some pics from the first 24 hours...

Right out the back door

From February 5, 2012

Lauren is loving the green grass and sunshine

From February 5, 2012

Waves were getting big today

From February 5, 2012

Out on the point taking pictures and just about got to buy a new camera

From February 5, 2012

From February 5, 2012

From February 5, 2012

From February 5, 2012

From February 5, 2012

These waves sound like thunder when they hit. I love it.

From February 5, 2012

From February 5, 2012

From February 5, 2012

The whale watching has been outstanding, even right out the back door. Here a cow and her calf come really close to the point I was out taking pictures on.

From February 5, 2012

Cooper is in heaven. The kid has not stopped running, splashing and grinning.

From February 5, 2012

Cousin Kate in pursuit

From February 5, 2012

Clouds rolled in and made the temps really nice

From February 5, 2012

A nice shot ruined by a rogue rain drop on the lens

From February 5, 2012