Illinois Hawaii Part 2

Waking up in Hawaii is amazing. Since it is four hours behind Colorado's Mountain Standard Time, every day I woke up feeling rested as though I had slept in, even if it was 6am.

We spent our first morning hiking the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Perhaps because of our early start, we had the trail almost entirely to ourselves.

The humidity and exertion had us soaking in our own sweat before long. I think it was also this trail where I tripped on a slippery root and fell nearly face first in the mud. Is it obvious that Forest and I prefer playing in the dirt over of getting pampered at a resort?

Speaking of muddy trails, this one was scattered with mysterious crescent-shaped leaves. I looked up and finally figured out which trees produced them.

Eventually the jungle scenery opened up to a view of the ocean and stunning slopes displaying every imaginable shade of green. (No color enhancing on these hiking photos--it is the real thing)

As we approached the cliff, the color contrasts were breathtaking--radiant blues from the ocean and sky were set against cascading greens and brilliant red dirt.

We stayed up there at the end of the trail as long as we could. And enjoyed a box of Cheez-Its.

Then it was time to turn around and head back into the moist jungle.

At our rental car, we were greeted by a gathering of chickens and roosters. These feathered creatures really rule (some might say infest) the island of Kauai these days.

After we changed out of our hiking clothes, we found out that a tourist lookout onto the Waimea Canyon wasn't too far from the trail head, so we swung by to take in some more amazing views.

We were starving by the time we drove back into town. A food truck called Porky's seemed like the perfect place to stop. This is what we had for lunch:

Forest told me later that this was his favorite meal the entire time we were in Hawaii. 

Next on the itinerary was a tour of the Allerton Garden on the south side of the Island. Besides being a beautiful tropical garden, this tour was especially interesting for me and Forest because we were already familiar with another Allerton Garden back in Illinois. Robert Allerton also owned land near Monticello, where he built a similarly elaborate garden, now owned by the University of Illinois. 

While we waited for the next bus tour, there was a spot to enjoy some relaxing live music and watch Hawaiian dancing.

A view from the bus, overlooking the private beach that was part of the Allerton property:

Allerton home overlooking the ocean:

The garden was like a paradise inside paradise. So many peculiar and beautiful things.

Our tour guide was a very charismatic guy named Paul. His jokes and stories kept the group laughing through the entire tour.

 Along the way, he introduced us to Butters the duck . . .

 . . . and Alfredo the rooster. Both birds followed us around the grounds and provided additional entertainment.

Here is the statue of Goddess Diana:

Paul pointed out the gekko eggs in her armpit

There were gekkos everywhere.

Here is Alfredo and Paul performing a trick by the mirror pond

View of the famouse mermaid statues from above:

Okinawan Spirit Box (the Allertons collected a lot of things)

 An ancient wall that was here when the Allertons purchased the land:

A popular spot for movie scenes:

Down by the mermaid statues:

A spot for a scene from Jurassic park:

After our tour, we stopped at Spouting Horn to watch the water spray up with the tide

We had dinner in Poipu 

The same guitar player and dancers from earlier set up in front of the restaurant to perform

That was day one.

Illinois Hawaii Part 1

Our family took a pretty big trip last summer. It started with a drive from Colorado to Illinois.

Then there was a day of pool time and play time at Paca and Teresa's house.

Cousin Aubrey was there to play with us.

So was Cousin Ella.

And Aunt Christie and Uncle Dan.

And Baby June.

And Gemma. With her sister Joni and parents Gavin and Kristen. It was a party.

After the kids went to bed, Forest and I slept for a few hours, then got up to go to the airport. We flew to Denver, of all places. It was really inefficient travel, I know.

Then we connected to Kauai.

Getting off the plane was like entering a completely different world. A really beautiful one.

I couldn't believe the two of us finally made it to Hawaii. We had talked about it, dreamed about it, planned it, and it actually happened.

Wylie Glasses

After a doctor check-up in June, we were told Wylie needed an eye exam. A visit to an eye doctor with a two-year-old is no picnic, but we got through it and the doctor was able to put together a prescription for him. We picked out some frames for his little face, and the glasses were ready at the beginning of July.

He really liked his glasses case . . . and he was okay with the glasses the first few minutes after we put them on. His sisters were thrilled for him, saying it made him look like Harry Potter.

It was hard to keep them on his face the first few weeks, and at times he still has his moments of rebellion when he doesn't want to wear them.

But overall I was pleasantly surprised at his cooperation. They must really help him see better. And he's received many comments about those glasses being "spot on" to complete his look.

Red, White, and Hullabaloo

Wylie and I watched his sisters roll through the annual neighborhood Fourth of July parade last summer. Here they are getting ready:

And off they go!

Ramona stopped to share her balloon with Wylie before she continued her parade route.

Mika!

Daddy and Paula!

Fire truck!

Ramona again!

Snowcones!

Pool!

Potato Head matching game with chocolates!

Fireworks!

Instead of going to the Timnath Reservoir, we set up on the hill at the community park and watched from a distance.

Hooray for Independence Day!