Justin had a week off from school after final's and we thought that was a great opportunity to go to one of our favorite vacation destinations for a "babymoon"... a little getaway before our precious baby girl arrives! We left for Hawaii on June 23 for 8 days of sun, fun, and relaxation. Because we've been there before, we didn't feel the need to be typical "tourists" so instead, we visited a few places we had not been to before, went on two hikes to waterfalls, visited with Justin's friends - the Jacinto's, and took an entire day to drive around the island, stopping at fun places and eateries. A relaxing vacation in paradise is just what the doctor ordered. We can't wait to take Morgan Belle there some day on a family vacation!
After arriving on the island, we headed to the hotel, unpacked, and headed across the street to Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head is in the background.
24 week picture on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii.
Our second day we hiked Manoa Falls. I had hiked this with my Mom in 2007 and when Justin and I were here in 2009, they were filming the TV show "Lost" at the falls so we were unable to hike to it. We were excited to get to go on the hike during this visit though it was incredibly hot!
Dinner at one of our favorite places on the island, Dukes!
The fourth day on Oahu, we packed up our convertible and headed east on our drive around the island. This was taken at a beautiful overlook while on our drive.
Our friends Molly and Sam, who recently were stationed in Hawaii, told us we had to have breakfast at Boots & Kimo's in Kailua. Justin enjoyed the macadamia nut pancakes!!!
While on North Shore, we stopped at one of the famous "shrimp trucks" that line the road. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Romy's!
We found this great little beach last time we were in Hawaii and were lucky enough to see sea turtles sun bathing, yet again! Such a cool sight!
At Turtle Beach on the north western side of the island.
Our favorite thing about Hawaii? SHAVE ICE! We enjoyed Aoki's in Haleiwa - a town known for their shave ice. (This was only one of our two shave ice stops for the day!)
On the western side of the island, Disney is building a beautiful resort. While it's still under construction, they invite you to visit and swim in their lagoons. We enjoyed an evening swim in the clear waters at sunset after a day of tooling around the island in the Mustang!
Our hotel, the Sheraton Waikiki, had wonderful daily classes you could participate in. We enjoyed making leis with wonderfully smelling plumeria and orchids. :)
We enjoyed breakfast and lunch on our balcony overlooking the Pacific everyday!
The ONLY time I smiled on this hike - at the beginning. Little did I know Justin was taking me on a long, difficult hike that I was sure would put me into early labor.
On the hike after seeing the (disappointing) waterfalls.
Justin redeeming himself after the hellish hike, we went to a Japanese Steakhouse! :) Justin's a proud papa - can you tell?
We had so much fun making leis at our hotel, that we did it twice!
On our balcony during our last full day in Hawaii.
Our last night in Hawaii, we got ice cream at sat on the sand talking about our wonderful vacation and the exciting things that await us in the months to come...
Our last day in Hawaii, we spent ALL day on the beach, soaking up the sun, playing in the water, and...
catching up on reading! Justin is reading his "Daddy Handbook" so he knows just what to do when his baby girl arrives!
25 week picture on Waikiki Beach!
Hang loose!
We'll visit you again soon, Hawaii, we promise! :)
