We flew to Kauai on the 25th. It was a long day of travel. We had a layover and changed planes/airlines at LAX. Of course, by layover, I mean one hour to get out of the SWA terminal, run/bus 4 terminals over, then have to go through security again before getting to our gate just in time to board. Seriously, you have to leave the secured part of the airport and go back in. Not impressed, LAX.
We arrived to Kauai late in the afternoon (thank you, time change!), jumped in our bright red jeep and started our Hawaiian adventure. As always, Bassam had researched this trip extensively, so we went with a list of the best things to see and do and yummiest places to eat in hand. My cousin Paul and his wife Terri also added to the list, as both grew up there. There were brief showers every day, always followed by a rainbow. Temperatures never went above the 80s and the locals couldn't have been nicer. The kids enjoyed learning to snorkel, eating shave ice and Bassam and Matt even got in a game of golf.
We spent half our week in Poipu and half in Princeville. But no matter where you were on the island there were beautiful things to see, waterfalls to admire and beaches to enjoy. We tried to take in as much as possible
Some people lay on the beach or play in the waves. Gracie does this. She rode her boogie board in the waves one minute and was doing back handsprings on the sand the next. Clearly not something she gets from either of her parents.
We attempted hiking Waimea Canyon twice, but both times got thwarted by rain, fog and sloppy trails in the mountains. Very frustrating as it was one of my favorite things when Bassam and I visited in 2010. But we enjoyed all the lookouts along the way.
After a week in paradise, we packed up and headed back to the airport. Thankfully, we only had one flight to contend with, as we made a stop in Los Angeles to visit our friends, the Franks and Gracie's BFF, Alex. In two days, we saw the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica Pier & Beach, the LA fireworks, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Walk of Fame and more. The kids loved Santa Monica Pier best and spent hours riding the roller coaster, ferris wheel and bumper cars. We got there early before the crowd so there was no waiting for them.
But the best part was seeing Alex and Gracie together again. They had such a great time and we enjoyed catching up with Jay and Linda, too.
But all good things have to come to an end. And for us, this was our longest vacation ever at 10 days. As much fun as we had, I was ready to be back in my own bed, home with Charlie and as it happens, packing the kids up for church camp, which they leave for on Sunday morning.
Unpack the suitcase, pack the camp duffle.
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