For Autumn's 2nd Birthday we planned a little trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about 3 hours from where we were staying in Kapa'au. Because of how far it was we decided to make it into a little 3 day getaway.
When we first arrived in Hilo, the city about a half hour outside of the Volcano National Park, we walked the streets filled with quaint restaurants and shops. As we walked, Air Force Jets, flew right over us, one right after another.
We found a great all natural food store right in the heart of downtown Hilo, that actually had reasonably priced food (for Hawaii). Auty found herself a little birthday gift, a unicorn that she bought for herself. She was so excited about her new "horsey"and carried it with her EVERYWHERE.
I love this picture. Not only do I love it because it came out great, but also because this was Autumn's idea to have this picture taken. She leaned up against Erik and said "Take my picture."
For Autumn's birthday we also took her to the local candy shop. Here she was describing to her Horsey all the different types of candy there were in the candy shop.
Here is a shot of a pillow fight between Erik and Joss. It was priceless watching the smiles on their faces. Sometimes you just need to release some energy, and laughter seems to be the best way to do that.
At breakfast on the morning of Autumn's Birthday, we whipped out all the Dora paraphernalia we had brought with us. Sunglasses, plates, napkins and of course she was wearing her Dora shirt.
Joss and Auty were soo interested in what the Park Ranger had to tell everyone on the walk to see the volcano. Joss was especially interested in the stories about the Goddess Pele.
Kilauea releasing some tension.
Thurston Lava Tube, which is a lava cave that is over 500 years old! It was pretty amazing to walk through something made by flowing lava.
Jagger Museum has an exceptional view of Kilauea Volcano. While at the museum a Japanese tour bus rolled up to see this amazing view of the volcano. To our surprise, we found more than half of them stopping to take pictures of Autumn before even taking a glimpse of the volcano. They just loved her.
Since we couldn't take the kiddos to the sulfur vents up the road, due to the toxic fumes, we brought them to see the steam vents instead. Not sure anyone at any age should be near the sulfur fumes. :)
While looking down into one of the steam vents we noticed a hat that someone had lost. I had looked at Erik and wondered why anyone would leave a perfectly nice hat that fell off into the steam vent. I mean it couldn't be THAT hot in there. So Erik and I put our feet over the steam vent and nearly melted our flip flops to our feet. And that is why there is still a hat in there still.
On the tour we took when we first got to the National Park, we learned about these little "hairs." They are actually pieces of glass from the volcano that are ALL over the ground but aren't noticeable unless you start looking for them. They are also known as "Pele's Hairs," the Goddess of the Volcano/Fire.
Devastation Trail (in more ways than one).
Autumn filling her pockets with tons and tons of volcanic rocks. She wouldn't budge from this spot until she packed her pockets completely.
Autumn blowing out her candle on her cake at the Volcano House Restaurant. Right outside that window behind us you could she the volcano actually glowing!
Here it is from the Jagger Museum at night. What a different view than during the day!
The morning of departure we looked out our hotel window and saw this beautiful rainbow.
One of the many Banyan trees found right outside the hotel we stayed at in Hilo.
After a late lunch we took a walk down by the Japanese Gardens.
One of our favorite pass times in Hawaii has been to find local surf spots and just hang out and watch. I have always wanted to try surfing, but haven't mustered up the courage yet to do so.
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