Dole Pineapple Plantation

Hawaiian pineapple is so delicious!!

The Pineapple Express train toured us through the pineapple gardens.

Diamond Head National Park

the tunnel!

Hiking

Hawaiian shave ice...YUM!

The unique profile of Diamond Head (Le'ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki's coastline. Hawaii's most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres.

This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park.

The trail to the summit of Le'ahi was built in 1908 as part of O'ahu's coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. (you can see a picture of Ben above in the tunnel) Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you'll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai'anae is stunning.

Jet Lag...up before the crack of dawn!

Our first morning we took a walk at 5:30 a.m. to watch the waves and sunrise...yes, there are benefits of jet lag.

No people! Ben took advantage and started the day signing his name in the sand.

Exploring our 1st day on the island...

We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa which is located on Waikiki's widest stretch of beach, this impressive property is nestled on 22 oceanfront acres!

Baylie is getting a lesson on how to 'hang loose'

The hotel had a natural sanctuary with more than 60 species of exotic birds, waterfowl, turtles, fish, and even penguins!

The kids called the lagoon the 'guppy pool' because they liked to catch the little fish!

Our hotel was a water lover's dream. Offering the choice of six swimming pools and a salt-water lagoon, the kids loved the choice of the ocean, the pool with 2 water slides, and the lagoon. (which came in handy when the jelly's were out!)

Duke Kahanamoku LagoonFive-acre salt-water lagoon and beautiful stretch of white-sand beach

Our first day all 3 kids swam across the whole lagoon! (no sharks)

On our way to Hawaii

We are on our way to Hawaii!! The kids are skipping school for 3 days...we started summer early! This is our family 'before tan' photo.

On the plane the kids pushed every button about 30 times each. We were SO lucky that Chris has a million miles and upgraded all 5 of us to first class!!

Nolan pushed the flight attendant button for me (how thoughtful) while I was not looking.

3D summer movie

We went to the movies with our neighbors, the Stoltenberg's. After the show the kids popped the lenses out of the glasses and wore them cuz it is cool?

E.T. re-inactment by Nolan

Westlake Academy 4th grade Strings Concert

Ben's cello performance

Houston Hunter, Ben & Brett Stevens

Nolan's Suessical performance

The Who's. (FYI: Nolan did not wear jean shorts in the play)

Nolan was a 'Who' in the 9th grade performance of Dr. Suess' Horton Hears a Who

Nolan, Matthew Goode, and Lily Hansen

Baylie is 13 years old...geesh!

This year on Baylie's birthday she was away on a 7th grade camping trip! The day before the trip she fell down the stairs at school and was limping around, not able to put any weight on her foot at all. Knowing the trip left at 5a.m. the following morning, we decided to make a midnight run to the E.R. to make sure she was still good to go on all the hikes, etc. On the way home we hit a wild hog! It was HUGE. The front bumper of the Tahoe was bent into the wheel well. We found out that hitting a pig, even at only 30 mph, it poops. (all over the car!...smelled REALLY bad)

I don't know why the boys can never have a 'normal' face for a photo! :)