Hawaii Two-O

I know I am dating myself (which is easier and easier to do these days) but do you remember Hawaii Five-O? Can you hear the theme music? Can you feel your heart beat and the surf break? I still can - but Hawaii Two-O is even better.

Well, even if you missed the epic TV series Hawaii Five-O, here is a glimpse of our epic: Hawaii Two-O.

2010 is an epic year for us. We will celebrate our twentieth year of marriage. Sarah will graduate from high school. Rachel will start high school in the fall. Tracy and Nate will bless us with our first grandchild any day.

2009 was kind of rough: Sarah rolled her Jeep, Tracy had gallbladder surgery, Eric was laid off, my nurse of 17 years retired, Sarah injured her knee and spent most of her summer recovering from surgery and in a full-length knee brace, Steve tore his Achilles, Steve spent 5 days in the hospital with pneumonia, Grampa David was in the hospital, Gramma Jane was in the hospital, Gramma Bev was in and out and in and out of the hospital, Shadow (our dog) was in the hospital, Gramma Mary died, Rachel entered the public school system, Steve turned 50, Steve tore his Achillles again, Steve had his Achilles tendon repaired........

Nonetheless, we also had some very positive things happen: Sarah and I went to Guatemala on a mission trip with Hands of Hope, Eric and Angela were married, Sarah was honored with the Hearts of Gold award and my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Although I am a firm believer that "the glass is always half full," I will admit that I was not disappointed to see 2009 come to an end --- and did not set any high expectations for 2010.

Ergo Hawaii Two-O was an especially nice surprise Christmas present from Steve. (After all :o) I think he deserved to take me some place really nice.) This was not even touted as an anniversary trip, but that's OK. I won't even pout if he forgets Valentine's Day this year . . . . I'm just happy to be with my hubby. (Being in Paradise is just a perk --- as is having friends invite us to join them in Kawai!)

Now that you have made it through my long-winded preface, I hope you enjoy the rest of our journey . . . . we did.

Hawaii Two-O began with a few days alone on Maui.

The lava fields..........We saw an octopus while we were snorkeling!

The road to Hana (Nothing much there, but the road around the island is spectacular --- and an adventure!)

Then we headed to Kauai to spend a week with some very gracious friends (and mentors).
This was our home for the week on Poipu Beach.

. . . and my favorite surf shop.

Of course, I didn't spend a lot of time just sitting on the beach.........

One of many awesome running trails.

Our hosts, Brent and Karen, on our hike along the Napali Coast. (We left Steve on the beach down below.)

Spectacular even though it was hazy. (Gotta go back!)

Java stop :o)

Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the sea

and frolicked in the autumn mist

in a land called Hananlei . . .

I didn't see Puff, but I would go back in a flash to continue my childhood quest --- that I didn't know was real until now.

Thanks for Hawaii Two-O, Love