A Weekend on San Juan Island

Alex is now working on the Hiyu on the Inter-Island route. We went up after school on Friday to visit him for the weekend. We stayed at Lonesome Cove Resort in a cozy one bedroom cabin right on the water.

Cole exploring at the cabin.



Cole helping Audrey to practice walking.



The view from the cabin.







Throwing rocks into the water is VERY fun!



Cole carrying his baby turtle back to the cabin. Cole, just like most young children, has a vivid imagination.



Hiyu docked at Friday Harbor.



A nice coffee shop with books and scones.



Ferry just outside the cabin window.



More rock throwin'.



Eating seaweed.



Bleck!



Cole thrives outside, especially on the beach.



Mom and Audrey picnicking at English Camp, a National Historic Park.





Cole played with sticks, ran and just enjoyed himself thoroughly.





Cole and Dad looking at the Straits of Juan de Fuca from South Beach.



The Olympics.



More of Cole and Dad. Lately I have to catch Cole off guard to get a decent picture without his tongue sticking out or some other silly face. Sometimes the angle isn't quite right as in this picture with a lot of sky but still the faces are there and the light is nice.

Big Island, last days

We spent a day at Hookena Beach after the party. Christina basked in the sun almost the entire day while Alex, Cole, Audrey and I went south to South Point. Alex loves this place, the most southern point in the U.S., because of the wind and the vast expanse of ocean. We've come here on all three of our shared visits to Hawaii. We also stopped at the sweet bread store and did laundry. Both Audrey and I were completely out of clothes. While I babysat the laundry in one of the shabbiest laundromats I've visited, Alex took the kids to see a rodeo.

The next day was our last "on the mountain". Christina left for home, we had breakfast with Rachel, Louis and Judy before they left for Kauai, we packed, and then headed to the Waikoloa Hilton. We spent our last two days at the resort in pure luxury. This is an amazing place and great for families with young children.

Dad and Audrey by the pool.



Dad and the kids by the pool.



Even swimming has its limits, Cole exploring the area around the pool.



The Lagoon.



No more pictures Mom!



Happy girl.



The view south from the outer edge of the resort.



Buddha, just one of many statues.



Alex and Audrey. Alex's eyes are blue in Hawaii.



Cole LOVES Hawaii!



Audrey and Buddha.



Grandpa, Tutu, Cole and Audrey.



Brothers, Richard and Frank.



Home Sweet Home! I stand by my claim that 10 days is not a long enough stay for Hawaii. After a 6.25 hour flight to and a 5.25 hour flight back I think it's better to allow for 12 real vacation days and 2 travel days - next time we will stay 14 days!

Big Island Day 6, Richard's 60th Birthday

Alex spent the better part of the day helping with roadwork so I was on my own with the kids.

We spent some time exploring the "Peace Garden". The last time we visited Hawaii Richard had every UN member countries flag hanging over his property. They've since been taken down (probably because of wear) and placed under lava rock in the Peace Garden. It was a bit strange to see this spectacle when we first arrived - rain soaked stuffed animals of all types posed alongside globes and Tibetan prayer flags. However, I think Richard having been a medic in Vietnam feels very strongly about Peace.









There is a lot to explore.



Cole eventually got to help Dad with the work on the road. Here they are on Richard's Kubota backhoe.



This stretch of road was the worst and after a few hours it was almost a delight to drive!



Christina helped with the food prep. Here she is making sushi.



... labeling Cd's



... and babysitting Audrey while she napped.



Sarah was busy baking.



The party starts.



When Louis first arrived at the house Richard was trying to get a feel for what he would like to do on his trip. Richard suggested swimming with dolphins, flying in a helicopter, and riding a horse. These were all things he had been setting up but wanted to make sure Louis' health would allow him to enjoy himself. Louis said he really wanted to see fire dancers. Two days prior to the party Sarah by chance saw a woman on the beach toying around with a fire staff. She told her Louis' story and she agreed to perform at the party. Anyone who doesn't believe in fate should read this story!

Micycle (pronounced like bicycle), balloon artist and fire dancer.



Starting to build the mighty balloon hat.



Hat mid-construction.



Louis in his hat with his Aunt Judy talking to Chris. Chris is also battling brain cancer.



Alex and Christina watching the balloon making.



Rachel, Louis' mom. An amazingly strong and gracious woman.



Me and Audrey. Audrey is wearing her "Life is Good" pajamas, so true!



Cole and one of the three balloon swords Micycle made for him, lava rock is not kind to balloons.



Cole's friend Kelei.



Fire dancers performed to Santana booming from outdoor speakers.



The audience. Kelei, Cole with Frank, Louis, Judy, and Christina





Happy Birthday Grandpa!