Kaumana Caves

Veteran's Day meant a day in the middle of the week with Sean home instead of at school. We decided to take advantage! I ran a 3 miles in the direction of Kaumana Caves, then Sean and the boys picked me up on our way. We met up with Brigham and Truman (the boys friends here) and had them come with us. It was fun to have them tagging along!

Kaumana Caves are here in Hilo only about 15 minutes from our house. The lava tube was created from lava flow from Mauna Loa in 1881. It was dark and wet, but it was so cool

Despite head lamps and long sleeves, Mavi wasn't digging it. We only made it about 100 yards in before he was done, so him and I turned around and waited at the top for the crew. Sean took the boys all in and they had so much fun exploring. There were times when there was a small creek running along the bottom, then it would disappear, only to resurface a bit later. There was water dripping on us from the tree roots that had grown through the top of the tube, and there were so many different types of rocks and textures. Nature is so cool!

Descending the stairs into the skylight of the cave

Looking back out the skylight.

Tree roots hanging through the top of the tube.

Mavi waiting for his brothers to come back

We were playing with the headlamp and he spontaneously turned and kissed me. I got my camera ready in case he did it again, and he did! I sure do love this boy!

After we were done at the caves, we had a little bit of daylight left so we rushed home, grabbed our swimming gear and headed to the beach. We are so incredibly blessed to live where we live, and I hope we never take it for granted!

We are so very grateful for the Veterans that have served our country. We are grateful for their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families. We are so blessed to live in a country where freedom is ours, and we recognize that this didn't come free.

Girls Weekend in Oahu!

Through a small twist of fate, I was able to spend 48 hours in Oahu with some of my girlfriends from Oregon. Sean was amazing and supported me in going Friday afternoon through Sunday night so I could meet up with Heather, Brittany, Stephanie and (later joined by) Erika.  At one point several years ago, we were all in the same ward but it's been awhile since that. Heather had a timeshare she had scheduled but her husband got deployed so wasn't able to join. She invited us instead, and all of us were able to come!

Most of the girls were there Friday through Wednesday or Thursday, but I was so grateful to get the time I got with them. We fit so much in!

Snorkeling, swimming, hot-tubbing, running, shopping, stopping at a delicious fruit stand, Polynesian Cultural Center, delicious food, Pearl Harbor (minus visiting the Arizona), relaxing on white sand beaches, etc. etc. etc. It was really the perfect getaway, and I am so grateful I was able to spend time with these incredible women!

Front row seats!

We drove past the temple after the PCC and even though we couldn't get close, it was still great to see!

Stephanie, Me, Heather, Brittany, and Erika, all wearing our kimonos that Heather brought us! She definitely spoiled us!

Heather is a Personal Color Analyst. I didn't know what this meant until this trip, but she has a process of figuring out what "season" you are, and which colors look best against your skin. This knowledge makes shopping for clothing, makeup, jewelry, etc. way easier, and it ensures that you are always looking your best! This picture is unedited, but look how blue my eyes are because I'm wearing my colors. I'm a "bright spring." How cool is this? I had so much fun, and for the first time ever bought and wore lipstick and I actually like the way it looks. Who'da thunk? 

While I was in Oahu, my sister, Heather gave birth to her second child, a daughter. She's beautiful, and perfect. Heather is THE SuperWoman, and my heart hurts that I have to wait so long to hold this little angel!

Eloise Magdelena Isaacson (nickname: Lou)

November 6, 2015 • 10:18pm

8 lbs 12.5 oz • 20.5 inches