Kauai

We've arrived in Kauai last night to weather warnings of sever rain, flash flooding and high winds. I'm not complaining because, hey, I'm in Hawaii. Luckily this morning it seems we've been given a reprieve and it turned out to be a beautiful day. We took a walk around the resort and then drove up the coast to see what we could see.

We are staying at Pono Kai in Kappa thanks to my grandparents time share. You can see by the trees that it's very windy. The water is very rough and I took many pictures but they just didn't do it justice. Lets just say I won't be going out in that water any time soon.

On the north side of the island the water was much more hospitable. Must be the direction of the wind I guess. We are having fun in the Jeep that we rented for our time here. It's awesome riding with top off. (Jen, this is the closest thing to a beach pic your going to get with me in it!) Please excuse the picture quality, I think I had a smudge on my lens or something.

This island is crazy beautiful. They call it the Hollywood of Hawaii since there have been so many movies filmed here. Jurassic Park, Tropic Thunder and Indiana Jones just to name a few. Everything is very lush and green and there are some spectacular views. I can't wait to explore more as the week goes on.

Till next time I say again, Aloha!!

Heaven for some

The Yard House in Waikiki is Nick's happy place. This is just one side of the bar and as you can see there are alot of beer on tap. On average 125 varieties at any given time, from all over the world. I'm proud to say they even have Moosehead... brewed in Saint John NB, my home town.

Paradise at 730 am

The view from our hotel at 730 this morning. We're on the 24th floor at the Outrigger Beachcomber. Great choice if you ever come to Honolulu.

The surfers were out first thing. I love having a camera that you can crop from that far away and still end up with a decent picture.

We're up very early this morning because after 22 and a half hours of travelling we were exhausted. I was asleep by 915 last night (hence the early morning pictures and post) and am planning on having siesta later in the day so we can hit the town tonight. Yardhouse, here we come. But this time no Senior Frogs because I just can't deal with that hangover again. It's been almost 2 years since we were here last and I still haven't got over that.

Aloha!

Off to paradise

The bags are packed.... again, but this time it's one-not so full-bag each. No car seat, stroller, amauti or diaper bag. Nick and I are off to the sandy shores of Hawaii in the morning. Or should I say in a few hours since the flight leaves Saint John at the ungodly hour of 530am. No matter how early I'm psyched and can't wait to get going.

I said goodby to Oliver tonight as I put him to bed. I have to admit I got a little teary as I said my final I love you before I put him down. I'm a little torn on how I think I'll handle being away from Mr. O for 10 whole days. Most of me says I'll be fine. Of course I'll miss him but it's our time and I'll enjoy it. The tiniest other part of me says that it'll be harder than I think. Only time will tell I guess but I go in excited to live our 'pre-kid' life again, even for a little while.

Aloha to you all... I'll be in touch!

Leaves and trees

I've said it before.... the thing I miss most about the south is the trees. I have been thoroughly enjoying the scenery since I've been back and have confirmed my thoughts that this is the most beautiful place in the world. At least to me. I love the rugged beauty of the north and it makes me happy every day but there is something about the trees, the ocean and the hills of the maritimes that makes my heart sing.

Today was a beautiful fall day for leaf pictures in the back yard, even though Oliver wasn't digging the new texture.

Touching grass for the first time and enjoying the view.

Just Play

We made it.

We finally got to Saint John after staying that extra night in Halifax. The morning flight went off without a hitch and made it to mom and dad's by 10am. It feels great to be around my family. This trip is extra special because my sister who has been living in Calgary the last few years is back in Saint John so we get to spend lots of time together. I've also been anxious to get our boys together so they can get to know each other. Unfortunately, the first meeting didn't go well. Erik, who is a year and 4 days older than O, took one look at my mom hugging "his Oma" and lost it. He is used to being the king of family's attention and was not happy about sharing his throne. Over the last few days he is coming around and I think they'll be good friends by the end of the trip.

So far the trip has been great. We've settled in and have had the opportunity to see a few friends and family members. There is nothing like hanging out with friends from way back, Lots of stories to laugh and reminisce about. I've also had the chance to get my hair cut and did some shopping. I seem to have fallen back in to the southern swing rather easily. The thing I've enjoyed the most so far is taking O to Just Play. It's a huge indoor playground that they have recently opened in Saint John and the kids had a great time.

Oliver loved watching the colors flash and change on the LED game floor.

Erik really likes the slide.


O is obsessed with the stairs lately so these are stairs he's allowed to tackle.



Way way up on the bridge.


A good time was had by all. Not sure about the kids but I for one can't wait to go again.

So close...

Guess what? Would you believe we're still not home? I'm sitting in a hotel in Halifax instead of having beers with my family in Saint John. So close, yet so far away!

We were on our way down the runway in Iqaluit and and the plane slowed right down. Some kind of light went off in the cockpit that they had to check out before we could leave. Luckily it was nothing and we headed back out but at that point we were already an hour late and I was going to miss my connection. There were no later flights getting in tonight so we'll be taking our last leg in the morning. It's been a long day and am exhausted so I'm off to bed.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back tonight! Hope you all had a great Halloween.