Cleared for Take Off

Probably the most memorable moment of our Hawaii trip was the Open Doors Helicopter Tour.  After listening to someone talk about a helicopter ride at a work conference, I looked into and we decided it was a must.

I was pretty pumped that we got to wear jump suits.  Cue the Top Gun Music, because I was ready to soar with Ice Man.  And yes, NO DOORS on this helicopter! 

 

 

Our tour flew us first over the west Maui mountains.  So beautiful!!

And then across the Pailolo Channel.

 

 

We then saw the beautiful sights of Molokai.  This island is home to Hawaii's largest and most spectacular sea cliffs, which can only be seen by boat or air.  Also home to the tallest water fall.

Dave (the pilot) took us so close to the water falls and just what felt like only a few feet above the trees.  It was kind of like an IMAX theater...but obviously much more exciting!  It was all an amazing experience and one that we will never forget.

 

Aloha Oahu

Most of you have seen these pics on facebook and Kat's Playbook, but I forgot that I never shared our trip pictures as I said I would on here!!  The bringing on of cold weather and thoughts of what I am thankful for makes me reminisce about our wonderful trip to Hawaii.  

 

Oahu was a blast.  We had both been growing up with our families, but it was even better to experience it together.  We headed up to the North Shore to play in the waves and then head to the Polynesian Cultural Center.  

And a trip to Oahu is never complete with eating one of the famous Banana Shave Ice from Aoki's.  We even had a little taste off between Aoki's and Matsumoto's.  Both a hit up north, but we declared Aoki's as the clear winner. 

We also did a lot fabulous of hiking.  Manoa Falls, Diamond Head and Cocohead.   Buying the Keen shoes were a definite must for our little adventures.

I have to say that out of all the Beaches we went to on the trip, Bellow's was my favorite!  It is open to the public on weekends and it was perfect. 

Here's more Oahu pictures:

Are you ready for some football???

Anyone that knows Tyson, knows that he sure is ready for some football...and at any time.  I think the first word out of his mouth every day is football.  And even last night at Dick's Sporting Goods, he cried and cried because we had to leave the store and he couldn't look at the wall of footballs anymore (its a tough life for the 20 month old).  

And so it was just fitting that The T Man was a football for Halloween.  We found this costume at Target as an infant sleep sack costume.  And since Ty obviously running around like crazy, we cut some holes in the bottom for his little legs.  

He did a little Trick-or-Treating and definitely knew that the more he grabbed with his little hand, the more chocolate he would get to eat.   

 

 

We also went to Karlyn's house, who dressed up as the Incredibles, for a Minute to Win It party.  Ryan was Hulk Hogan and I was a vampire....Jane from Twilight to be exact.  We were quite the seriously group. 

He had some much fun....he was sad to see it end.  (Or freaked out by the Hulk)

Song on the blog:
Gary Glitter - Rock & Roll Part 2

Little Pumpkin

Sisterly Love

Found these pictures from one of the many family birthday parties and just had to share.

I Just Love my Big Sis!!!

Song on the Blog:
Dance Little Sister by The Rolling Stones

Dancing Machine

Looks like we've got a little man with all right the moves.  Check out these hilarious dance videos.  And it just shows that he takes after his Mama and can jam out to any kind of music.

Love the circle move and "booty drop" moves.

Too funny as he grabs his belly and looks down.  Not to mention, he's getting good his robot moves.



More booty drops, dancing with the football, and love that serious face expression.  All Business. 

Paradise for Two

What can I say about Hawaii??  Amazing.  Amazing.  Ah-mazing.  Seriously, I HIGHLY recommend the vacay with no baby toddler.  Taking the time for just the two of us was Fantastic.  Back at home, there are of course date nights and little moments after the Ty Man goes to bed, and when we really try to spend some quality time together.  But on the paradise vacation...it was as if we were  high school sweet hearts again.  Newly Weds again.  In L-O-V-E.  

I am sure my Dad is proud of the amount of activities we packed into this trip.  I specifically remember going once to Kaui with my parents.  My mom and I had just laid out our bamboo mats, got all oiled up, and were ready to soak in some sun on the beach....when my Dad would walk up and say, "alright, let's go.  Off to the next beach."  We always laughed about that one, but there were many times on this trip that Ryan had to remind me of how much I was like my Dad and just couldn't wait to do more.  

Between beaches, hiking, snorkeling, helicopter tour, road to hana, Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, Polynesia Cultural Center, Luau's, and lots and lots of food...we really did have an amazing time. 

 

So stay tuned to so many posts and so MANY pictures that you will probably be sick with Hawaiian jealously...or perhaps just start planning your own trip to the Islands.  But I just can't help myself.  I feel like I have to share the moments that still have me on a "high" back in Colorado 10 days later.

Songs on the Blog: 
Israel Kamakawiwo'ol - 'Ama 'Ama
Ka'au Crater Boys - Surf