T & A's Visit

Terry and Angela came for a short visit after their week on Oahu with Nicole & family. So fun to have them here. Last visit was almost ten years ago. Weather wasn't as great as the previous week, but we made the most of it. Monday we went over to Pololu and hiked down part way. Love this coastline!

Better picture of T & A

Tuesday, we headed for Volcano, stopping en route at Akaka.  Timing was great -- it started to rain after we got back in the car.

Angela in deep thought

Took the scenic route around by Onomea Bay.  Some tourists were taking pictures from a bridge, so we stopped and took some, too.

We could see daylight at the end of the tunnel.  (Didn't show up well here.)

First stop at the Park (after visiting with a ranger at the Visitors' Center) was at Volcano House (under renovation) for a look into Kilauea Crater and across to Halemaumau.

Next stop Kilauea-iki, then the Thurston lava tube.  Had almost forgotten what fun it was.

After a drive down Chain of Craters Road, we came back to Kilauea.  View from the steam vents overlook.  As it had gotten darker, we could see the glow from Halemaumau.

Last stop was the Jaggar Museum -- the closest view point to Halemaumau.  First picture was with flash, so got a reflection from the fog.  It was actually dark.

This time, without flash.  Immediately after, fog started rolling in and the view was significantly dimmed.  Again, our timing was perfect!

We finished our tour with a trip around KMC (just in case T & A want to stay there in the future),  shared a Subway sandwich and pint of BR ice cream in Hilo, then home over the Saddle Road.  All in all, a great day!  Sadly, I needed to work a little and missed out on the Wednesday activities.  We closed out the day with dinner at Sansei's, then to the airport.  Next time, Terry and Angela, you must stay longer; it was so nice to have you here.

Raw Banana's Visit

I flew back to Hawaii on Friday morning, January 11, and Rob and Anna arrived on Saturday. Rob had MCE meetings at the Orchid for the week, so they took the opportunity for a visit. Rob and Anna hadn't been back to Hawaii for five years! Hard to believe it had been so long. Consequently, there was much to squeeze in.   They were staying at the Orchid for the first four days, so we met them at Cafe Pesto Saturday eve for dinner.  Sunday afternoon after Rob's meetings, they came up, and we walked up to the top of Anna Ranch.  Almost no water in the stream, but the hike was beautiful.

Monday, I worked.  Tuesday afternoon, we went to Hapuna.  The evening was lovely.  Followed by dinner at Sansei's.  First time there -- won't be the last!  Food was great, and desserts were fantastic!

 

This picture was taken just after the one above.  It looks lighter when you're not looking into the sun.

Wednesday, Rob was off all day, so they moved up to the house, and we took off mid-morning for Pololu.  It was a bit overcast but still very nice.  Headed into the valley.

 

Love this view of the coast.

 

 The beach was nice, and we stopped for lunch. 

 

We decided to hike on up to the ridge between Pololu and Honokanenui.

 

The sky cleared while we were on the ridge.  It was really beautiful!

 

Notice Haleakala in the background.

 

We finished off the afternoon at Hapuna Beach, then came home for dinner at Solimene's.  Tried their desserts for the first time -- fantastic!  Thursday, I mostly worked.  Dinner that night at Pau's.  Friday, I worked a bit more.  Mom went to the beach with Anna.  Dinner at Merriman's.  Saturday morning was beautiful again, so we hiked up to the back of Waipio.  Lovely little community we have!

 

Rob near the lookout.

 

The view down the valley.

 

Rob, Mom and Anna perched near the edge.

 

Heading back.

 

The reservoir above home.

We ended the day with an early dinner at Pau's, then Rob and Anna took off for the airport.  All in all, it was a great week, so fun to have Rob and Anna here, so many dinners out -- clearly a record!  Now we hope to have their whole family back for a visit this summer.



Christmas & Utah

We had a wonderful Christmas visit. Court's plane was about 5 hours late, so we picked her up at 2 am Christmas morn. We were a little sleepy for the grand opening. I only had one picture turn out well.  (The camera must have been sleepy, too!) 

It was so nice to have everyone home (except Rob and Anna and family).  Unfortunately, someone was sick almost every day, so our activity was dampened a bit.  Also, what with the uncertainty about the tax law, I had clients pressing for meetings, etc. right up to the end of the year.  I didn't get to play as much as I'd have liked.  Christian, Shandra & company left on January 2.  Whit, Jim, Ever & Court stayed until Monday, January 7.  We managed to squeeze in a few nice things -- like a walk out on Mana Road.  We also had three great evenings of "vicious gin."

  My mom checked in with the doc in Provo on New Year's Eve and ended up in the hospital with the flu.  As she wasn't doing very well, and there was much to do to facilitate her move to the Seville, I decided at the last minute to fly to Utah, and left Monday night with everyone else.  Had three good days with Liz and Terry and Mom -- got a few things accomplished and had some good visits with Terry and Liz.  We need to get together more often.  Sorry no pix to share.

Christmas

Just to show we have some Christmas spirit here. Christian, Shandra and family arrived Saturday afternoon. Whit, Jim and Ever just arrived, and we're hoping Court will make it (if United doesn't mess her up) late tonight. We'll miss Rob and Anna and keiki but are looking forward to a great holiday.

Jackson

Our little friend was back yesterday.

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Black Friday

Christian, Shandra and family come over for the long weekend. Thanksgiving dinner was perfect -- sorry no pix. We spent the nation's busiest shopping day at Waialea beach.  The ads just didn't do it for us.  Tristan had fun on the rope swing.  Tough little creature!

 

The rest of the family.

 

The view

We were joined mid-day by the Whittles and Ian Lindsey and son.  It was a lovely day.

Turkey Day

The turkeys are getting bolder and bolder. The other day they were on our front porch. This morning they were on the roof outside our bathroom window. They did look a bit forlorn -- like they didn't know how to get down? or maybe were feeling suicidal? Don't they know that Thanksgiving is coming soon?