SUN AND STORM


We have been in some pretty big storms here in Hawaii. The rain and wind has been plentiful but it is still 83 degrees outside so we don't really mind.

Yesterday we had a bit of sunshine and took full advantage. The waves were finally a bit smaller and we were able to do some boogie boarding. This morning they are killers again so we are thinking a trip to the Aquarium might be a good idea. More on this later.....

Pat and I had a fantastic anniversary. Gram and Grandpa watched the girls for the afternoon and evening. We went off to a dinner and watching the local surf these incredible waves. We had a great seat watching the locals getting pouned by 20 foot waves. Very impressive!! We have had a wonderful 5 years since we were here last, so much has happened for us.

Pat decided to accept a job. He will be working for The College Success Foundation in ISSAQUAH! There will be zero commute and he gets to work for a place that gives scholarships to underpriviledged youth. Very cool!! I am very proud of him.

Later today........

Well, we went through our first tropical storm today. Wow! Rain, lightening and huge waves. Half the island lost power around 10 and we just got it back at 6:00 this evening. Kinda a weird day as we all just looked out at the ocean and wanted to believe that the waves were going to stop growing. It was an amazing sight. In the end I am grateful for all that we saw. I am hoping tomorrow will be better. Rats!!! The power just went out again......I will have to write more later.

Okay, I am back....It has been a long day here.

This is how Sara rode out the storm this morning:

The girls did a great job of entertaining themselves. We are glad they are in bed now. It was a long day of trying to keep busy with no where to go and no power and none of our regular stuff around us.

These two pictures show the difference between happy quiet ocean and MAD, UGLY ocean. It was an impressive sight.

This is now Thursday and we lost power again. It is 3 and we just got it back. Wow! This has been an adventure. We defied the weather and went out and had loads of fun this morning anyway. Rain doesn't matter when you have all this wonderful ocean to play in.

What a lovely day!

We spent the entire day out at the beach. The wave are ALOT of fun. Sydney met each one in true Aerial style.

Sara was more interested in the sand. We have to hold onto Sara the whole time in the water or else she gets knocked down. Since she is so independent so naturally she prefers to do those things she can so by herself like sitting in holes.

Making sand castles are fun but they are VERY temporary around Sara Rose. SQUASH! Pat tries to protect his creation. I don't think he ended up being successful.

Sara's sensitive skin is a little pissed off at all the heat and sun. Hopefully she will improve as avoiding the sun isn't possible around here.

Sydney makes her mark in the sand. It is one big wipeboard around here.

Syd took a spill in the sand. She wears it well, no?

GOOD MORNING MAUI!!

We are truly in paradise this morning. This is the view from our Lanai. The sound of waves crashing onto the shore is the background to the girls playing and us sipping our Hawaiin coffee. I am SO HAPPY!!!!

The trip here was great. Sydney was a bit apprehensive but the second we took off she was in awe. She looked out the window and said "Mom, I can see the whole planet!!!!" Sara was a constant mover for Pat. He had to do a lot of entertaining while I got to read a book with Sydney asleep on my lap.

Our acccomodations are perfect. We hit the beach immediately. I wasn't thinking enough to bring the camera but the girls were in the surf in seconds. The undertow is intense here so the Sara is knocked off her feet with every wave going out, but she just giggles. Sydney flops down on her belly like a seal and acts like Aerial while the foam hits her in the chest. She gets tossed around like a rag doll out there. If I can keep my worry in check she might actually have a good time. She got a little frustrated with me yesterday as I kept saying "Sydney, watch out...get up...move in...away from the rocks!! etc. We will get more comforatble today.

Sara has been so happy that she is all dressed up in her wrap singing this happy song. I don't know what she is singing but it seems very happy. I caught some on tape.

Both girls like to climb up on this wall and sit.

Not sure what all we will do today but I know the majority of our time will be at the beach.
This has already been a great trip!! Stay tuned, more to come.....