OK, this take 2 on posting these pictures...I'll keep it brief so the internet gods don't get mad and shut down again.
This Christmas we spent the holidays in Hawaii, on the Big Island, in Waikaloa which is just north of Kona. It was perfect - lots of family, warm weather, lots of beach and pool time, and overall just very relaxing. My mom found a really lovely condo that was 1) nicer than our real house and 2) perfectly situated...a little more private than the big resorts but with all the amenities. It was truly very difficult to get on that return flight home.
The first few days were were there, up until the day after Christmas or so, the place was fairly quiet. But after Christmas lots of families started to arrive for the week between Christmas and New Years and the place certainly picked up.
This Christmas we spent the holidays in Hawaii, on the Big Island, in Waikaloa which is just north of Kona. It was perfect - lots of family, warm weather, lots of beach and pool time, and overall just very relaxing. My mom found a really lovely condo that was 1) nicer than our real house and 2) perfectly situated...a little more private than the big resorts but with all the amenities. It was truly very difficult to get on that return flight home.
The first few days were were there, up until the day after Christmas or so, the place was fairly quiet. But after Christmas lots of families started to arrive for the week between Christmas and New Years and the place certainly picked up.
One of the best things was landing in Kona and less than 90 minutes later being on the beach! Annabel could not wait to get in the water. She was a real water baby this trip and her swimming "skills" and comfort in the water improved dramatically.
Life was not hard.
Christmas morning was a bit different this year - Santa rolled up in his yacht to deliver packages. We didn't have a tree so gifts were found in a blow up pool raft.
And the stockings were hung by the media cabinet with care...
Annabel was a little dazed and confused this morning, but quickly caught on.
This trip was not about going snorkling, zip lining, or riding in helicoptors (for us), and it will not likely be that way for a few more years, but we did do a couple of fun things outside of the pool and beach. I took Annabel to go touch and feed the dolphins at the Hilton next door (Dolphin Quest) which was amazing for the both of us. She was a bit apprehensive at first but in the end she warmed up and fed them fish.
My aunt came with us and watched - that day most people toured the island by helicoptor or plane.
Here she is in the water with the dolphin Kona.
Much of the Big Island's coastline is covered in lava rock but there are some white sandy beaches. This day we went to Hapuna Beach and there was just something really special about Annabel that day. She was clearly in heaven - the big beach, swimming in the ocean, and playing in the waves. I just wanted to freeze time stay there forever.
One day Matt went golfing at the Mauna Kea. The course wasn't necessarily very kind to him, but it was certainly easy on the eyes.
Alas, our trip had to come to the end so we spend one last afternoon at Lava Lava for cocktails and pupu's on the beach.
