Aloha!

We had the great opportunity to go to Hawaii with my extended family for 10 days in January.  In total there were 36 of us who went.  We went to the resort that I grew up going to so I have so many great memories from being there.  It was fun to see the kids running around and doing the same things that I remember doing when I was little.  We spent our days playing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, catching geckos, finding coconuts, boogie boarding, snorkeling, catching sand crabs, paddle boarding and eating too much good food.  The ocean was super calm while we were there which was perfect for the little kids.  They would swim and boogie board for hours at a time.  Jace loved playing in the sand and drinking strawberry smoothies. Bailey's favorite think to do was swim in the ocean with anyone who would take her and Brooklyn loved playing in the sand too. I was amazed at how much she loved to swim too! We took her in the pool expecting her to cry but she just started splashing around and trying to get Jace and Bailey.  The next day we took her in the ocean and she loved that too!  It was a wonderful and relaxing vacation and we all had a great time!

Brooklyn's first day at the beach.

Jace and Stetson

Jace found a coconut and Brody helped him crack it open so
we could all try it.

Aloha Hawaii!  The first night we ordered pizza and had dinner on the beach while
we enjoyed the sunset.

Sand crab hunting.  We like to go to the beach at night with flashlights and find sand crab holes.
When we find one we dig until we find the crab and then catch them.  This year my mom got smart and
brought head lamps :)

Jace and Bailey playing in their "spider web".

Every day the hotel had activities at the beach for the kids to do.  One day the activity
was hula skirt making.  Jace and Stetson were fire dancers.

She loved the beach.

Bailey and her hula skirt

Jumping over the waves.  They stayed out here all day.

Tennis lessons with Papa. 

Enjoying the beach with Brooklyn

Breakfast.  Everyday his breakfast consisted of banana bread, strawberries, bacon, tomatoes,
a coconut pastry, a waffle with coconut syrup and guava to drink.  Hey, it was all you could eat :)

Stet and Bailey at breakfast. 

Brooklyn loved playing in the ocean.

Sisters

Jace caught a gecko and was trying to put it on my while I
took his picture.

We can't wait to meet you baby Goldie!

Jace, Bailey and Stet boogie boarding.  The water was shallow and the
waves were small.  A perfect combination for kids!

Gecko hunting with dad.

Jace and Bailey were so excited to have Brooklyn in the water with them and Brooklyn would
laugh and try to get them whenever they were close.

I got a new underwater camera for Christmas.  We were just trying it out but I like this picture of Jace and I.

Bailey teaching Brooklyn to boogie board.

The kids tend to fight over who gets to play with Kristina.  What a good Aunt!

Great-Grandpa George and Brooklyn

One of the activities they had for the kids was Hawaiian dress up and a parade around the pool.
Before I knew what was happening I was dressed up as well :)

The life guards let Kyle borrow their spear and he was
able to go spear fishing.  They ate the fish shortly after.

Bailey at the all you can eat crab and lobster feast.

On one of the days Brody and I helped the kids build a giant sandcastle.  They were pretty excited to
have some help.  It kept them occupied for the rest of the day.

Family Picture.  Why is it always so hard to get everyone to smile?

Bailey, Jace and Brooklyn

This was my swimsuit when I was little.  My mom saved it and I
was so excited that it fit Brooklyn.

Brody and his girls.

Bailey and I going for a paddle board.  She had been wanting to go the whole trip so she
was very excited when she finally go to go.

One of Jace's favorite parts of the trip was getting
Lava Flows.  He decided to share this one with
cousin Brylie.

Paddle boarding with Stet and Aunt Brittany (and Goldie).

The last night of the trip we ordered pizza and ate by the beach.  According to Jace it was the best night ever!

Brooklyn

Playing on the hammock.

Brody got the chance to go scuba diving on our last day.
They saw a lot of cool fish, a shark, eel, octopus and a turtle.

The scuba divers.

Brody and some of the cousins went out with a life guard again to go spear fishing and came back
with two octopus.  The life guards were really excited because apparently they are pretty
good to eat.

Soaking up the sun on our last morning.  We got to play at the beach until 10 and then
it was time to head home.

Aloha!