Madeline's Ramblins: Hawaii

More than a month after vacation, and I am just getting around to looking though these photos. We had a great vacation to Hawaii, the girls did incredibly well with the long flight, we had great weather, Grandma and Grandpa got a chance to see how much the girls have changed and we all enjoyed some rest and relaxation in the sun and sand!

Hanging in the lounge pre-take-off

Sister snuggles on the airplane. They both fell asleep shortly after this!

We spent the first day touring Pearl Harbor and taking part in all the tours and remembrances there. The girls enjoyed playing in the puddles while Daddy and Grandpa looked through the exhibits.

Playing in the puddles at Pearl Harbor

We enjoyed lots of fun on the beach

Madeline got some snorkeling gear and tried using the snorkel. By next trip she should be a pro!

Olivia's swimming pool.

We did a short hike to Waimea falls, one of the only hikes we could find that had a path the whole way so we could use the jogging stroller.

We went to Diamond Head, but the trail was too difficult for the kids and we didn't bring the baby backpack for Olivia. We didn't make it to the top, but we had fun running around inside the crater. And after Olivia proclaimed, "Ladybug, ladybug" and proceeded to poke said ladybug, she endured her first bee sting!

Climbing trees inside the crater

We drove around the entire island, enjoying the pretty vistas and ocean views!

We found a Puka Dog stand on the way up to the North Shore, so Brian was able to introduce Madeline to this Hawaiian treat. Olivia nearly slept through it, but woke up just in time to reject it!

Enjoying the hula show at the hotel

Madeline is a little fish and she enjoyed lots of time in the pool. Her little sister is following in her footsteps and also loves the water.

Sharks in the pool

We spent an afternoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We all enjoyed the shows, got tattooed and Madeline was particularly impressed with the costumes and dancing.


Playing games of the natives

Olivia was a natural!

Madeline getting her tattoo!

Olivia couldn't be left out!


Warrior princess poses!

Warrior princess face

Daddy and Grandpa fight back with their warrior poses!

Madeline and the flying fish

I love the joy and excitement in her face here. She thought this Tonga performance with hilarious!

I was shocked when she wanted her picture taken with him!

Madeline had her eyes on these nearly the whole visit. She got to give them a twirl shortly before we left!

Once again, Olivia shows us how its done! She kept hitting herself and making this cute "Owie" face!

Simply exhausted!

Grandpa ran into a pirate named Petey who told him where some buried treasure was located. Madeline and Gramps had fun unearthing Petey's hidden treasure! In fact, Petey hid it so well, that the whole family got involved in digging!