Happy 11th Birthday Callie!

This girl turned 11. I can’t believe it. She’s my animal loving, sweet, kind, friend to everyone, talented, musical, best big sister, and a total Daddy’s girl. We are so lucky to have this little firecracker in our family.

Road to Hana

The north/east side of Maui (opposite side from where we were staying in Kihei) has a beautiful coast line drive that takes you through some amazing jungles filled with waterfalls, unique beaches and cool hikes. We got up early Saturday morning and drove to Wai'anapanapa State Park where there was a gorgeous Black Sand Beach. We had reservations from 7-10am and got to the Black sand Beach around 8:30am. I really wish we would have had a little more time at this beach it was super fun walking and playing in the black sand and exploring the rocks and surroundings. We had a lot of fun in this small cave reenacting the little mermaid scene. Haha I think Jeff won this competition. 

Next we headed for Kipahulu Haeakala National Park. The main thing to do there is hike the Pipiwai trail to a 400 foot Waimoku Falls. This 4 mile round trip hike was really beautiful lots of shade complete with bamboo forest, Huge trees, super pretty. We hike beyond the "stopping point" and got right up and under the waterfall. Very refreshing and an amazing hike. 

A few other cool stops included the Koki Beach Park - Red sand beach. This beach was beautiful but super rocky and I wish I would have taken my water shoes to help with the sharp rocks. You had a small hike down to the beautiful cove the beach had a camp ground feel with trees, dirt, rock with amazingly clear water . We got here later in the day so it was a little more chilly than I would have preferred, so we didn't stay long. 

Hamoa Beach was a beautiful white sand beach. super soft sand and a crescent shaped relaxing spot. Fun to explore, hang out and just play. I really wish this beach had been located closer to Kihei where we stayed.

The drive all along the way was just beautiful with breathtaking views and lots of fun stops. We stopped and bought some authentic Hawaiian Leis from a couple of adorable local children. Stopped at a local fruit stand in the town of Hana ate some yummy food (I was never so excited for GF French fries in my life!) and purchased some souvenir's. 

Hawaii 2022 Celebrating 20 years of bliss

I feel so blessed. Ron and I had the opportunity to go on a week long vacation with out our children. I love my kids but I'm not going to lie it was really nice spending that time alone with Ron. We have never taken a trip this long or like this before and it was incredible. We went to Maui, Hawaii and experienced the ocean, whales, snorkeling, hiking, paddle boarding, boating, swimming and exploring. I enjoyed every single second of this trip and am so grateful for friends and family that made it possible for us to go. 

Ron is so adventurous and fun to travel with. He never complains about anything and is always up for an excursion or experience. Poor Ron had some sort of sinus infection the entire trip but he didn't complain once and didn't let it hold him back. We snorkeled, paddle boarded, swam and cliff jumped on the regular. The only thing I could think to possibly complain about is Ron's level of excitement over the whales. He was so enchanted by the whale activity and his excitement only slight irked me when I was trying to relax on the beach. Haha He wouldn't let me nap and had to inform me every time he saw a whale breach or spout on the horizon across the ocean water. It was adorably annoying at times mostly because it was whale season and the whales activity was constant. LOL

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring and experiencing the ocean with this man. He seems so invincible to me. I've always been someone who is cautious of underwater animals, Sharks specifically. They have unrealistically terrified me for most of my life. I have been so surprised with our last 2 beach trips that I am able to snorkel and experience the ocean not letting my fears get the better of me. I know all of that is because of Ron. He makes me feel safe and pushes me to experience things. I love that about him and I know he would fight a shark off for me if necessary.