Smith Family Luau-Part 1

I have a ton of pictures to post, so I am breaking this up into 2 parts. We attended a luau at the Hyatt in Poipu several months ago. We were told it was much better than the Smith Family Luau, so we went. It was ok, but not great. The Wysowskis had wanted us to come with them to the Smith luau many times, but things never worked out. This time the timing worked out perfectly since we both had family in town and wanted to go with them. It was so. much. better!!!! We also paid less, including my parents, than we did at the Hyatt. It has these amazing grounds with all different trees and vegetation. There were tons of birds, even peacocks, that the kids fed by hand. They loved it!

Smith Family Luau-Part 2

We had a superb, delicious dinner. Definitely better than the Hyatt. The rice pudding was to die for! Seriously. I think I had 3 or 4 servings and still wanted more. (Yes, I know I'm a pig!) Several of our girls went up and danced the hula, including little Madelyn. It was precious! After the dinner we went to a covered amphitheater that sat right next to a stage with water surrounding it. I got one terrible picture before I had to leave and walk around with my crazy, walking, baby girl. It was a great show, from what I saw.

Our friend Ben works at the Hyatt and talked toTaylor Swift and her family while they were staying there. They mentioned that they went to the luau, which ended up being the day after we went and the day we had originally planned to go. We ended up switching days at the last minute. The day we went was much better, since it was dry and sunny, unlike the following day that rained so hard Kauai had flash flood warnings. Sienna was very bummed to not get to see her idol.

Haena Beach and Caves

We went and looked around at Haena Beach with my parents. I think we had stopped by to look at the dry cave once before, but never went over to the beach. It is so beautiful there. The waves and current were very strong while we were there and the lifeguard was not letting anyone in the ocean. We didn't mind! We also stopped in the Dry Cave, which my Dad had never been to, and had a quick look at the Wet Cave. The North Shore of Kauai is so amazing and there are so many gorgeous places to see.

These are some of the amazing colors in the Dry Cave

Spouting Horn, again

My Mom has been with us to see Spouting Horn, and my Dad did visit while my parents were here on a cruise a few years ago, but we still wanted to see it all together. We tried to go last year when they were here, but it was pouring rain. It was the perfect weather this time and I was able to get a few beautiful shots, although not of people.

Shipwrecks Beach

Spencer was on-call while I went to Shipwrecks to take pictures for our friend's wedding. He had never been to that beach before, so we decided to head south to see it with my parents and the little girls. It was the perfect day! Gorgeous weather, warm, and very sunny. The beach is called Shipwrecks because there used to be an old shipwrecked boat out in the water, but it is no longer there.

Menehune Fish Pond

We decided to show my parents the Menehune Fish Pond. It is this beautiful pond, right off of the Huleia River, which is where the filmed the plane taking off on the water in "Raiders of the Lost Ark'. It's maybe a mile from my house. I have driven by it about, oh a million times, and had never stopped to see it. I'm a little lazy about things like that, I guess. It is fun to take family to see all the beautiful things around us, to make me stop and take the time to truly appreciate the opportunity to live here.

I can't get enough of sweet, sleeping babies (and Papas!)!

Lucy has definitely been our worst sleeper. She has had such a difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep. It has only been recently that she has started to get better and develop some form of a schedule. It is unheard of for her to play and then fall asleep (which the other kids did all the time), so it was adorable to see her crashed on our floor, in a crazy little position. Leg tucked under the other, with that squishy bum in the air. I love it!

 She has also started falling asleep in her highchair occasionally. She will be eating away and then suddenly asleep. Sweet, precious baby face!

 My parents were here January 9th-19th. We had such a wonderful time with them. We wore my Dad out though, and he feel asleep in a crazy position too!