Our Escape

We created some incredible memories over the spring and summer that are going to be as good as lost unless I get busy documenting them. I've already forgotten a lot of the feelings and thoughts that went along with the events, but I'm thankful for pictures that help stir up some of those remembrances.

I'm starting off with the best part of my summer and that's when Jared and I escaped from real life for a whole week and went to Hawaii. We have never planned a trip specifically for just the two of us to get away like that. We've done a couple getaways where we mixed pleasure in with some of Jared's work conferences, and we've done a few weekends or overnighters. But this is the first time we actually scheduled some time in our calendar for the two of us to go somewhere we've always wanted to go. There are lots of places we've always wanted to go, but it wasn't hard to settle on Hawaii as our destination. Jared had never been there and I'd only been once, about 15 years ago. We knew an adventure was waiting for us, but we had no idea how sweet it would be.

Before I break into the travelogue, I have to say how grateful we are for family who not only took our kids in, but loved them and made their time away from us super special and memorable. My mom and dad took Brita to St. George and treated her like royalty. I think every kid should have an opportunity to receive the undivided attention of two loving adults and be shown how special they are. When Brita finally decided to wake up every day, she woke up and immediately turned on the television in her bedroom, grabbed her art projects and worked on those in bed until almost lunchtime. Then granny and grandpa had a fun outing or activity they did with her each day and during their time together, they shopped, went out to eat and went swimming as much as Brita wanted to. She loved every minute and I love that some precious memories were created between just her and my parents - things only the three of them will know about and remember.

Leah stayed with Jared's sister Katie and had so much fun. Every time I talked to Leah on the phone she'd say, "Katie is so nice" and then she would proceed to tell me all the great things Katie had done for her. Her favorite was that Katie made her delicious breakfasts every day. Katie is one of those choice people of the world. She has the best attitude about everything and she works so hard. And now I love her even more for loving my girl and seeing all the good in her while she took care of her.

Kathleen and Eric, Jared's brother and his wife, kind of got the short end of the stick - they took both the four year old and the dog. They deserve the reward of a lifetime because they got the two who take the most work and who wear out their caregivers the fastest. Eric and Kathleen are both always so willing to serve and they do it like it's no big deal even though we all know there is sacrifice involved. They have a little girl, Tess who is close to Meg's age and who she loves to play with. But like all kids that age, when playdates are extended into several days and nights in a row there are bound to be some challenges. Jared's mom also helped out with Meg a lot and I imagine she was pretty excited to get back to normal after we came home. Meg didn't tell me a lot about what went on while she was there, but I know she was happy and loved and it was so nice to be so far away from our kids and to be able to just focus on each other and have fun together without worrying about what was going on at home.

So once we got the kids all farmed out, Jared and I got to the airport as fast as we could just in case any of them changed their minds about keeping our kids. We were excited for the freedom of a week's vacation for just the two of us.

We spent the first two nights in Waikiki so we'd be close to some of the touristy things we wanted to do. We stayed in a hotel right on the beach and we had a great view of Diamond Head from our hotel room window. While I was getting my hair done, Jared assured me that it was very important that I come right that minute to pose with Diamond Head in the background, so here I am.

We especially liked eating our continental breakfasts poolside each morning and looking out over the ocean.

Jared was excited about the exotic flavored yogurts that we don't have at home. He always likes authentic and adventurous food choices and I really enjoy watching him try them. I sure love him and everything that makes him who he is.

Our first morning there we couldn't wait to hike all those stairs at Diamond Head.

When we got to the top, the wind was blowing enough to cool us down and the views were just right.

That night we went to a luau at one of the nearby resorts which turned out to be pretty disappointing. It didn't take us long to figure out that the main point was for people to buy lots of drinks which meant the hosts would get lots of tips. The entertainment was mediocre and with the exception of the pork, which was delicious, the meal was really just a Costco-fest.

We're glad we got that one out of the way right at the beginning because from there everything got better real fast. The next day was one of Jared's favorites and I can't wait to write about it tomorrow.