Day 9 - Tunnels Beach

I was really excited to go to Tunnels Beach because we heard that it had great snorkeling, but when we got there, it was a little rough. There had been a storm the night before and the waves were crashing hard and it was a little windy as well. It would not have been fun to be out in the water with the coral reef below you as waves crash down on your back. We decided to leave and go to Kalihiwai since it is a favorite for the kids.

Pictures around the house after receiving rain the night before

Casey was paranoid that he was going to get sunburned, so he made sure to put sunscreen on every day.

This was one CRAAAZY local. Garth accidentally ran over a piece of driftwood acting as a curb, and this guy went off about respect. Unfortunately, he also cussed like every other word as well and threatened to go get his 15 brothers. It was an interesting start to our day.

A Hermit Crab Casey found

Day 8 - Thanksgiving

We spent all of Thanksgiving day lounging around. We watched a few movies and cooked. Right before dinner, everyone was a little out of it as you can tell from below. Only a few of us were able to stay awake. Dinner was a little delayed and we ended up eating a lot later than expected, but it was worth it. We had turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, frog eye salad, rolls, green beans, sweet potato casserole, sparkling cider, and 5 pies with real whipped cream. We wish we could have spent it with everybody, but it was fun spending it in Kauai.

Ethan & Trevon

Starlee (she wasn't feeling well that day)
Jonathan, Garin, and Casey

Chad & Taylor

Shelby

Our wonderful Hawaiian themed table

Casey got a turkey leg

Day 7 - Hanalei Bay and Ching Young Village

We went to Hanalei Bay with the family and had a grand 'ole time. Then the "big kids" walked around Ching Young Village and had some dessert at the Polynesian Cafe. They had a really good triple chocolate mousse. Then Casey, Jonathan, and I went to go get a smoothie from a hut we saw on the side of the road, but it was closed, so we just stood in the rain while we waited for our rides.

Casey studying. He liked to be outside when it rained.

Casey helping Trevon boogie board

Ethan surfing

King of the Mountain

Casey's own Y mountain

Ching Young Village

Day 6 - Kayaking up the Kalihiwai River and Triple Falls

We hiked up the Kalihiwai River and boy was it an adventure. The kayaking was nice and relaxing, but hiking to the waterfalls was another story. We had to walk up river against a strong current and on slippery rocks. We were slipping all over the place and I lost my sandal a few times. It was a good thing Garth or Casey were there to get it for me. The mosquitos were the worst. Janelle got bit a lot more than I did, but they seemed to like us more than anyone else. I guess we're just sweet : ) The waterfalls were beautiful though and it was fun.

Kalihiwai River

The first waterfall

All three waterfall (barely)

The second waterfall

Casey in one of the slower parts. It was fun to go under all these branches.

Day 5 - Maniniholo Dry Cave, Blue Room Caves, Ke'e Beach

Today was one of my favorite days. The dry and wet caves were amazing and Ke'e Beach was my favorite beach. We first went on a hike to get a view from higher up, and when we were coming back down, we got rained on. It was nice to get rained on and not feel cold : ) The beach was very pretty and we had the best time snorkeling. We saw sea turtles and different kinds of fish of every single color you could imagine. They were so beautiful. Casey even touched one of the sea turtles, but we didn't find out until we got home that you can be fined quite a bit of money for touching them, so Shhhhhh : ) The sunset was amazing too.

Maniniholo Dry Cave

Casey hanging from some vines outside the cave. He was 5-6 feet off the ground.

Waikapala'e Wet Cave (Blue Room Cave)

Waikanaloa Wet Cave

Ke'e Beach

Janelle & Starlee in the rain on the way back from our hike.

The beautiful sunset

Day 4 - Church, Kilauea Lighthouse, and Rock Quarry Beach

On our fourth day there we got to go to the local branch for church. There are six church buildings on the island that comprise the Kauai stake. It was neat to go to a small branch, and the members sang us a really pretty Hawaiian song after sacrament. After church we went on a drive to put the kids to sleep and took a walk around Bob and Lynne's property. Then Casey and I went with Garth and Janelle and the three smallest kids to see the Kilauea Lighthouse (which was closed so we could only take pictures from afar) and Rock Quarry beach where we walked around and took pictures. It was a good Sunday.

Hanalei Branch church building

The pond next to Bob and Lynne's house

Kilauea Lighthouse

Rock Quarry Beach

Day 3 - Anini Beach

On our third day there, we went to different parts of Anini Beach and went snorkeling. We saw quite a few fish and I saw an eel. Casey found me some really pretty shells too.

All ready to go!

The kids playing in the water. The had a lot of fun and even got into a water fight with Jonathan and Dad.

Day 2 - Kalihiwai Beach

On our second day we went to a closer beach and had fun skimboarding, playing on the rope swing, and swimming.

The kids playing on the hammock

Groves of trees surrounded the area where Bob and Lynne lived

Casey and Jonathan on the rope swing

Trevon giving it a try

Taylor Surfing

There were Geckos all over the place in Kauai