Waimea Beach

We had the perfect morning and afternoon. We spent the morning exploring the Bishop Museum... I had never been but I totally recommend it. It is the perfect "smaller" city museum that has multiple buildings that feature different exhibits. We spent (almost) all of the morning in the Hawaii Hall... it was in a beautiful old school that was originally built to educate Hawaii Chiefs. It was full of a plethora of Hawaii History and culture; as Remi put it "you could go 3 times and learn something else new!". After a quick nap time, we spent the afternoon as Waimea Falls and went up to the Farmer's Market for lunch. That Farmer's Market is incredible; the term Farmer's Market hardly gives it justice... it is all of these local restaurants and caters with different organic Hawaiian food. Delicious food + Surfers everywhere + Beautiful setting= Great Evening. Here are a couple of funny snapshots from our beach adventures.

and I included a bunch of similar photos, 

but I just thought they were funny family photos!!

xoxo,
allie

p.s. I got this surprise in the mail from one of my best friends... she knows me way to well... Thanks Lizard for sending me a new supply of my favorite candy! (True true, Peeps are my favorite!). She even ordered me a new flavor... Birthday Cake Peeps (I can already sense some of your faces sneering who are in the anti-Peep camp but believe me they are delicious). The surprise package totally brought a huge smile to my face. Thank you Liz! Love you!!!

Bellows Beach Day

Guess what is the best part about living in Hawaii? Going to beautiful breathtaking beaches whenever you want... Some people save their whole lives to come here.. and we live here. Pretty lucky. Bellows is one of my favorite beaches on the island.. In fact, it actually might be my favorite. It is a military only beach run by the Marines.. aka fabulous views and pretty private. There are also rarely ridiculous waves which is perfect for a tot baby. Overall a wining combo. (the only downside is it is on the other side of the island.. aka 45 minute drive. since we have become islanders our perception of driving is very screwed and 45 mins seems like practically crossing state lines on the mainland... funny I know). Anyway we decided to make a day of it this weekend. We started out going to a famous breakfast place on the windward side; on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 5. It was good but not fabulous. We then spent the rest of the morning at the beautiful beach.. and went home just in time for a nap time drive. Perfect morning.

I used my beach camera for these photos. Since our last camera "died" from a bad sand incident we use the waterproof one for beach excursions. They are a bit fuzzy but o well.

(okay I had to post this photo because it is hilarious. The older couple came and asked can we take a family photo of you 3... this is what we got! Isn't that so kind and so funny!)

and a video. I love taking videos. H loves running in and out of the waves. So cute. 

(I apologize for my annoying commentary)

xoxo,

allie

Double Feature- Children's Museum and Color Run!

Happy Election Day. Can you believe it is already November 6th? That means Harps is almost 14 months old (craziness!), Will is redeploying in 6, 7, 8 (?) weeks!!, the Holiday season of visitors has officially begun, and finally the political ads are over. I can't not stand how negative politics have become... although only 25, and in the beginning of my voting life, I hate the year of continually negativity. I have Facebook friends from Connecticut, University of Wisconsin, and the military (aka both parties strongly represented) and today I was mortified by people's status! You have every right to state your opinion and should (it is a right!) but commenting on the race of a candidate or their religion or whatever crazy thing people came up with... you better Google some solid facts on their campaign platforms and post those. It is so embarrassing for our generation and frankly, really unconvincing. We need to be better than that for future generations; we need to set the example. Okay, onward we go! The election season is over and Harps and I had a fantastic day at the Honolulu Children's Museum.

Harps is the perfect age for the Children's Museum. They have different room that cater to ages 0-10 and three stories to explore! We were lucky enough to meet two of Harp's favorite friends there.  Harps loved the rainforest room that was very tot friendly but also adored the "bigger" kids little fake town section. I have a feeling we have many more trips in our future!

(Hi Ray!)

(this is her newest face, she is trying to act very "strong" and move the display in the pineapple farm)

(hi Teddy!)

and this Saturday we did the Color Run. The Color Run is a 5k were you run through different "colors"'; basically volunteers throw colors at you and at the end you are basically a color mess. Fun right? No worries, the colors are just cornstarch and completely non toxic (although my hair has a slight orange tint still, ugh!). Harps joined me with a rain cover and she seemed to have tons of fun. Honestly, I would say it is a one time experience.... very messy but fun.

(i am not sure I am a cape type of girl, 

but everyone was dressed crazy and it was perfect for the event! Yes, lots of orange all over me)

Google "color run" for some more crazy pictures... These honestly don't do it justice!

Phew, did you survive this long post?!

xoxo,
allie

Dole Plantation

Hawaii is hands down the most beautiful place I've lived. Sorry Cincinnati, Chicago, Westport, and Alabama (and of course my favorite stint in Madison WI!). Everyday you are surrounding by this breathing taking beauty; whether it is the striking sky, mountains, ridiculously clear rainbows, or ocean... I could really go on and on, it all has a special uniqueness. I thought I would share some of our local surroundings! Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield are really close to the pineapple fields and Dole Plantation; in fact, our post housing community is surrounded by them! If the wind is just right, there is a faint smell of that good sweetness in the air; I love it.

I had to quickly take these after bath time tonight so the lighting is a little iffy. Also notice the red soil; it seriously a deep red/orange.  At our welcome luncheon one of the first things they taught us is that in Hawaii it is deemed very rude to wear shoes indoors because of the soils' hue. Ha. I have even had workmen take off their shoes!

Big Pineapple leaves!

Bathing Beauty. Big girl is sitting in the big bath tub; partially out of necessity because our baby bath tub is in our household goods and partially because she is becoming a great sitter.

xoxo,
allie