Vacation Journaling

During our Hawaii vacation, Mike and I decided to try something new. Vacation Journaling. At the end of every day we would write down everything we could think of that happened that day. All of our random thoughts and feelings that we were having while we were going from place to place. It has been really fun to see how we did the same thing but our experiences were different and also helpful when one of us would remember something that the other one didn't. At the end of writing every night we would also share what we wrote with each other making it a perfect ending to the day. I have been spending some time typing it up for us to have forever and to add to the scrapbook when I get to actually scrapbook. If you want to read all about our vacation from each of our viewpoints you can read Mike's here and mine here. If that's too boring for you and you just want to see the pics, no offense taken here. Scroll down and enjoy the previously posted slide shows.

Smiles All Around

While we were away in Hawaii, Grandma Braska and Aunt Kari took the boys to do a little surprise for Mom and Dad. They took them to a photo studio and had some pictures taken. Boy were we surprised when they showed them to us. It was so thoughtful and kind and I love every single picture. Thanks again! I can't say thank you enough. They were all so cute it has been hard to decide which ones to share. Here's a big chunk though. Enjoy!

Caleb

Zaric

Zaden

The Twins

Our 3 Boys

And even a couple with Grandma and Aunt Kari

Hawaii- Day 7

A morning trip to Pearl Harbor followed with a quick City tour to the Punchbowl National cemetary, The state capital and Iolani's Palace. Then lounging around and wasting time with the parrots before heading back to the airport.

Hawaii - Day 6

Souvenier shopping and touristy pics around Waikiki in the morning then another trip to the rainforest to visit Lyon's Aboretum and up to a mountain top for amazing views of Honolulu and Diamond Head crater (previously climbed).

Hawaii - Day 5

Watched the sunrise as we swam in the ocean in the morning. Got to get some great shots of the one and only Black Pearl from the Pirates of the Carribean movies (they were wrapping up filming of #4) and then a snorkeling and sunset dinner cruise onboard the Kai Oli Oli 47 foot Catamaran.

Hawaii - Day 4

A morning hike through a very rainy rainforest, through a bamboo jungle and up to Manoa Falls. Then a nighttime Luau at Paradise cove, complete with hula dancers, hawaiian food, fire dancers and other Hawaii native games and traditions.

Hawaii- Day 3

A sunrise hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater (brutal). And a trip to the North Shore with stops at Byodo In Temple, The Point, Sunset Beach, Turtle Bay and the Dole Plantation.

Hawaii - Day 2

A trip to the Sea Life Park where we had a Dolphin encounter, got to play with Sea Lions and Dive a deep Sea dive in a wacky helmet where we fed a sting ray and other vicious fishies out of our hand. Then a trip to Hard Rock Honolulu and a picture of the moon over the ocean from our Lanai.

Hawaii - Day 1

We Arrived! Got Leid at the Airport and then on to Hotel. Swam in the Ocean for the first time and took photo's of the views of Waikiki from the beach and from our Lanai as we watched the Sunset and me sipping on my first Mojito of the trip at Tiki's Bar and Grill.

Flag Football

We started Caleb's first season of flag football last night. He did awesome! The game ended in a tie, but nobody really cared because they had so much fun. We were pleasantly surprised at the way he was listening to coach and doing what he was supposed to. A great step up from our past soccer experience. Maybe we have found his niche? If so, I can live with that. We'll see how the next 7 games go though. Here's some pics from last night's action.