Sunsets in Hawaii

The sunsets in Hawaii were beautiful.  We tried to capture them anytime we could.  Here are some of our best shots.

Haleakala Sunrise

I am told, when in Maui-see the Haleakala Sunrise.  The only downside to this..you have to make it to the top before sunrise.  We found out sunrise was 6:40AM.  It takes a little over 2 hours to get there.  We got up at 3AM just to make sure we made it on time.  We switched our bathing suits and flip flops for jeans and sweatshirts and headed out.
Apparently many others had the same idea as us and they closed the summit since it was full already of people.  Oh well, we got the lower part and still had some great views.  It was packed with people that wanted to see this magical gift Mother Nature gives you.  Oh let me explain:  You drive up the Haleakala Highway to the summit (or close to) which brings you 10,000 above sea level.  You get to see the sunrise above these beautiful clouds that cover the crater in the National Park.  It was breath taking and I am so glad we did it (although we were zombies the rest of the day)

 Brr its cold outside

Proof we were actually that high in elevation

 The sun is thinking about coming

 So beautiful

 She is getting ready to peak

 There she is

So peaceful and magical

Whale Watching

Who knows when we will be back in Hawaii during whale season, so although whale watching season doesn't officially start till next week, they were still taking people out.  They just couldn't "guarantee" you would see whales. 
Of course I hoped for the best.  We didn't see any whale breach (that would have been awesome) but we did seem some tails in the distance.  That was neat.  The best part was that when we were going back to shore, there were a pod of dolphins called Spinner dolphins that were fascinating to watch.  They would literally spin in the air as they jumped up.  It was amazing to watch.  And they are only found in Hawaii.  So the trip wasn't a totally bust.
**the last few days we spent in Hawaii were on the beach and we saw whales way out in the ocean.  Who knew I could have the same whale experience from the comfort of my lounge chair!**

The Ladies: Sarah and Laura

 See the whale fin...way....out....there??

 The guys: Scott and Stu

 Sarah and Stu

 Spinner Dolphins

Coming up to the boat to say hi

Helicopter Ride and the Road to Hana

Why not take your first helicopter ride in Hawaii, so we did.  Stu and I had never been on a helicopter ride, but Laura and Scott go on one every trip they take.  As we waited for our time get into the helicopter, I had to wait outside.  The 'Christmas' aroma they had burning in their establishment was about ready to put my prego nose over the edge.  
As we boarded the helicopter and took off, what fun it was.  Until....we hit winds that took us up and down and my stomach started to protest.  I had to grab one of the barf bags.  Although I am physically not able to throw up, I still have the same sensations and movements ones has when they are throwing up.  How embarrassing!  Not only did it happen once..but twice on the hour flight.  BOO!
The scenery was beautiful from the air and I am glad we went, just wish my tummy liked it.

 Sarah, Stu, Scott and Laura.  Our fashion accessory was our life jackets

 We got a full front shot as a take home, but this was taken on the side

 So excited.  No idea what is in store for me

 In the back ground on the mountain is a water fall

Ocean view

The Road to Hana---

Since our hotel was about an hour away from the airport and the start of the Road to Hana was about 15 miles away from the airport, we decided to hit it up the road to Hana after our helicopter road.  

Here is a little back story about The Road to Hana:   Hana is about 68 miles from the airport.  There are approx 620 curves along the State Route.  You cross over 59 bridges with 46 of them are one way.  

Here are a few shots of the road to Hana that were taken from the helicopter

 I knew this trip would make me sick and since I was already sick from the helicopter ride, we figured...lets go for it.  It was pretty.  We stopped to check out the sights and a few waterfalls.  We went to a place were there were black sand beaches (which was awesome).   There was one spot we wanted to see but with road construction taking us a different route, we missed it.  And with all the twisty, turns...I did get sick...again.. and again.  It was a rough day-but glad we got it all in. 

We pulled over and watched some wind surfers.  And we got to see some sea turtles in the ocean 

At the black beach 

The sand was black as night.  Doesn't really come through in the picture.  

Stu + Sarah + Hannah

Such a pretty view

Beach Day

We decided that our first day in Hawaii was going to be a beach day.  We all needed a day to just..relax.  What a glorious day it was.  Mid 80's when at home it was 40's.  

 Look at that beautiful water

 Stu is just like a little kid..playing in the sand

 Such a beautiful day

Whoops...I was in charge of the back.  We forgot to reapply after Stu had been snorkeling.  We used the spray sunscreen.  It looks like tiger claws got him.

Hawaii...here we come

Way back in July we agreed to go with some of Stu's friends to Maui Hawaii for a week.  It seemed so far away, but boy it came up fast.  My mom was kind enough to come to our house for the week and watch Hannah so Stu and I could go by ourselves.  It was hard leaving Hannah for a week, but it was a much needed break for Stu and I and we enjoyed every minute.

As we fly into Hawaii we arrived just at sunset.  Here are some pictures I took from the plane.

Driving in Snow

I grew up in Utah and I learned how to drive in Utah, so you would think that when it snows in Reno Nevada, I would know how to drive in the snow here.  I found out later...Reno doesn't really plow the roads.  Not like Utah.  They will do the MAIN roads, but side streets-nope. You are on your own.

It snowed and I had to teach at the gym.  I figured I am out I will kill two birds with one stone.  I needed to get my labs drawn so I was just going to hit up the lab place and go home.  I was no prepared with how far away the lab place was, and on top of that when I got there...THEY WERE CLOSED.  As in permanently!!   I was sooo frustrated.  I figured there was another lab place close by so I would go there.  But as I got out onto the road, I realized I didn't and couldn't get much traction. I had to go up a small hill so I was trying to gun it so I would not start sliding backwards into the postal man (or women I found out later).  As I got to the top of the hill I was going to fast down the other side and could not slow down.  What an awful feeling knowing that your daughter is in the car and you are going to crash.  I guess the one bright side is I crashed into a pole instead of a car so the damage done was only to our car.  Hannah was so scared by this and started to cry.  The post lady stopped to make sure we were okay and we were, just spooked.  I realized that although I was out of the way of the cars, I was still in the middle of the road, and I could not back up.  I kept sliding.  I called Stu to tell him we were stuck and he came to the rescue.  A nice man that was walking by offered to help.  I asked him if he could get my car off the road.  He got in the car and Hannah started to scream bloody murder.  Not only was she in an accident and scared from that, but her mom let some stranger into the car and she was having nothing of it.  Finally this nice man did get the car un-stuck and we pulled to a side street.  I thanked him and he went on his way.  Stu finally arrived and drove the Corolla home while Hannah and I got into the SUV.
Seriously...I can't believe this happened to me.  I guess Reno welcomed me this winter by this crazy accident.  

Can you see the damage the stupid pole did.  I was only probably going 7 MPH.  Thank goodness it wasn't faster.