family vacation

we were so lucky to be able to go to the big island of hawaii for spring break with my parents this year. we rented a condo in mauna lani just outside of kona for the week. needless to say, it was pretty fantastic. i had never been to that island before and mike had never been to hawaii - so it was full of new adventures. flying into kona was actually shocking - it was so barren, really unlike the other islands - it really did look like a moonscape. but, as soon as we got off the plane (a direct flight from PDX - and really good toddlers) the hawaiian breeze and the smell hit us. this is what i was waiting for. we spent the week playing in the pool, jumping in the waves, exploring the wet side of the island and seeing a volcano (although it wasn't erupting at the time).

the kids loved the water - which is what i was hoping for, although every time we went to the pool, miles said he didn't want to get wet - which of course is just a 4 year old's way of getting some attention. then we couldn't get him out. same with ella, although i think she just liked strutting around in her swim suit. that girl does not walk, she totally sashays. it was so nice to spend time on a beach with family. finally, it felt like a real vacation.

highlights: the private beach club that our condo had, seeing a turtle on the beach as i was running one morning, the hilton and their sunset, horseback riding mauna kea on my birthday, watching the kids have the time of their lives with my parents. that there is the best thing in the world. we are really trying to stack up those memories, and this trip for sure was a keeper.