Just the Two of Us // Our Last Trip Solo!

If you're following along with the 2016 Scripture Memory / Dwell Richly printable, here's the verse for week 5: 

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV)


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It's hard to believe that the next time we'll be traveling, we'll have a tiny little travel companion with us! JD and I were so excited to spend this last trip enjoying Hawaii together and hanging out on the days he didn't have to work. It's the end of an era and we wanted to celebrate the sweet season we've had as well as the exciting season that's about to happen. 

To be honest, we spent a lot of time resting. Our time traveling is normally spent hiking and exploring but throughout this pregnancy, we've been keeping it pretty chill. From what we've been told, we won't get as many opportunities to rest in a couple of months. ;) Here are a few highlights from the trip:

Oahu, Hawaii // via Jitney's Journeys

We witnessed our first surfing competition (difficult to see in this photo but there are definitely surfers gliding down that wave). This was at Banzai Pipeline at the North Shore. 

Mac Attack @ Mac 24/7 in Waikiki, Hawaii // via Jitney's Journeys

Food. We ate lots of food, particularly food from this plate at Mac 24/7 in Waikiki. As I mentioned on IG, JD and I have started sharing meals when we go out to eat. It was a little challenging at first (just another peek into our selfishness) but it has been so good for us. We may have visited this restaurant for this exact meal 15 out of the 30 days we were there. (The restaurant is located in the lobby of our hotel.) The waiters and waitresses grew to know us (and our order) and started to split the plate according to how we normally share it - you know, JD gets the meat, eggs, a taste of the pancakes and half of the potatoes; I get the red velvet pancakes and half of the potatoes. They may have also snuck us extra portions. It was awesome!

Whale Watching on Oahu // via Jitney's Journeys
JD photographing Humpbacks on Oahu
Whale Watching on Oahu // via Jitney's Journeys

We went whale watching but had zero luck finding any the first time. We ventured out again a week later and saw several! It was amazing - seeing their fins flapping against the water like they were waving. Definitely a day we will never forget! On a different note, my stomach grew quite a bit this month! The second photo above shows the full lookout from our whale watching venture. See that tiny vertical stick at the very end of the cliff? That's JD, my dashing and daring husband.

Kona Brewing Company in Honolulu, Hawaii // via Jitney's Journeys
Pizza at Kona Brewing Company in Honolulu, Hawaii // via Jitney's Jourenys

Yes, more food. This was the best pizza I have ever had. Kona Brewing Company in Waikiki serves a Jalapeno Popper Pizza - WHAT?! Yes. Amazingness all layered on top of a delicious soft crust. We balanced it with a nice garden salad. We may have also eaten this same meal more than once. :)

Halona Blowhole on Oahu, Hawaii // via Jitney's Journeys
Halona Blowhole at Oahu, Hawaii // via Jitney's Journeys

We spent an hour or two hanging out in the shade at the lovely Halona Blowhole

I finally finished the 50 Day Art Challenge of illustrating 50 States in 50 Days! 

I broke out my new Timi & Leslie diaper bag! More on how much I love this bag later (when it is actually used for its intended purpose) but basically, I wanted a diaper bag that could function as a heavy duty carry-on, a creative bag (to store laptop and art supplies when spending the day at a coffee shop or away from the studio), and obviously a diaper bag. So far, it has exceeded my expectations with the first two purposes. I have no doubt that it will excel in the diaper bag arena. 

Little Pineapple Illustration by Whitney Todd // via Jitney's Journeys

And our Little Pineapple officially grew to the size of a pineapple! I will admit, a lot of time was also spent practically (and non-practically) discussing what our life will look like when April comes around, as well as what it will look like when we travel with Mia Kai for the first time. Conversation spurred from flight frights (what if she cries the entire 9-hour flight?!) -- to which hotel we should stay at where she can be most comfortable -- to things we'll say to her as we're strolling her around the city ("those are called BOATS, Mia Kai!" and "this is called the ocean"). We realize she probably won't comprehend these things that young, but it doesn't hurt to try, right?

Aloha until next time, Hawaii!