On Wednesday, May 23rd, the children and I set out on our journey across the country. I was pretty nervous prior to traveling when I found out that Jesse wasn't on the same flights or even airport as us. But after a few moments of trepidation, I took a deep breath and went into full scale planning mode on how we could make this work for us. I lucked out that day and the kids were straight up awesome on our travel date. We rode the Dartmouth Coach from Lebanon, NH to Boston, MA and it dropped us off at our terminal about 1.5 hours before our flight left. We struggled slightly with all our luggage until we hit the check in lines for US Airways. Thanks to some really wonderful airport employees, we were checked in quickly and hurriedly unloaded our two checked bags and headed to the security checkpoint much lighter than before. Again I had more awesome employees that allowed us to go to the front of the line and a very nice man behind me that helped the kids get their carryon bags up on the counter. The only sticky situation we got into was when Eli first dumped his soda all over the chair and his happy meal while waiting at our gate and then him standing up with his Happy Meal container and having the entire bottom fall out because it was wet, causing his food to spill all over the floor. Beyond that it was smooth sailing. The children entertained themselves with games and movies on our Kindle Fires, playing games on my phone, coloring, matchbox cars for Eli, snacks, and complimentary soda. It was perfect timing when Maddie announced she was finally bored right as we were landing in Phoenix. All in all, it turned out to be a great day and I am proud to say I'm no longer scared of flying solo with the three kids at an airport. I would totally do it again in a heartbeat. We had a crowd of people meet us at the airport and I will never forget the pure joy etched on my children's faces as they ran to greet the family. Joanna, Abby, Nona, Papa, Grandpa and Grandma were all there right outside the security checkpoint with huge smiles on their faces! It had been ten long months since we had seen Abby, Grandma and Grandpa and it was exciting to finally be reunited. I cannot even explain how badly I had missed my parents or how nice it was to finally see them. It has been an incredible experience to learn how to live our lives independant of outside family, but also very difficult to go long time periods without my parents or sister around. The first thing I did once we loaded in the car is head straight over to my sisters house to see my new niece Keira. What an amazing experience it was to hold that sweet newborn in my arms and love on her one week old self!
The next day Jesse and I were up early early early and on our plane headed to Kauai. We felt like it was a wonderful opportunity to spend one on one time with each other before he headed off to Baltimore for the summer. Here's a super brief synopsis of our vacation:
Thursday: Flew in, spent HOURS at the airport with the car rental situation, Adam picked us up, dropped us off at our rental property in Princeville, tried walking to Hanulei, ended up catching a taxi into town, ate at L&L Hawaiian BBQ, had a snow cone (wished it was a shaved ice), caught the bus back semi-near Princeville and walked the rest of the way home in the rain.
Friday: Jesse took the bus into Hanulei, rented us a scooter, we drove over to the GINORMOUS beach house next to "Secret Beach" and hung out with family. Stopped at the Kilauea Light House and snapped a few pics before arriving at the house. I paddled boarded in Hanulei while Jesse, Ryan, Josh, Gina, Kendra all went surfing. Came back and had an amazing seafood dinner complete with crab, oysters, lobsters----Uncle Vince had the seafood shipped from the mainland by one of his friends. T, J, Sarah, Kendra, Josh, Erin, Ryan, Michael all hiked down to Secret Beach and had a bonfire with smores. Drove Adam's car back to our rental due to rain and time of departure
Saturday: drove back to beach house, Tiffany went with Sarah, Kendra, and Gina to nail salon where they got mani's/pedi's. After we went to lunch with all the girls at ........... Jesse went spear fishing with Josh, Michael, Jeremy, and Ryan. Stopped for some local cold coconut at "The Coconut Experience" on or way to the hotel. Got ready for the wedding, drove in the RAIN to Tunnels Beach, soaking wet, watched the beach wedding then headed over to the Tavern for wedding dinner. Had some drama with keys and the scooter, ended up leaving it at the beach. Following dinner, drove over to the beach with it pitch black and followed J back on the scooter. Had some difficulties getting the top to Adam's jeep back on during another massive rain storm. Another late night :)
Sunday: T woke up late while Jesse went back to the beach house for brunch and to take Adam, Ryan and Erin to the airport. J ended up being gone literally for HOURS that day. Like until 2:30pm because there plane took off much later than anticipated. Once he returned we went on a little drive, took pics by some bamboo trees and I ended up getting attacked by mosquitos. Like literally 40+ bites on my legs and arms....no fun. Also stopped at a beautiful beach called Waiakalua Beach, aka "pretty beach" and took some fun sunset pictures. Ended up being a memorable afternoon full of beautiful, scenic pics.
Monday: Went snorkeling in the AM near "Queens bath" which included a swim/walk through the turtle cave. T ended up smashing her face into a lava rock with lots of blood and some nasty cuts, had a trip to the local grocery mart to get tools to dig the rocks out of my lip laceration. Debated going to the ED but ultimately didn't, had a yummy shaved ice and met up with Brad and Jackie & family at a noodle restaurant. Had fun visiting with friends, T's face/jaw/lip continued to ache :(
Tuesday: Hiked up along the Napoli Coast to the _________ waterfall and beach, was a beautiful 8 mile hike. J and I are a little competitive and probably ran halfway up and back. We were told that we reminded an older couple of a couple of billy goats...made us feel young. J swam in the waterfall water. Both of us slightly tweaked our ankle/foot. Ate L&L BBQ after, went to a farmers market and ate legue??sp?? and chocolate covered bananas. Got fancy ready, then walked over near Queens Bath at sunset to snap HOURS of photos thanks to the mister. Ate dinner at The Tavern.
Wednesday: Packed up place, checked out, then headed towards Lihue for the airport. Stopped and bought a few souvenirs on the way. End of trip and excited to see the kiddos again <3
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