Kauai, my perspective, my paradise

I have been trying to figure out how to write about our vacation. It was 6 days long and nonstop so there are a lot of pictures. So I broke my pictures into two segments, the family life pictures which I could edit immediately and didn't do any super careful corrections, just basic stuff. Then there are the nature shots which are going to take time. I'll probably post a picture here or a picture there as I develop them, but you won't see them for a while since I have lots going on right now.

When you go on a major vacation there is so much going on that it is hard to capture it or write about everything. I did one detailed blog about the first half, but that it for my details, I am going to just give a brief over view of my favorite or the most memorable moments. This won't include all the pictures, but if you want to see all the family pictures as I know a lot of my family might, here is the link to the album on flickr. Hawaii Pictures

The first moments we spent in Hawaii were near our vacation rental and Poipu Beach. I am in love with this beach and everything about it. We spent the first day at Baby Beach to see how the boys would react to the water and it was perfect. They ran right in and played and showed no fear of the ocean or water which is a step for Erik who is usually leery of the water. These were my first moments in Hawaii so I was very camera and snap happy since I was so excited.

 





 

The next morning after scouring our guides books we thought hiking and viewing Waimea Canyon would be a great way to start so we headed to the western side of the island to see Hawaii's version of the Grand Canyon.

 

Then we decided to walk to a waterfall, but winged it. Really we should have stopped at the nature center to ask for advice. We never made it to the waterfall, but it was fun to be in a rain forest type environment and hike in Hawaii. Its humid and a bit wet, but very lush and green. Erik picked up a hiking stick while on the trail.

 

Then we stopped in town for some lunch and a Kauai speciality, shaved ice. We ordered all the special ones on the menu which came with some rich cream, but they were delicious and Elliot kept saying "yummy" over and over. It seemed to be a big word for him that trip.

The next day I was determined to see a waterfall and found a description in our guide book that there was one only a 10 minute hike away. Perfect I thought to myself, forgetting that with kids, 10 minutes really means 40 minutes, but I got to see a small waterfall and had to settle with that. Another time, same obsession next trip.

 

Then we headed to something we knew the kids would enjoy a train ride and the ability to feed animals. Elliot was so excited he could barely contain himself. Definitely a successful excursion and one they wanted to repeat every time we drove by.

Last but not least a quick visit to spouting horn on our way to dinner. This was our busiest and last busy day of the trip, due to health issues.

After dinner that night Erik complained of being sick to his stomach. We thought nothing of it and all went to sleep. The next day he woke up wheezing and we knew an asthma attack was coming and it would be a very long day. It was the only rainy day on the island so we were lucky in that regard, but we thought if we took Erik out of the condo it might help to distract him, it did some of the time but he mostly felt terrible and kept getting worse. We gave up around 11 am and headed home and I took Elliot out to the beach that afternoon. No pictures from that excursion, but a rough day for all. 

The first thing we did to distract Erik is try to find something to do with a stroller so we headed to the botanical gardens. It was very very boring! We lasted 10 minutes and then decided to head to a park.

We headed to the west side, my sense of direction was off on this island and what I thought was 20 minutes was 40 minutes, but the park was incredible. The boys had a good time, but you could tell Erik was heading downhill.

I won't lie, that night was rough and Carl and I took turns sleeping in Erik's bed and giving him medicine. We even called 911 at some point because he turned blue from being hysterical. But like a trooper, the next morning you could tell he was feeling better so we just headed back to Poipu Beach and fully expected Erik to just dig sandcastles and rest. No this boy was running around and having the time of his life. The beach cured him of any mental asthma effects and the fresh air helped. It was by far our best beach trip. 

We even got to see a sea turtle that day which was awesome. Erik was jealous when I told him Elliot and I saw a monk seal and turtle the day before. I am glad he got to see something.

Then Erik and Elliot found their own personal nirvana, a big hole to play in. Elliot was literally diving head first into the hole. A big sand mess, but totally worth it watching them have to much fun.

The rest of the time we just took it easy and didn't push ourselves or Erik. We stayed close to home and just enjoyed the beach and each other's company, but here are a few more moments I can't forget.

Erik and Elliot playing the kissing game.

Elliot's teddy bear, he literally started tackling and hugging this thing in the store. We couldn't resist the purchase and it was his companion the entire trip. Totally forgotten now with new birthday toys!

I always said to myself that Hawaii was a perfect vacation with kids because you can sit at the beach and not care. Yes,  I saw the ads for kayaking trips, hiking excursion, whale watching, etc. There was so much I wanted to do, but I realized if we are lucky there are more trips like this in the future for me and hanging out at beaches isn't that bad and really really fun!