Rain Drops falling on My Window

When we set out this morning for out weekend hike the sky around post looked very blah. I was a tad nervous and semi bummed because I was really looking forward to this hike. My husband being the more mellow one had higher hopes than me that the area we were going to would be nice. I crossed my fingers and hoped he was right. The closer we got to were we were going the more it started to clear up and the sun started to shine through the clouds.
As soon as we parked the car and started walking to the trail head (passing about 5 "No Trespassing" signs) it started to sprinkle on us. Great just the way I wanted to spend the day, walking in the rain NOT. I looked at Gabe & asked him if he still was up for the hike and he said of course. Well them OK, off we were making our way down a large rock backwards holding on to a rope. (I didn't get pictures of this area bc I was worried about falling & was going to on the way back but we went a different way up)



Following the path deep into the valley along one of the muddiest trails I had ever been on. I was careful were I stepped at first trying to keep my shoes clean and not make a complete mess of myself but that quickly change. There were points along the trail that were so muddy and you couldn't help but step right in it. There was no way around, unless you wanted to go straight down the side of the mountain. Now not by choice but this did happen to me a few times, well not all the way down the side but I though that's were I was headed. I was doing really good for the longest time and then one miss step and I was doomed for the rest of the day. I must have lost my balance or simply just stepped in a slippery part but I slid right down falling on my booty. I was so scared because I had to quickly find something to grab ahold of so I didn't go any further. Gabe stopped and turned around standing there for a few seconds looking at me. I was like "hello why are you just standing there", he says "oh I though you had it" really "if I had it I wouldn't still be sitting here". He just laughed and held his hand out to help me up. From then on I was a muddy mess from head to toe REALLY.



It continued to rain the entire way to the waterfall were we were headed, it would rain hard and then slow down to a slight drizzle but still it rained enough to keep us cool and the mud wet and squishy. I fell two more times on the way to the falls and three times on the way back. They always say third times a charm, I really didn't at all do it on purpose. When we finally reached the falls I was in awh. It was so pretty and refreshing something about the rushing water coming off the mountain tops is so peaceful. Plus I took the opportunity to wash off and clean up a bit. We enjoyed the view for a while snapped a few photos all in the rain, then headed back to the car.






We had a great time along the way, my pour husband having to make sure I was careful and not fall off the side of the mountain. I don't think it would have been the same with out the rain, although it probably would have been a wee bit easier.

Hale'iwa Farmers Market

Sunday morning Gabe & I got up bright & early, my husband really loves me to get up @ 5am in the morning so I can go running. Now I'm sure you are wondering why in the world he had to get up so early if it was just me going running. Well see we were headed down to the North Shore so my sweet friend Vic and I could run together. She has a sweet lil one & since daddy is away right now for a month Gabe so kindly offered to watch her while we ran. How sweet of him on his last day to sleep in before returning to work from block leave. I tell you that man will do anything for me and I just love it.
Lucky for him when we set out on our 6 mile run Gigi was fast asleep snoozing like a champ. So my love was able to kick back on the couch with Izzy (their 4 legged baby) and play around on the Ipad. Gigi loves her Uncle so it would have been a wonderful surprise for her waking up to him. BUT, that didn't happen......leaving Vic's house right @ 6am we got back just shortly after 7:15 and the lil monkey was still fast asleep.
We cooked up a 5* breakfast thanks to the lovely hostess being the rock star that she is. With a assortment of fruit courtesy of yours truly & scrambled eggs for me along with eggs Benedict for Gabe & Vic. topped of with a side of brown sugar / pecan coated bacon and we were eating a feast. Mean while the little one was STILL asleep going on almost 8:30 now. Craziness she never sleeps that late but she got to bed later the night before so maybe that had something to do with it.
Just before 9am we went in and checked on the lil squirt she was asleep in the middle of her floor, at some point in the middle of the night she had gotten out of her big girl bed and never got back in. (thank goodness for her blankie she drug with her)

We spend the next half hour playing and chit chatting with the girls and just having a wonderful relaxing morning. It was so simple but I loved every minute of it because we were with the people we love to hang out with. Being able to watch Gabe with Gigi just melts my heart he is so great with kids and there is just something about him and her playing together that is so sweet.

CONVO~ Gabe: Gigi wanna go rob a bank?
Me: Gigi say no thank you.
Gigi: NO THANK YOU
Gabe: but we can sing songs
Gigi: my mommy says no (mom wasn't in the run at the time)

OMG yes he is going to be a great dad that is what everyone keeps telling me. lol He'll have our kid thinking that robbing a bank it the next greatest thing to do.



We then set out for the local farmers market were we continued our morning with the W family. Looking to get some fresh veggies and whatever else we could manage to snag as well. While in Maui we bought some really yummy coconut candy & we wanted to try our hand at making it. I have search every were and online coming up empty handed with a place that sells it on Oahu. So a coconut was a must find while at the market. Just in luck walking past one of the vendors I looked down and there was a cooler full of them. Only 3 bucks what a deal that's a heck of alot cheaper then at the local grocery store. Gabe told the gentleman what he was going to be doing with it and he helped him pick one out that would work just right.



We stumbled across some of the ripest tomato's & avocado's that were just beaming at me to purchase. I looked at Gabe and suggested we make guacamole one of our favorite afternoon snacks. He is not a man to turn down a suggestion on chips and dip. He was on it picking out the tomato's, peppers, onion, avocado and told me to grab a lime. We were set with everything we needed and best part we helped out lots of local farmers.



I'm not a big fan of pineapple, I will eat it in small amounts when its cooked in something else but not alone. However these little guys were so cute, I was tempted to get one but then again it wouldn't get eatin at our house. (well the hubbs would have but he wasn't interested) So I snagged a picture for memories :)



It was a successful trip to the market we had great company and taste tested some yummy local fixins. Looking forward to going back again next weekend to see what else we can stumble across. This is another favorite about living in Hawaii, the outside farmers markets run by the locals and there home grown produce. It just doesn't get any better than this!!!!!

Free Flowing

Set out on another adventure we were on our way, on a lovely scenic drive to our final destination. Taking on the world around us each and every mile we passed. There are hidden gems every were you turn on the island, some are super easy to find & then others are like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. I am a very determined person & once I get my heart / mind set on something I will not give up. No matter what it is, weather it be something I want or some were I wanna go. I am NOT a quitter I push to the end and give my all 100% plus some.
When it came to our weekend weekly hike I had just the perfect one in mind. After lots of research I managed to find a local hidden secret that many keep hush hush. A 40-foot cascade waterfall spilling from the Ko'olau's Mountain. Just as spectacular as describe and even better in person then the pictures I'd see from others.




Only a short 30 minute hike along a rocky dirt road climbing ever so slightly but enough that your body will fill it for sure. Standing under the falls feeling the chilly water run off my face was the most refreshing feeling after a good work out. After relaxing a bit and taking a few pictures we headed back. We passed a few people along the way but what I liked most about this hike is the quietness of it. It was not overly crowded and nestled in the back of the mountains.




There is a swimming hole along the way & I can't wait to go back with the girls and take a dip. It looked so inviting and refreshing, we were headed for some shopping after so we opted not to take a dip. Over all a great day another one marked off the list and put down in the books. Looking forward to next weekends hike.....We are still deciding which one we are gonna take on.

Hiking Hawaii

Off on another adventure reaching new heights mountains above sea level. Each hike we do just amazes me more and more. When I first moved out here I never would have thought that I would have enjoyed it so much but now that's our weekend tradition. Seeing the island from sea level is simply breath taking but seeing it from a couple hundred feet or even a thousand feet above sea level is just amazing. On our hike this weekend we took our pooches. They had a blast running along the trail smelling everything they could get their noses in. We've taken them on a few before but it's be awhile. I'm so happy we brought them along.
It was a perfect day out with our little family. Once we had almost reach the top Gabe didn't think the dogs could make the last little stretch so I went ahead while he waited. Thank goodness to because I'm not sure they would have been able to make it. A very narrow slippery path led the rest of the way to the top. Holding on to the ropes pulling myself up hoping I wouldn't step wrong and fall. Finally making it to the top I was rewarded with the most fabulous views ever seen. Some body pinch me was all I kept thinking "I made it, I did it and didn't fall or get warn out."
Moments like these are the ones I'll always remember years from now. Here are a few pictures I snapped on our adventure.

Dingo waiting for daddy to come back from reparking the car :)



This was the top of a tree swing that we came across along our way.



Stairs stairs Stairs & more stairs, from this point forward there were tons.



As soon as I got to the top I parked it for a moment to take in the view.









Making our way back down the mountain.



All in all it was another wonderful day in the Land of Aloha!!!!!!!

Honu

I just absolutely love the Sea Turtles here in Hawaii also known as Honu. Here are some resent pictures I have managed to snag while out and about around the island. I just can't seem to get enough of them. They are definitely the giant creatures of the sea. S & I went swimming with them a couple weekends ago and well lets just say the waves were super strong that day so it was quite comical. We have plans to go again soon and take another dip at it. But for now with out further adieu................

*The first picture is two new pieces of art work we got for our wall in the living room.


* Just happen to be in the right place at the right time, told you I love these guys & gals.









* These next two are ones I took on our dolphin excursion.

*These next few were taken by the photographer that was on board the boat when we did our dolphin excursion.

In Loves In Vaid

The lovely in laws just left after a week of fun in paradise soaking up the sun and living the good life. Originally they were going to come out and be here for Gabes Homecoming but due to some work related issues back home they had to change their plans. I think it all worked out for the best any how, we had our perfect Homecoming just the two of us and they had a fabulous time spending a week with not just me but their son as well. (were as for HC they would have only been here for a few days after Gabe got home)
Through out the week we had lots going on and plenty of time to sit back and relax as well. I mean that is the Aloha way to do it right......."laid back & easy going" ?!?!?!?!?!? With this being my MIL's 3rd trip out here and my FIL's 2nd trip they had already done allot around the island and seen quiet a bit. However there were a few places that C went to & did in December when she was here that she though my FIL would enjoy as well. So there were a few repeat adventures while they were here but we still had a wonderful time.
J & C are two of the sweetest people I know and I can only hope that Gabe & I's marriage will continue to grow and be as strong as theirs when we become their age. (forever & ever from now lol) Going on over 30 years of marriage and still the love shows through these two as if they were married yesterday, it's simply wonderful.

Here is a little sneak peak of some of the wonderful things we did while they were here. I just can't get enough of the island, everything about it I love from end to end. This is home and were our life began as a couple and a piece of my heart will always be here.

~The Aloha Towerr~

~National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl~

~Byodo-In Temple~

~North Shore Living~

~Date Night @ Ruth Chris Steak House~

~Had to see what the fuss was all about~

~fabulous breakfast my my my!!!!!!!~

~Afternoon trip to Hickam doggie beach~

We had a wonderful visit with them and like I said this is just a small picture of what we did and were we went while they were here. There was many new memories made, meals chatted over and laughs laughed. We even ended up trading in the Mitsubishi Outlander while they were here, well simply because Gabe was not happy with it at all. He truly hatted that car & I don't use that word often. I miss them so much already and I know it will be a while before we see them again but in the mean time I have the pictures and memories to keep me going. :)