L O V E

I've been thinking about something to post for a couple days. I have a lot of emotions and thoughts to share but it seems so much easier to sit here and listen to music. So, this is my post...just listen to the music for now. Try not to skip the ones you don't know but see if you get something new out of it. It's all about love. Love for self, others, nature, progress, memories, passage of regret, love for letting go...you tell me what you think/feel.

Sit back and enjoy, smile, cry, laugh...you deserve a break!

Much Love!!!

Mahalo

Wow...what a day! Waking to the the sound of the palm trees swaying just outside my window, the smell of the ocean breeze and the excitement of another day in Hawaii. Dad, Amy, Ashton, Corey and I hit the road early today to do a little exploring in the town of Kailua. It is a cute town right on the coast with lots of shops and restaurants. We watched the surf...and surfers as we ate lunch and then visited a local farmers market.

We also spent some time at Hapuna beach today where the waves were rockin' and the boys played in the sand. It seems that they have become accustomed to the feel of it between their little toes and they look so comfortable in this setting.

I have become comfortable here too. Everything seems so familiar that was once foreign...just in time to pack my bags and head back to Utah and the cold weather. I'm looking forward to seeing RJ...it seems like a year since last week in a way and to hear Ginger's husky song that she only sings for me : )

Of course I will miss the Hawaiian surroundings but take many good memories with me. I've decided that in another life...maybe after my Italian life...I might be Hawaiian. I have fallen in love, once again, with the culture, the history, the beauty, the language...all that is Hawaiian. In my dreams tonight I hope I dance the hula and surf the waves one last time before I leave the magical realm of the Aloha spirit.

Mahalo!

Fletch

Oh the waning moments of a vacation. I woke this morning to Casey jumping on my belly saying, "C'mon, get up! It's my last day here!" And so the day began.

Casey and I fell into our 5 day routine of snuggling the boys, feeding them breakfast, chasing them like lost boys and beefing up on our Disney Channel favorites. I will honestly miss the one on one time with Ashton and Corey. I think Casey and I have been very fortunate to have developed a bond with them in this way.

Then before I knew it I was once again lounging in paradise watching the waves roll in and feeling the sand warm as morning turned to day. We all spent most of the day at the beach at Mauni Lani. An absolutely incredible day!

There is the most serene bay there where sea turtles come up for air after feeding off the vegetation on the rocks. There are schools of fish swaying with the waves and once again there are the hammocks that line the beach where you can sit and wish and dream.

Today was a great day for me and two particular sea turtles. One I named Fletch and the other Mr. Underhill (from the movie, Fletch). Fletch was the first turtle of the day and swam up right in front of me to the point of nearly taking my nose off. He likes the sun like I do and managed to work himself up onto the black lava rocks to sun bathe when I wasn't looking. I sat with him for a while and watched his eyes open and close as he tried to ignore me and get some sleep...sorry Fletch but you fascinated me! Instead I listened to him tell me all about his journey from Australia and how he settled here with his little sea turtle family because he learned the hula at a young age and was facinated by its origin...thus applying for citizenship and becoming a hardworking Hawaiian sea turtle.

Mr. Underhill on the other hand was a cool customer and stayed to the water games. He is GINORMOUS and has a sort of yellowish shell. He didn't really have much to say seeing as how he was in the water all day but he did look quite peaceful as he swam about his daily routine in the sea turtle world. I imaine it's hard working for so little and entertaining nosey girls from Utah who won't leave you and your colleagues alone. Either way, they were great and very memorable.

I don't have any pictures of my two esteemed friends because of the water/camera situation and the fact that I was "swimming" (aka transporting) Casey to and from Fletch because she didn't have water shoes on. I'm pretty sure the pictures wouldn't have turned out anyway if the camera was either at the bottom of the bay or on a towel trying to dry out the sand and salt water that would be corroding all its intricate software watcha-ma-call-its. So, please take my word for it and the next time you visit the Mauni Lani bay give them some love from their girl in Utah.

Casey insisted that we get a family vacation picture before we left the beach today so those are the cute little pictures below.

This is the sissies photo that dad took just before we left to take Casey to the airport. I had a lot of fun with her on this vacation and will miss waking up without her tomorrow.

Well, anyway...just two more days and one night left. The count down is on anyway you look at it. Much love!!!

Whales

Casey and I went on a whale watching boat tour today. I watched the whales and Casey watched the cocktails...Mai Tai anyone?

It was amazing!!! The humpback whales surrounded our boat and seemed to be so curious about what we were doing. At one point there were two whales close enough that their spray got on us...which we learned is really mucus...GROSS!

There is something very powerful and real about watching the grace and beauty of a whale. They really are large but I got a sense of connection, of equality and such excitement. I felt small and at the same time a part of something so great and enormous. This trip has opened my eyes in many ways...really about myself and the changes I have been able to make. I believe that because of those changes I am now able to see the world as I should see it...mysterious, beautiful, raw, real and precious.

I don't know what you would call the experiences I have been able to have internally...some may call them apifinies...AH HA momemts...I just call to them like a soft whisper that was there the entire time. I feel so much peace...more than I have in years.

I also got to spend time with Dad and Casey at the Golf course at Mauni Lani this morning. It was fun to watch their competitive nature come out and their love for a sport. The course is beautiful beyond words...even the sand traps look inviting.

We met up with Amy and the boys for a little shopping and lunch where dad swiftly ushered everyone away from the Louis Vuitton store and once again past Tiffany and Co. I wonder why? I got pictures of Tiffany and Co. because I love the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's and the L'Occitane store because it made me homesick for my mommy! The boys got to run around the shopping area for a while and show off their speed. I think they're loving the sun andI can't wait to see the time when they truly are little surfer dudes.

I'm super tired so all the pictures are kinda lumped together...but I'm really just doing this for myself...I don't know if anyone is even reading this.

Poolside

I LOVE these tiles in the pool...

Casey and I got to spend a lot of time with the brothers. Before hitting the pool with them, we tended them while Amy and dad went golfing. I only got a few pictures at the pool because I wanted to soak up some sun.

After the pool, there was a quick shopping trip with Casey, Amy and I and then back to the villa for chasing and playing with the kids so Amy and dad could spend a quiet dinner with their friend the Prestons, who leave the island tomorrow.

In all the running around and craziness that twins MAY create…I was able to relax and get a little sun in the process. I just can’t seem to pass up the opportunity to soak up the spirit here.

Casey, Dad and I have an early morning tomorrow since the golf clubs will be flying. I’m just going along for the ride and picture taking. Stay turned to my novice writing and very, very, very inadequate Hawaiian picture taking. I just can’t seem to capture what I’m seeing in a tiny little picture. I wish I was more talented…but don’t let that scare you away. I’m still trying.

Much love to you all my friends!

Love the secluded parts of the pool

and the little person pool for the boys to walk around it.

My favorite was the beach chairs on the tiles with about 6 inches of water unterneath...seemed to keep me cooler and it just was cooler all around!

Ashton, getting his splash on!

Casey getting the brothers ready for their diving.

Corey, ploting his next attack.

Corey

Corey

All My Senses

Another day in paradise, yet it seems like a rebirth inside. There is something that awakens in my soul when amongst these islands and once again I feel ALIVE. I feel the breeze on my face, the waves against my body and the sun on my skin. I smell that intoxicating sweet mixture of plumeria and salt as it dances into my senses and paints the rainbow of Hawaiian life.

Today was mostly filled with sun and surf. Casey and I took a walk this morning through some lava tubes and then rewarded ourselves with a nice moment in a hammock on the beach.

I must say that this was one of the highlights for me. The only other time I have been to the Big Island of Hawaii, I spent many hours in the hammocks outside the hotel dreaming of life as an adult. What kind of love would I find…where would I live…what would my children be like…what would I be like? Now that some of those questions have answers, it was nice to be in that same spot and know that all was as it should be…just as I believed then, I believe now…there are no accidents.

We joined the Prestons once again for lunch and dinner and will have great memories of this day.

The boys exhausted themselves in the sand and even tried to make some friends today. This is definitely a trip of many firsts for them.

Instead of try to explain each picture there is a montage below for your enjoyment. Much love to you all! Stay safe and warm : )

ALOHA

Okay, let's start at the beginning. Here are Ashton and Corey at the airport...the beginning of a long day for everyone but these two were TROOPERS!!!


The flight from SL to LA was packed but short enough that everyone did ok. Then we had a gate change in LA that was kind of confusing and a super pain when you a stinky bum and no food in your tummy. The flight from LA to Kona was full too but Amy managed to get a bulkhead seating for her and Casey which gave the boys some room to play with toys. Dad was across the isle and I was in first class, thanks dad. It may sound snobby that I sat up there but most of you know why.

Overall everyone did wonderfully!!! I am so proud of Ashton and Corey and can't wait to tell them about their first plane ride some day. What a great opportunity to be apart of that!

This was my fist view of the ocean this morning as we went to visit some friends...ALOHA!!!

Corey and daddy in the sand for the first time. Corey couldn't figure out why his feet kept sinking at first and was a little wobbly but then he got the hang of it. This was such a fun experience to see for the first time. I wouldn't trade it!!!

More water time!

Amy (mommy) with Ashton, Corey and family friend Cheryl Preston. The boys LOVE the water and spash like fishes.

Corey and his sweet cheeks!

Corey attacking me and the camera on the ground. This kid is addicted to ANY electronic device.

Ashton, playing in the sun.

A tranquil little bay at the Prestons (Stan and Cheryl) hotel. We went to their hotel and swam, ate lunch and went to the beach. This is on the way to the beach and is full of crazy looking crabs and tiny little fish.

Ahhh...the beach!!! Beautiful Hawaiian sun and sand between my toes...I can't believe how much I missed this.

The Ocean...need I say more? This is where I truly feel accepted, at peace, centered. It's so beautiful here with the contrast of so much lava rock and then the blue ocean. Casey and I swam with sea turtles today near the rocks you can see. We took a few hits on the rocks and got some battle wounds but OH was it worth it. The surf is high now but makes for an even powerful experience by bringing to life the sounds of nature.

Ashton checking out the ocean and planting each foot carefully in the sand...it made me think about the poem called footsteps. At one point it got a little too hot so I picked him up to carry him. How many times have I been carried in my life by those around me? I am so grateful for this chance to find my center again and connect with the universe.

More beach and rock.

Just a little light breeze to whisper the Hawaiian spirit.

Cheryl and Corey.

After a great day of playing outside we went to dinner at Tommy Bahama's grill...SOOOOOOOO good. Then we came home and dad got attacked my his boys...what a great picture!

Well, that's the end of Day 1. I'm so tired but am having a great time!!!! See ya tomorrow!