Hawaii-Can We Stay?

Holy moly-I could upload all the photos from this trip, because they were so good.  Here are some highlights from the trip.

• We had to definitely jump through some hoops (good ones) for COVID.  But we were able to have no problem submitting our paperwork for the vaccine, and getting the kids tested 72 hours before we left.  Hawaii was very much being careful and we masked anytime we were indoors.  As much as this kind of sucked, it also felt safe and got us in the Covid Delta mode that we are quickly moving into.
• Speaking of COVID/masks....the big island also happened to have a decent size wildfire during the time we were there.  It was pretty smokey-so we didn't get to see everything like we normally would.  We also travelled through some of the thickest smoke I've ever seen up close.  I had a few moments of feeling insanely sad that this is/was my kids new reality.  WILDFIRES/PANDEMIC.  And then I looked at them and remembered that they are so darn resilient and they didn't keep all these worries on their shoulders...and it's going to be ok!  
• Cliff Jumping!  We found this awesome beach that you were able to cliff jump at.  Fun fact Russell and Ryk went over first, and I had to admit I was a bit jealous that I wasn't going (the other two had ZERO interest) but also a bit grateful because from where I could see the cliffs looked INSANELY tall.  Russ and Ryk returned after jumping and I couldn't take it anymore.  I asked Ryk if he would go with me too.  Like a gentleman, he walked me over, showed me how to get up, and went first!  In the middle of my jump, I kept thinking, I seriously was so nervous that I actually made my 9 year old go before me.  LOL.  After this jumped I ended up losing my beloved apple watch, which turned into probably something really good for me.  I couldn't tell time/I couldn't set timers/I couldn't count my steps.  It was rough, but I made it through.
• I bought Dempsey and I matching swimsuits.  She is completely into matching things lately, and I feel so grateful and know that this is only a matter of time.  
• The Waves.   I'm pretty sure I commented on this before but I have always loved playing in the waves.  However,  with kids I have now really felt completely intimidated by the water.   I go through all the horrible scenarios and it takes me forever to get in the water.  When we first got to the beach, Russell went into the water and I stayed up and played lifeguard.  Luckily I have a great husband who coaxed me into the water, and then I had trouble staying out:)
• Manta Ray Diving.  Russell is a guy that likes to get places and then figure out what to do depending on what we feel like.  I'm prefer a bit more scheduled-not completely-but a smidge more.  I REALLY wanted to go snorkeling with manta rays and Russell (after getting over the idea of swimming in the sea at night) agreed.  It was one of the coolest things ever.  TRULY.  The sunset happens, you get in the water, swim to a floating board, hold on, lights are attached, plankton is attracted to the lights, and giant manta rays come up and feel, while you put your goggles in the water and watch the whole thing!  I was so proud of everyone-Russell included.  What a great family memory!
• Sea Turtles!  Dempsey learned all about sea turtles this past school year, and talk ABOUT timing.  It was so awesome for her to be the one to spot the first sea turtle snorkeling.  I think we maybe had 3 days in a row where we were swimming in the water and got to see sea turtles swimming beside us.   HOW COOL IS THAT?????
• We did this vacation adult style where we were constantly on the move.  We stayed in 3 different places, 2 different islands, visited 8 different beaches, and all managed to survive each other.  I was super impressed with the kids.  A couple of things that made it work well.  1.  I would sit in the back seat middle because that seemed to avoid fights between the kids.  2.  We allowed tech on the longer rides.  3.  We got this cool podcast that entertained/educated us on Hawaii as we drove around.  4.  We always got dessert, and always played in water.  5.  We had something to drink and ate seafood as our food rewards:). 
• Russell-will include a story about a hike that Dempsey and Ryk did with him!  Don't forget Russell!

The favorites:

AJ-loved Pearl Harbor

Ryker-loved parasailing

Dempsey-loved swimming with sea turtles

Russell-loved snorkeling @ shark cove

Me- snorkeling with sea turtles at the black sand beach and manta ray snorkeling.

We got back from Hawaii around 1230am, and then Russell and I both worked the next day.  If that isn't getting the biggest slap of reality-I don't know what is....:). In the meantime, I do get house recommendations from Zillow and I will consider what life could be like on the island.

We are definitely going back!

Momma