beach day

We went with the Hunts to Gillian's Beach in Koloa on Hawken Birthday. It was a nice little beach, tucked away, and all to ourselves.  The kids looked for seashells in the lava rocks, and made boats out of coconuts, and built a fort out of fallen tree branches near the beach. It was such a nice day.

Snuggling with Sully and taking funny pictures.

Reading a book about beaches in Kauai, while on a beach in Kauai. So funny.

Hawken got lots of birthday calls and FaceTimes from friends and family. Thank you!

Silhouetted pictures as the sun is setting will always be my favorite.

Paul made bows for all the kids out of sticks and rope we rescued from the ocean.

Besties. They are so much fun together.

tortoises

There is a tortoise farm near the cave, so we went there too. It's free, but of course, it accepts donations. After walking around the grounds, we found some tortoises, and they were HUGE!

 It's a little alarming to walk through the jungle, and see a tortoise big enough to ride on... Some are marked with numbers on their shells so the people who run the farm can keep track of them more easily. Matix fed this one breadfruit.

We had so much fun here, climbing trees and hunting around for tortoises. Such a new experience.

Makauwahi Cave

We went to see the Makauwahi Cave in Koloa with the Hunt family. You have to go on a day that it's open for tours, otherwise they lock this tiny door entrance. It was a bit small, but opened right away to a big open room, so not very claustrophobic. Thank goodness.

Inside, the lady graciously gave us a free tour and she had lots of information to share. We learned a ton.

Paul posing on the birthing stone, that had been used for generations... Clearly he's never been in labor, since this is what he thinks it looks like... 

A view from inside the cave, looking toward the birthing stone.

Me with the keikis leaving the cave, you can see the tiny door behind Matix.

Paul tried getting a picture of me on the outside by the door, but the best pictures are these with Amy crawling through, it gives you a good idea of how tight the squeeze is!

date night and present morning

We went out for a double date with the Hunts. Tons of good food and laughs. We love them. Also, Amy and I found a Kauai rock there! We left it for another kid to find though, since all our kids were home.

Paul and I bought Hawken this stuffed animal rooster with a lei around it's neck and put it in Hawk's bed that night, and he found it when he woke up and yelled with excitement!

Birthday morning presents are always exciting! Thank you to the grandparents and great grandparents who sent him cards, money, and gifts. He was elated.

Hawken spent his money on a baby chicken stuffed animal, some more Minecraft things, Tsum Tsums, and Legos. Thank you!

Hawk turns 8!

Hawken turned 8 in December! How could this be?! My sweet little Hawky. He wanted a playground birthday, just like the other kids did. He made marshmallow fondant decorations on his cupcakes all by himself. 

Lots of friends came, and spoiled this happy 8 year old.  They ran and played and had the best time.

We sure love this boy, and we are happy he had such a great birthday party! It was one day before his actual birthday, so he got double presents, lucky him! Happy birthday Hawk!