North Shore

We decided to go to North Shore one day to see the turtles and get Shaved Ice.  No question the hardest day of the trip. Ashlyn got car sick, everyone was grumpy for some reason, all the kids wanted to do was play at the beach and North Shore is not the place for that.

 We did see the turtles which Grandma J loves.

 We drove from beach to beach trying to find a place safe enough for the kids...no such luck.  Thankfully Ashlyn puked again but this time we were by one of my favorite spots. So after dealing with puke, Andy and I hiked down to this amazing spot.

 On the way home we stopped at the Dole Plantation, had yummy pineapple treats, promised the kids as soon as we got back to the hotel we could go to our beach and ended the day much better than how it  started.

More Hawaii

Some of the best beaches for kids were right down the street from our hotel.  Any time we tried to get in the car, the kids would freak out, why would we go anywhere else???

 The kids loved the Kayak so much Grandpa J went and bought one when he got home.

 Love these little buddies!

 Sleepy Head.

 Hours later...STILL in the water.

PCC

We had a great time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The kids really loved it and we had fun traveling through all the islands and learning about the different cultures.

Taylor and I learned to dance.

We got to go fishing.

 And get tattoos.

 Grandpa J was invited on stage to dance. I think this was Figi and these performers seemed like the most fun, happy group, made me want to go there someday.

 Samoa.

 We have a picture of Andy and Ashlyn when they were 4 months old being held by the guy in the green skirt.

 Luau Time

 Being silly at the end of day.

I am so impressed with how well run the Cultural Center is.  It truly is an amazing place and very unique, a MUST see for anyone that goes to Hawaii.

Hawaii Day 2: Temple

On Day 2, we went to PCC but visited the temple while we waited for it to open.  

It's such a beautiful place.    

 

 

We are missing a kid in this "family picture" but you can see her feet if you look close.

Hawaii Day1.

I was determined to get us all to Hawaii this year, preferably before Chase turned 2 and we had to buy 6 plane tickets.  Last time we were there we had 3 babies and now those 3 are competent swimmers who love the beach and do well on trips...Hence the reason I knew we were ready for a return trip!  I searched the Internet multiple times and one day I found reasonable airfare for 1 week in March...YES! So off to Oahu we went with Grandma and Grandpa J. 

 The kids all have their own suitcases...Chase was feeling a bit left out so he pulled Andy's backpack around the airport.

The 1st day and most of the days that week were spent at Waikiki Beach. 
Warm water, easy waves, perfect weather = Paradise!

The kids loved the water!  They would play for hours everyday.  Once in awhile they would come up to our spot on the beach, Grandma J would think they were done playing but they were just getting a sand toy of some sort and they would head back out.  Total fish! 

 The 1st day Chase fell asleep cuddling with me while in the water.

 

He quickly learned that naps were going to be taken on the beach so everyday when he was ready he would get his paci, put a towel over his head and cuddle with Mom or Dad. He would sleep a good 2+ hours which was nice for everyone involved.