We decided last minute to go up to Stewart Falls yesterday (above Sundance). Geoff’s sister’s boys were with us from Vegas so they had a blast seeing real trees and green grass. It was the perfect little hike for the youngins (if you can get someone to open the Berkshire Gate and drive up to the start of the trail, it’s only about 1.5 miles to the falls) and a delightful escape from the heat.

I just LOVE the Fourth of July, and I love Utah on the Fourth of July especially. Every year it seems, loads of old friends come through and it’s party time from morning to night. I was able to see lots of my old roommates from SkyView days at a pool party at Jen’s, and spent time with several of Geoff’s best buddies and their families as well. There was lots of food, lots of laughs, and lots of reminiscing going on.

Geoff and our awesome neighbor Bryan, got up at 5am to save us a spot along the parade route in Provo. It was a great parade as usual, and thankfully not quite as hot as it has been in past years.

Isaac was memorized by the whole event.

Isaac wanted a picture with Captain America so bad. We had to take off running down the street to catch him.

This is Geoff’s dear friend’s son, Zach. We are SO sad that we don’t live closer to them. Isaac and him played so well together and even had a sleepover in a fort.

A shot of some of the boys and their girls. Who would have thought!! And yes, I’m quite aware that my daughter has a very “special” smile.

The rest of our Fourth we spent at Geoff’s oldest sister’s house in Alpine with almost all of Geoff’s family. They just got their swimming pool up and running so we were out there most of the day. I decided there has been enough swimsuit pictures for a while, so I didn’t bust out the camera till Lucy got up from her nap and wanted to be a part of the nail painting event. It was real cute.

After a delicious dinner and some Pickleball (the best game EVER), we lit loads of fireworks and got home way too late. Ahh, summer.

We love Hawaii!! This trip was especially relaxing because we have already gone and done most of the touristy stuff there, so we were just able to do a whole lot of nothing and it was the exact kind of vacation we both needed. Having a week of no schedules is quite liberating!

Geoff had two papers accepted for an ED-Media conference held on the island which is why we went. I am so proud of him and all the hard work that he does–and all the great places we have been able to go because of it!

Aside from Delta loosing our bags for TWO WHOLE DAYS, it was a perfect trip. We’re so grateful for family who watched our kids for us. We didn’t worry for one second about them because they were in such capable hands. That made our trip all the more enjoyable. I am so blessed to have a husband that is not only the best companion I could ever ask for, but the best travel buddy too!

Geoff looking out of the window in the room he presented at.

Geoff did lots of surfing while were there. We sure wish we had a beach nearby so we could do this more often.

We walked out to Goat Island in Laie and spent the day enjoying our own private little beach and a nice walk around the island.

We were giddy as school girls to find the set of Lost, one of our favorite TV shows. They aren’t currently shooting so we didn’t have any celebrity sitings, but we did stand where Mr. Echo stood so that’s pretty much the same thing. This is the church he built.

I’m kind of jealous of my husband’s flexibility.

My mouth is salivating just remembering this meal. Sooo delicious! We ate the best food ever on this trip. We talked to the locals and they recommended several spots. If you’re planning a trip there, email me and I’ll give you some recommendations.

Geoff anxiously awaiting our shrimp.

Devained and divine.

I had Geoff try is first guava while were were there. It was sub par unfortunately, but definitely part of the tropical experience.

Every morning we went out to the tide pools, one of my favorite things to do! We collected several shells for the kids and saw all sorts of crabs, starfish and other ocean life.

A heavenly Dole Whip. These are soooo yummy! Why in the world do they not have this on the mainland? If they do somewhere, let me know.

We were the first ones up to the falls here and it was so peaceful and serene. It’s a beautiful walk up to them, and serious eye candy if you are a lover of tropical plants. We swam to the falls and enjoyed the cool and refreshing fresh water.

When I lived in Hawaii for school (BYU-Hawaii), I never once saw a turtle. When Geoff and I went back three years ago, he saw one while snorkeling, but they still alluded me. This time however was a totally different story. It was almost comical how many turtles we saw. I would say close to 50. I’m totally fascinated by them.

This was the first turtle we saw and were unaware that you aren’t suppose to touch them by law. Whoops!

It was HUGE!

Holding hands over another turtle, so romantic I know.

This is all the rage in Hawaii right now. We met up with some friends who live on the island and they let Geoff give it a whirl. It was a perfect evening, warm, no wind and a gorgeous sunset. Geoff and the boys went surfing afterwords and Geoff caught one right after another. He was in pure heaven. Unfortunately, it was too dark to get any pictures.