Kona, Hawaii

My parents invited us to Hawaii and seeing how this vacation would be the first vacation Eric and I got to take without our little ones, we were hesitant but intrigued.  Thankfully we are very lucky to have such great family members that flew in to help us.  I wasn't the least bit worried about our kiddos which was great because I got to enjoy Hawaii to the fullest.     

We don't mind if we do! 

My parents welcomed us to Hawaii the traditional Hawaiian way.  Leis! 

Old volcano lava tube 

This statue of King Kamehameha has a very interesting story to it.  It was actually made on the Big Island which is his birth island, but was shipped to Honolulu to be displayed there.  The boat actually ended up sinking and it wasn't found until many years later, so the Hawaiian people believe that he wasn't happy about leaving his birth island, so they returned him and this is where he has stood since then.   I totally geek out over stuff like this.    

Polulu Lookout

Yeah, I'm probably the worst hiker.  This was taken on one of my many breaks. 

Akaka Falls

This was taken on the way to Champagne pond.  

I wish you could've seen this in real life. 

It was that gorgeous and electrifying. 

Snorkeling by the Captain Cook Monument

D.C. Bucket List

As we were busy getting ready for our move south, I realized that there were two things that the kids had still not crossed of their  D.C. bucket list.  The reason why we waited so long to cross these sights off was that you had to arrive before 7am and wait in a long line just to get tour tickets.  Plus, the Monument had only re-opened for tours about a year ago. Eric had a day off and I knew it was our only chance to get it done without dragging Eli and Lexie  in the hot sun.  After getting our tour tickets at the Monument, we RAN to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing HOPING that they would have any left for us.  Thankfully, we were very lucky.  The kids may forgot everything about our time in D.C. but something tells me they will never forgot running in D.C.  

It was insane. Just a little, but so worth it.       

Washington Monument 

View of The Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Bason  

View of The White House

Jellystone Park

Seeing how the kids were officially out of school and we had two weeks before we were packing up to move for Alabama, we decided to enjoy some downtime in the woods.  This was our first time visiting a Jellystone Park and it won't be our last.  Between the laser tag, the horseback riding, the waterpark, and many other family friendly events, I can see why people choose to go back every year.  We enjoyed our little getaway and can't wait to try another Jellystone Park in the future.

That's a wrap to 2015 school year

Lexie's last day of school was the day before Ethan and Gracie's last day of school and her class put on a little concert for the parents.  Seeing Lexie on stage enjoying her classmates and teachers makes my heart happy.  She blossoms more and more every year and I pray we continue to be blessed with remarkable teachers. 

I thought it was super cute when she realized that I was sitting in front of her. 

End of the year class parties 

                         

 Last day of school