Learning to Surf

I have always wanted to try surfing and couldn't pass up an opportunity to learn in Hawaii.  I owe a big thanks to our new friends who insisted on teaching me to surf.  They totally went out of their way to make it happen.  This was one of the most memorable days I had while visiting the island.  

Here is Noah showing me some surfing techniques before getting in the water.  All I could think about was how the heck I was going to even be able to balance on the surfboard when in the ocean, not to mention surf.  I also just found out that there were tons of sharp, pointy sea urchins on the rocky bottom of the ocean where we were about to surf.  Oh great!

After being knocked around by a few waves, watching every step I took as not to step on any sea urchins, I finally made it on the surfboard and into the waves.

I did it!  I was actually able to sit on the surfboard and "look" like a surfer.  That was enough for me. :)

A perfect little swim hole for Joss, while mommy surfed.  Joss has become quite a swimmer on our trip.  Of course Erik was on the beach watching Joss and listening to Auty whine for about an hour and taking the best pics :)  

        

While sitting comfortably on my surfboard, feeling accomplished, Noah pushed me to the next level telling me to get ready for the wave that was coming.  Here I am turning my surfboard around ready to start paddling my arms, hoping I wasn't going to get pummeled by the wave and hit the ocean floor full of sea urchins.  

Instead of falling I actually stood up on my board.  I couldn't believe it!  What a rush it was to be standing.  And although this wave looks small in the photo, I swear it looked soooo much bigger in person :)  I had such a great time and will remember this day forever.

Our Little Getaway on the Big Island

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. 

No Umpa Lumpas in Hawaii

We took a tour of the Original Chocolate Factory in Hawaii and Josslyn was insistent upon finding out if there were any Umpa Lumpas working there.  

After a long car ride to get to the tour, Autumn was off and running.  Therefore we could only get Joss to sit by the token sign to get a touristy picture.

We were all given samples of their chocolate at the beginning of the tour which was 9 am.  Kids were so happy to have chocolate for breakfast this morning. 

Joss hanging out in the forest of Cocoa trees.  This was when she also decided to ASK the question about the Umpa Lumpas, and found out there were none at this chocolate factory.  Bummer.

Joss making art out of a moth ridden leaf

This might be some of the only fall colors you will see in Hawaii...Cocoa pods...pretty

Cocoa beans roasting/fermenting in the sun

Geckos came running when the tour guide opened a cocoa pod to show everyone the beans in side

Usually geckos run quick when people approach, but these geckos didn't care who was near them, all they wanted was the "chocolate."  Can you blame em?

Exploring the BIG Island (of Hawaii)

Even though Hawaii is an island, exploring so far has been endless.  From farmer's markets to beaches to quaint little towns to fun restaurants...this island has it all.

This is one of our favorite roads to travel, scenic wise.  It is the road from Kapa 'au to Waimea.  We never get sick of the open fields with the contrasting colors of the green grass and black cows with the blue ocean in the background.  

After going to the farmer's market, we stumbled upon this little mobile chicken cart.  It smelled sooo good!  We ordered a chicken and the kids went to town and ate the whole thing!  Lil animals!

This is a beach we found by turning down an unmarked road.  Another couple had mentioned it on trip advisor (love that website).  It had so many sea treasures and fun places to explore.

Here is a swim hole made from an ancient lava flow.  

It was so crystal clear and filled with little fish.  The temperature was perfect.  It extended underground for a about 40ft.  We were told there were also petroglyphs carved into the walls from ancient Hawaiians.

Later we stumbled upon one of many huge sea turtles.  So tranquil and beautiful.

Auty stared in amazement.

Joss was a bit scared.  The next day one swam right next to her at the beach.  She basically walked on water and jumped into the arms of the nearest stranger.  Too funny.

A beautiful Taiwanese home, built right near the shore.  Wasn't sure if it was a hotel or someone's house at first.  

Hula Lessons

Ever since we went to the Luau, Josslyn has been begging to learn how to hula dance.  While at reading time at the local library, we met a woman who teaches hula dancing.  Josslyn went to the next class and had a blast!!

It was so beautiful!!  The little girls in their Hawaiian skirts dancing outside, with the ocean in the background, while listening to the entrancing beat of the ipu (gourd).  So magical.  

Josslyn is a natural born hula dancer.  She did fantastic.  

After they danced, they made little anklet leis.  Each of them had to make it for someone other than themselves.  Joss gave it the hula teacher's daughter and she gave hers to Joss.  Instant friends.  :)

They also played an old school Hawaiian game, rolling a ball through two sticks.  So simple, just a round rock and some sticks.  So so simple, yet it kept them busy and having fun for a while.  

Here is Joss trying her hand at it.  

Everyone posing with their anklet leis on.  Loving the simplicity of the Big Island.  Such a special place.