From the Beach to the Snow

 

Tau’aho made another trip and this time we landed in Utah to see another side of the family. It was a shock to leave Hawaii and walk off the plane and see our breath in Salt Lake City!

However, there are so many family members that are waiting to meeting Tau’aho and from the time we arrived he was passed from person to person until he knew he was loved.

One of the best parts of coming was to meet his new cousin, Kaleia. She is one month younger and it was fun to watch the two of them try to figure out who they were talking to.

Our Aloha Wear that Lady' Mum gave to us

 

Time in Utah always guarantees plenty of family, loads of fun, animals and plenty of outdoor time. In fact, Tau’aho was introduced to rabbits, horses, dogs, and sledding while we were here!  He tried to pull and eat the lop ear of the bunny and was shocked when Beau-D’s big German Shepard wanted to lick his face. It was fun to watch his eyes soak all the new scenes in. 

Tubing and sledding is always a fun, adrenaline rush activity. Lady was determined that I was trying to kill her. 

As he grows he shows his laughter and happy personality to anyone that will stop and smile back. Lady Hiva even noticed that his bottom teeth are starting to feel sharp…a new phase is beginning! Keep on smiling through it, Lucky!

There is a Reason this is called Paradise

Winter waves at Sunset Beach on Oahu's North Shore

Hawaii is Paradise. We are lucky enough to call it home. However, because of my job we don’t get to see the beach every day like when we actually live here. So when we come home we have a list of places we want to visit and food we want to eat. You could say that we are tourists at this point. Haha. We don’t go anywhere without the camera (although that is nothing new for me anyway).

Our Christmas experience was complete with drives listening to Hawaiian Christmas songs and eating plate lunches where ever we could find them. In Hawaii cuisine is always some sort of fusion food thanks to the many different cultures that lived here during the plantation eras.

Banana Tree

My favorite part about being here is the beach—of course.  Between the vegetation and the shoreline a daily run is breathtaking. I went out to Sunset beach to take some photos. The waves on the North Shore in the winter are way too big for swimmers. That is usually when the surf competitions come through. I stood with all the other tourists and watched the brave surfers glide down waves fifteen to twenty feet high…They are beautiful and I am an adrenaline junky, but I can honestly tell you I would be a little bit scared to be out there with a massive wall of water coming at my face.

Kahuku Shrimp truck on Oahu's North Shore

Sunset Beach, Oahu North Shore

Surfing on Oahu's North Shore

So yes, we call paradise home—the sunshine, the beach, the blue ocean, the food, and the ALOHA spirit that permeates the entire state. If you are looking for a new place to live, it should be on your list. Just remember that paradise comes at a price.

Pounders Beach, Hauula Hawaii

Pounders Beach, Hauula, HI

Hauula HI...so while the waves on the Leeward side of the North Shore are raging, the Windward side is really smooth and if you watch closely you will see whale breaching

LDS Temple in Laie, HI