Kauai Thanksgiving 2019

Over Thanksgiving break, our family flew to Kauai from three different states: Colorado, Minnesota, and Washington! We stayed in the little town of Hanalei on the North Shore of Kauai in the Taj Ma Hale rental home. It was the perfect fit for our group with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Plenty of room to spread out in many sitting spaces including the porch with a view! Costco run, Ono Cafe, and Hanalei Bread Company kept us full the whole trip. We even enjoyed apple pie from Hanalei Bread Company and it was by far the best pie I have ever had! 

Although we had a lot of activities planned, we had a lot of down time to relax on the beach that was a block and a half from the house. The fam tried boogie boarding, we coordinated outfits for a family photo, and walked several times to the local ice cream shop. Dan, Liz, Ben, and Julie bravely fought sea sickness in order to dive Sheraton Caverns to see the turtles that are abundant in that area. The seas were rough with about 8 - 10 foot swells. Julie was sick the entire time, but still made it through both dives. Liz got certified on her open water dives and was a pro in the water from dive 1. 

Everyone except for grandma and Garrison ventured out on Cap'N Andy's for a dinner cruise to the Napali Coast. Although it was rough seas again, we all took Dramamine to help curb the motion sickness. Worked like a charm! We enjoyed a delicious 3 course meal and the views were stunning. Didn't see any marine life, but still an amazing voyage. 

Drove to Waimea canyon for the day and went on a trail that was super muddy. Didn't get as far as we wanted once the mud was ankle deep, but it was still a beautiful day and both the Napali and the canyon were clear, perfect views! We know how rare that is, so we soaked up the scenery while we could! Ended the day with dinner at Bubba's in Poipu and some ice cream from Lapperts. 

One activity that I enjoyed much more than expected was the kayak trip up river in Hanalei. We have wanted to do that excursion the last few times we visited, but it never made the itinerary. Finally did thanks to Mom for pushing! Beautiful scenery and was very relaxing. Especially when we turned at the "rapids" and traveled back down river. We hardly had to do a thing to keep ourselves moving :). 

Celebrated Garrison's 1st birthday all together! It is so fun to see him explore and experience new things like the sand on the beach. What a pumpkin he was! Entertained us thoroughly and I loved being able to see him every day. 

The phrase "Invest in Memories, Not things" comes to mind when I think about this trip. We invested in time together that was precious and made memories that will last a lifetime. I love my family!