Thanks Amy for the photos!

I've been trying to post more pictures up from our Hawaii vacation but either the computer starts running slow on me while the kid is asleep or the kid doesn't sleep to allow me to post anything..but i did get this one photo up. This is our day at Hanauma Bay Preserve.

Preparing for a weekend that will be jam packed! Visits from relatives, friends thousands of miles away and reconnecting with one who I haven't seen in over 5 years who now has a kid too!

Ahh..Lanikai Beach. This was regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Oahu...and well, I would have to agree. What do you think? The two little mountain looking things in the background are Na Mokulua or the Mokes, as locals call them. This is the East side of Oahu - the Windward side. Best known for its kayaking.

Lanikai is actually just an extension of Kailua Beach/Bay and some prefer Kailua over Lanikai, but not me. We parked along side the residential area (How tired do you think, are the residents of people parking on parts of their lawns and what nots? Guess it just comes with the territory). You see in Hawaii, ALL beaches are open to the public (with the exception of those found on military bases). Hawaii law says there has to be a public access for all beaches, even if you think its a private beach or what looks like it could be claimed as a private beach - the public must have legal access to it!

This beach was the quintessential Hawaii beach for me. Crystal clear blue water with fine light sand beneath your feet. It was beautiful. It was very sunny, good thing our hosts let us borrow their beach umbrella. Except that after staking it a couple of times into the sand, it broke! WHOOPS!

In hindsight, I wish we stayed longer and packed a lunch or had Charlie go and pick something up and come back. Guess we'll have to just visit it again!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

Much love to your families. May this new year bring in new hopes and dreams, comfort, joy, love and a chance to be and do better.