Playing in Hawaii

How did we play in Hawaii?

We practiced soccer.

We swam in the pool, relaxed in the hot tubs, and took a ride down the slide.

We sipped virgin pina coladas, worked on our tans, and perused our books of choice.

We brought kubb all the way from home and played in the sand.

We played volleyball, boogie-boarded, snorkeled, and built sand castles.

But, mostly we just relaxed.

Aloha!

Our family vacation this year was a week in Hawaii at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. It was only possible because Brian was the chairman of the Calorimetry Conference here, and, as a result, we were given the royal treatment. We love this location away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. It is billed as "True Hawaii" and is indeed beautiful.

(Abby and David)

(Kellie)

One of our favorite things to do is to hike through the nearby "jungle".

Our first stop is the old bunker with lots to discover along the way.

(Travis)

Next up is the Banyan Trees (where some LOST episodes were filmed.)

Finally, we make it to "our" private beach.

Eventually we were all out there treading water. And, I must say it was heavenly having everyone old enough to enjoy the ocean at the same time and in the same way. As luck would have it, though, both Kellie and Abby were stung by something as they neared the shore.

(Abby and Brian)

It's still a bit of paradise.

Vacationing

We've been vacationing this week, but we'll be home soon. Here are two iphone photos taken from our balcony for a clue as to where we've been:

A stormy morning

A sunny morning

A Beach on my Mantel

I love to vacation at the beach. Gathering shells and other treasures is still a favorite past time. This year I was in the mood to decorate my mantel with finds from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A beautiful beach is my idea of relaxation and calm. 

The Woodpeckers Return

The woodpeckers have returned to their nest in our Aspen tree. Last year what I thought were baby woodpeckers actually turned out to be chickadees. This year, however, I am certain I captured the real thing.

I had no idea there were so many different species of woodpeckers, especially ones residing in Utah. These look like Downy Woodpeckers to me. (Sally, am I right?)

They were tricky to photograph. The male, in particular, was quite elusive.

 

The female appears to stay close to the nest. I assume there is a nest hidden within that knotty trunk. We shall see.

Even though their home isn't that far off the ground, Linus is oblivious, and that's just fine with me.