I can't believe it took us so long to find this hike! We read about it in the Kaua'i Traveler magazine and immediately planned to venture out to the Sleeping Giant on JD's first day off. It was worth every step. I'm pretty sure this was one of our first big hikes since Mia Kai was born so we started off with the easier trails. JD carried our GoPro Hero5 Black and backpack (which weighed quite a bit more than MK at the time) and I carried Mia Kai in our Ergo. Whew! We were obsessing over the giant canopy of trees we were walking under at the beginning of the hike!
Read MoreThe Rainbow State // Kauai, Hawaii
Oh, the Rainbow State. You hold such a sweet place in our hearts! We spent the month of June exploring our favorite island but we'll just compile everything into one post. This is one of our favorite spots, mainly because it's close to the hotel and it makes for the perfect walk to either Poipu Village or Keoki's Paradise. We've seen tons of giant turtles just surfing the waves and even a couple of whales in this area. It's also the perfect place to spot a rainbow after a quick rain shower.
Read MoreSecluded Beach // Kauai, Hawaii
When the parking lot was full for Secret Beach, we improvised. Our main goal was to find a secluded beach with shade somewhere around that area so that we wouldn't lose much time. I'll be honest. I have no recollection of what this beach was actually called. But I can give you a description of how we got there! We parked at a condo parking lot near the St. Regis in Princeville, walked down a small path to this outlook...
Read MoreKalalau Hike // Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai has some of the best hiking we've ever experienced. JD always researches the coolest hikes and this one was no different. There were zero waterfalls (which is high on the criteria list for a great hike) but the views were amazing and inspiring! And we also love a good tree tunnel. I especially loved the giant ferns uncurling to bask in the sun. Sometimes I wonder if Dr. Seuss hiked through Hawaii for inspiration. Seriously. The fauna here is remarkable.
Read More2018 Agenda Update!
Oh, friends. I just ate an entire Espresso Ritter Sport chocolate bar while trying to type a blog post for this. We won't be selling 2018 Agendas this year. We've had so much going on between traveling and our house renovations, the Agendas got lost in the shuffle of it all. I've dreaded this announcement. I love using our Agenda and I love seeing others enjoy it so much!! The organization of it all, the largeness of it, the scripture written within it. It brings my heart so much joy. But I've prayed about it. I've spoken (probably on too many occasions) with JD and friends about it, and it just seems like that's what we need to do this year.
Read MoreFavorite Baby Travel Essentials // Airplane Edition
As of today, we've flown a total of 20+ times with our baby, which certainly does not qualify us as experts but we wanted to share our experiences with you nonetheless! Each flight has been different, ranging from near perfect to pretty awful. Most of them have been fairly decent though. We first flew with Mia Kai when she was around four months old. The following list of baby travel essentials has helped us to maintain our sanity.
Necessary things such as diapers, wipes, bibs, burp cloths, bottles, baby food, etc. are not mentioned in the list.
Please keep in mind that what works for us may not work for you, and vice versa, so please share your favorite travel essentials and suggestions below in the comment section as well!
Read MoreMia Kai // One Year Old!
Happiest of birthdays to our little pineapple, Mia Kai!! A few of our friends and family gathered this past weekend to celebrate - and, oh, what a sweet celebration it was! As we stood around together before blessing the food, I looked around and felt a bit emotional. What a year this has been! It's been a fantastic year - watching our little Mia Kai grow and learn but it's also been a bit challenging. Between her surgery and well, everything that else that the first year of life entails for a baby and first-time parents, we've had our ups and downs. We're deeply grateful for our community, the people who have walked so closely with us this past year and the sweet ways God has carried us through it all. To see everyone gathered together at one time... it was comforting and a wave of overwhelming amount of peace flooded over us. But I digress. :)
Read MoreCraniosynostosis // Post-Op
Well, the doctor said to leave her steri strips on for another five days (unless they fall off by themselves, which a few already have). It made this momma and daddy cringe a little, knowing we'll have to take themselves off by ourselves. Fortunately he gave us some tips for removal. The exciting news?! Mia Kai looks great and we got the okay for going back out into public and for travel! We love our sweet Mia Kai and we praise God for His healing, strength and guidance through all of this!
Read MoreCraniosynostosis // Day Five
Wahoo!! The doctors came by and confirmed that today is Discharge Day!!!
Read MoreCraniosynostosis // Day Four
We are rejoicing this morning!!! Mia Kai's swelling has decreased dramatically and she even tried to smile at JD! She started wiggling when she tried to smile because she got so excited but then started crying because she realized she is still in pain. Sweet girl! She's trying so hard! She had a pretty great night. The nurses had to draw her bloodwork which she got pretty upset about but who wouldn't?? We cannot contain our excitement as we see our little one progress with healing so quickly! It's been a long three days but it also feels like it's flown by because of how quickly she's healing when we look at the long scheme of things. We praise God for healing our Little Pineapple so swiftly! She still has a ways to go with the swelling (particularly in the back of her head and the rest of her body) but she's doing so great!
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