A Bit of Paradise

So the almost the whole Smith Clan (minus Kristen & the new babies), headed out to Hawaii on my Dad's birthday.  Thanks for giving us the present Dad!  The day started mighty early so by the time we arrived, there were a few tuckered out kids because who sleeps on the flight?  The kids and ladies hang out and protect the luggage while the menfolk secure rental carts. I felt much like Cade after the flight so very much appreciated Becca who took it upon herself to entertain the kids with games.  That waiting could have been excruciating otherwise.

We made did make it to the kids favorite hotel and after swimming, dinner, and unpacking - we collapsed for the night.  But on Sunday we were ready to go, up with the sunset, we enjoyed a leisurely morning; went to church with the locals; and headed to the greatest park to climb on the rocks, dip our feet in the ocean, and enjoy the play place.  Our blissful excursion was interrupted by a drenching downpour that caused us all to run in different directions and even left one kid temporarily lost.  Luckily we all survived and hightailed it back to the hotel for some Olympics and relaxation.

One thing I LOVE about where is stay is that every morning, they have Koi feeding.  We rush down and grab our little cup of food and those fish go crazy.  They are beautiful and amazing and even kind of crazy - none of us can get enough of the fish feeding frenzy.

 

And then there's the pool.  Seriously one of the best around.  It makes a complete circle, has 5 hot tubs, a bridge that goes across, and spitting creatures.  There is also a kiddie pool with an awesome slide.  My kids like nothing better than chilling in the cabana with their toys and electronics, swimming with their cousins, and ordering lunch. We'd have absolutely no problem living like this everyday.

Another Hawaii favorite is the shaved ice.  There is a stand just down from the hotel and we make the daily trek sometimes as much as 2x a day!  Those yummy colors with ice cream mixed in - there is no better summer treat.  The chickens squawk and walk around our feet as we eat (maybe they are hoping for a drop of shaved ice for them).  It feels like a true Hawaiian experience.

The beach was a little too sandy for some of our crew. But those of us who love the feel of sand between our toes still soaked it up.  Brett is a true beach lover.  He digs and splashes and gazes out at the sea - content to play by himself in his own little paradise.  I can't help but think that it speaks to his soul.  Each day is full of beauty and contentment.  It is wonderful.