Thanks to all the research and papers that Geoff writes, he was invited to another conference on Oahu. I’m so proud of the work that he does…and maybe that that work takes us on vacation every once in a while. When we heard his paper was accepted, I immediately called Amy up and told her it was time to return to the Rock. Our friendship started there when we became roommates and the rest is history. Her husband had never been and she hadn’t been back since our freshman year at BYU Hawaii, so they worked things out and we were off for a week long vacation. We wanted to take the older kids as well, but good golly, tickets are pricey now.
We arrived in Laie at a cute beach house and spent the next couple days going to all our favorite North Shore beaches, seeing friends and eating all our favorite local food (Ted’s Bakery, Kua’aina avocado burgers, Kava Roots Acai bowl, Sharks Cove skewers, Waialua Bakery, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, pineapple Dole Whips from the plantation etc.) The babies did amazingly well considering it was gorgeous weather but super, super windy, and the ocean was too cold for them. They slept like champs at night though and that was a life saver. It was a real treat to have so much time with just Kate. I know I’ve said this before, but she’s really a perfect baby in every way.
We missed our kids and are thankful for those who watched them while we were away. We returned home to healthy and happy children, and even a clean house (thank you Danny and Stephanie)! It was such a treat to also spend so much time with Amy and her husband. We love them like family and are so grateful for the new memories we made there together. For more pictures from Amy’s camera, check out her blog. Ahem…Amy, start posting.
Geoff woke up at 5:30am every morning and took this fantastic shot of the sunrise.
We went running every morning and ended with a swim and breakfast out our back door.
This was at Waimea where we were trying to convince Kate that she did like the ocean. I think we lost that one. Sadly I do not have a picture of Geoff and I jumping off the rock there, one of my favorite things to do.
Please note the amount of sand in Kate’s hair. We brought a Sunbrella for the babies to lay under which theoretically was a good idea if there hadn’t been so much wind. Kate looks translucent in this picture, and I’m proud to say she returned home that way also.
Beautiful BYU Hawaii campus.
Reenacting a picture of us from 14 years prior. Our hair looks about as nasty as it did then, but we’ve upgraded from pajama pants and Birkenstocks.
I don’t remember how I stumbled across your blog…but I was a Soeur in Marseilles while Geoff was there! (Tell him hi for me) I think I may have met you once at BYU? But you two have such a darling family! These Hawaii pics are awesome!! (And nostalgic, I spent a little time at BYU-H!) Glad you had an amazing time!! There is no place like Hawaii!
Little Kate looks darling in that swimming suit. So glad you re-enacted that picture again. You guys are hilarious.
I love the picture of you eating! It’s so sunny and relaxing!
Also, it’s so funny that you re-captured an old picture with you friend, because this week’s Selfie Saturday’s theme is Me then, me now you should definitely link up.
Love this trip down memory lane.
Leah!
So fun to finally meet you in person! Was just looking through your site and I have fallen in love all over again with your photos and the “lightness” about them. 🙂 For me and Jesse’s 1 year anniversary I want to hire you to take some photos of us… hopefully I will get to see you again before that though! 🙂
Best,
Roxy
Looks like a fantastic trip. Kate looks so darling in her swimsuit. Loving that black one! What a cutie.
LOVE all the Hawaii pictures, Leah! Makes me homesick for some warm Hawaiian sun. (Can you be “homesick” for a place you’ve never actually lived?) I hear ya about Kate not loving the ocean. Last time we were there as a family, it took Moira a good 5 days to agree to even sit on a towel on the sand, let alone take a dip in the ocean. (Sigh)
um, i’m kinda jealous. no, i’m lying, i’m FULLY jealous! i have not been back since my stay there at byu-h and i say every year that it is TIME to go, especially since my hubby has never been! i’m dying over every memory you just gave me — the shrimp truck, kua’aina’s, the campus, the BEACHES! i have to leave your site right now! how fun that you guys got to go back together too!
Looks like a dream vacation… sigh!
You just brought back so many happy memories to mind! I’m so jealous!! But so happy for you, friend!!