We stayed in the same neighborhood as last year, but in a different house. It worked out perfectly, with plenty of room for everyone, a hot tub and a pool, and a short walk to shops and restaurants.
J was a total fish and had a great time swimming in the pool and jumping in the waves. We were hoping Cole would love the water this year, after recent swimming lessons, but he was still not a big fan of his floatie and didn't want to be in the pool unless we were holding him. He did enjoy jumping in and spent lots of time floatie-less in the hot tub, where he seemed much more comfortable since he could touch the bottom. He also loved jumping in the waves and wading in the water.
We didn't have many big plans for the week, and enjoyed relaxing days that often kicked off with a trip to the beach (Poipu, Lydgate (a beach AND a playground!), and Salt Pond), followed by lunch and some downtime (naps for the littles) at the house, following by swimming in the afternoon. We enjoyed some meals out (Garden Island Grill, Lanai, Keoki's Paradise) and some at home. Almost every day, adult lunches were from the awesome selection of local food trucks.
Several evenings were spent on sunset walks, and after the kiddos were in bed, we enjoyed hanging outside and playing a few rounds of Hand & Foot.
One thing we did have planned was family photos. We had them taken on the beach the first morning we were there, and we're hoping for some fun shots!
The boys did well on the plane rides overall, though were easier on the way back - Cole took a 2+ hour nap, and J was pretty into his tablet, whereas on the way there, they were more restless and required more snacks and activities to keep them happy.
A few other highlights included the minivan the Reeders rented, which allowed us all to travel in style wherever we went. (Truly it was very handy!) Cole had a blast looking for "shells" (rocks) to bring to his teachers (all his own idea) and sticks. He also loved picking up flowers in the yard that had blew down from the trees. He'd put his daily collections in a pot near the front door, and was always surprised that everything was still there every time we returned home. Jackson would have been happy in the pool every waking moment - it was hard to get him out of it! He his recent swimming lessons paid off - he was able to swim all the way across the pool. We all enjoyed tasty shave ice at least 4 times from Uncle's, The Fresh Shave and Locococo.
Napping on the plane made for some snuggles
Aloha! We made it!
The boys did great sharing a room. J would help Cole with knowing when it was time to get up, and then they would both come sneak into our room for cuddles and tablet time in the a.m.
Dinner on our first night. And where we ate many other meals during our stay.
This cat! We have no idea who it belonged to, but it loved hanging with us, and would meow until we'd come outside. Then it would disappear for a few days, before returning for a few days. And apparently Hawaiian cats like to stalk and eat geckos. Just saying. But we couldn't not get some photos/selfies with it!
These two!
Photo by J.
Cole had a great time digging in the sand.
And was always pooped by nap time.
You guys see Moana out there??
We saw about five of these guys on the beach and got to watch them each swim back out to sea.
A sun bathing seal! And oddly enough, he was in the same spot as the one we saw last year.
Chatting and playing instruments.Adorbs!
Jackson bought a ukulele with his souvenir money, while Cole bought a hand drum and bongo. They also each picked up a mini rooster stuffed animal, as a nod to the many wild roosters running around the island.
Another day, another shave ice!
Clever Lisa found a way to have someone brush her hair, which Cole occupied with an activity he enjoys, so I could pack on the last day. A win, win, win!
Nice job, Daddy! Both boys asleep?!
These kiddos loved watching the live music at the market and even did some lovely dancing.
Go, Jackson fishie, go!
And I'll leave you with these views/sunsets. Seriously could not get enough. Until next time Kauai/Hawaii!
