Kauai with the Girls

Seb and I thought it would be fun to surprise the girls (most of who have never been on a plane) and take them to Hawaii.  So we made some last minute arrangements and did it.  It was so hard to pack with the kids around!  We finally told them we were going on a trip but didn't tell them where when we were getting in the car.  At the airport we gave them the flight number and made them figure it out.  But by then (we drove from SLC to LA through the night) we were so tired I think we lost a bit of the enthusiasm we were hoping for.  The girls were so good on the flight to Kauai.  Some had to sit by strangers but I could see them down the isle.  Six hours on a plane is always brutal but they were so good.

At the airport dying to take off their clothes because it was so warm and humid.   No one had really slept for 24 hours so I was just glad there weren't any tears. 

M is such a little monkey.  She was freaking out all the Grandparents climbing up so high in the trees.

When the waves were too big (there was a tropical typhoon? When we were there) we swam in the river.    Give Z some water and she is happy.  She loved that she could open her eyes underwater and the didn't hurt because it was fresh water.

One of the kids favorite beaches, Poipu.  The waves were gentle and the weather perfect.

Secret Beach (the secret is that nobody keeps their bathing suits on).  The girls love getting slammed by the huge waves.  Locals kept telling me to be careful because the surf was so high, but we were fine.  I think people assume kids can't swim but mine are pro's.

Back at the beach house.  Every night the kids wanted to swim in the pool.  They couldn't get enough of it!  I should have taken a picture of the sign that said "no yelling or scream near pool."  Yeah right.  Sorry people.

Topless- belly-flop contest winner.  

Ke'e Beach.  This is the most northern beach till you get to the Na Pali coast that you can only hike, boat, or see by helicopter.  It is a crazy jungle hike that I spared the kids.  Honestly I think we would have been reported by someone if we had taken our kids up there.  People thought we were crazy for not having a nanny or help.

S almost 9 years old

Z 6 years old

M 3 years old

O turned 11 while we were there.  The trip was part of her Birthday present.  You only turn 11 on 10-11-12 once.

The whole family (that caused for counting and staring from almost every person on the beach) between Ke'e and Tunnels.  This is where some guy stopped Seb and asked if all those girls were his.  He said his wife was one of six girls and it was the best thing ever and bless him (Seb) for doing it.  I am so grateful to that Dude.  I wish I could have hugged him.    

One of many beautiful sunsets.

Queens Bath.   Seb testing out the waters to see if it was safe for the kids to swim in.  On the hike down there was a sign telling you how many people have died there so we wanted to be careful.

Waves spilling in from the unusually high surf.  

Z can't stop herself anymore and goes for a swim.

My two brave swimmers at one of the coolest spots ever.  We were so glad we found it.  And it was right by our house.

The trail leading down two Queens bath.  Just a beautiful waterfall and some fresh fruit to pick along the way. 

Z having a Tarzan moment.  

Sunset at Tunnels.  Probably the most covered up bums anywhere in Kauai.  Thanks "wedgie" ladies (thumbs down).   This was also the day Olivia snorkeled above a 10ft shark.  She shocked Seb by not being afraid at all.  He had to make her go into the shore.   Time for someone to watch Jaws, or not.   

Inside the dry lava flow cave.  I swear this is where they filmed the Brady Bunch Hawaii episode.  Where was a tikki torch when I needed it? 

Seb doing weeeee with his teeny wahine.  Those clouds were the worst of the storm we saw.  We got so lucky with great weather all week!

Getting in some Dad loving. 

Best climbing tree ever at the St. Regis beach.

Last sunset (sniff).  I cry every time we leave.  I am pretty sure I wasn't the only one crying this time!

All in all it was such a great trip.  We swam with a ton of turtles.  Saw only one (sleepy)shark.  Didn't get anything stolen.  Met really nice people.  And got the girls addicted to Kauai, POG (pineapple, orange guava juice), snorkeling, awesome humidity, reggae, and picking flowers off bushes to put in their hair.  They didn't love the fish, or the long trip back but were really good about it.