Exploring Kona

After snorkeling we went to get some more food and then we went to watch some surfers. Brad and I could watch surfers all day. We went back to the house and then went to downtown Kona for dinner and some Gelato. The weather was so pleasant. 

 

Ollie really wanted to buy some honey from this guy, who they thought looked like Uncle John.  

 

Snorkeling

Our first morning in Kona we went on snorkel cruise to the Captain Cook monument. It was about a 45 minute boat ride to the spot. While we were approaching the cove we were able to see a handful of dolphins playing. It was actually raining and overcast so it made it a little colder than we were hoping. Despite slightly colder temperatures we all still had a ton of fun snorkeling and saw lots of cool fish. 

 

 

On our boat ride back to the harbor Bo spotted a hammerhead shark in the water.  

 

The captain thought we might see some whales but we didn't see any.   

 

 

 

Kona night

After we got our rental car we headed into the town of Kona. Brad was hungry so we went looking for a restaurant. We had one in mind but it was closed so we walked along until we found another one. The food was yummy but the coconut pina coladas were even better. Once dinner was finished we walked along the little boardwalk, soaked in the warmth and enjoyed the sunset.

 

State #50

Last week we crossed off the 50th state for everyone by taking a trip to Hawaii.  

Not a bad state to end with. 

 

 

We used Papa Bob and Grandma Shari's shuttle service.  We also used Spot Saver so we made it quickly through security.

 

Eating breakfast at the Seattle airport.  

 

 

 

We flew Hawaiian airlines over there.  It was a long flight but the kids are at such a great stage where they are very self sufficient, especially with their screens.

We actually flew to Maui first and had about a 30 minute layover before our very quick flight to Kona. 

Aloha! 

(definitely dressed for Seattle weather and not Hawaii weather)

While we were waiting for our rental car, Brody & Colt decided to be teenagers.  They convinced Bo to join them.

 

 

IMS Soccer

Darby tried out for the middle school soccer team. She made the Varsity team so we have been able to watch her play in 2 games. She looks a lot smaller than a lot of the girls but she is able to hold her own and does a great job out on the field. We are proud of her. The last game was a beautiful but cold evening for soccer.

 

46 celebrations!

I was slightly annoyed my birthday was on the same day as the Super Bowl. This is the first year it has happened because they extended the season to 17 weeks this year. Although it won't happen every year it will happen every 5 - 6 years now. 

 

Despite my annoyance, I had a great birthday.   

I watched Colt play some baseball. 

My parents came up for lunch and we celebrated our birthdays.   

We had forced family football in the cul-de-sac. 

I read a bit of my book. 

I took a short nap. 

Finished the evening watching a show with the family. 

 

I am so grateful for another year to celebrate. 

Ollie made this rose for me.  He had some help from Bo & Darby who helped him collect specific Lego pieces.  What a sweet and thoughtful gift.