AE Vacation Lens | Kauai
Tags:The kids and I spent the week right after Christmas with my parents in Kauai.
This was my fifth visit. Once as a child, once in college, and twice with Chris. My grandparents originally purchased a timeshare many years ago in the town of Kapaa and our family has traveled there on and off for many, many years. This was my first time being there with both my parents.
I've loved it every time for so many different reasons.
This time I loved it because we did a whole lot of just being at the pool or the beach. There wasn't a lot of traveling around or sight-seeing (which I've done before and enjoyed as well) - it was more just being together and letting the kids (and adults) enjoy each other and the water.
The photos I'm sharing today were taken by me, my Mom and my Dad.
I'm an ocean girl.
Give me the sea and I'll give you a really deep breath.
Give me the sea and I'll give you a calm heart.
And oh those sunrises.
At my parents house on the Oregon coast we get the insane pleasure of seeing sunsets. Love that Kauai to me is so much about the sunrise (and the roosters who tell you it's time to wake up).
I also love having my parents there to capture me capturing those two.
And the laughter.
And the fresh-squeezed juices my Dad lovingly prepared.
And the water. Pool or ocean. Love that my kids love it too.
We visited a local Catholic church and lit candles and said prayers for our loved ones.
And we relaxed. Always love my Dad's daily cocktail hour concoctions.
She is amazing. Fun, silly, wide-eyed, lovely.
And she learned to swim just like her brother did on vacation when he was four.
Simon, as I already knew, shares my love of the water.
This trip for him was all about boogie boarding. Dad and I each spent time out with him, showing him some pointers and just generally being around while he worked through the basics.
I think he liked it.
He did not, however, like losing two of his masks. He's definitely a fan of his masks but made a ton of progress on this trip in not having to have his eyes/nose covered with a mask the whole time.
Nice capture Dad.
Love being there.
Thanks Grandma Marie and Grandpa Neil for setting the precedent. Thanks Mom and Dad for continuing the tradition.
And now, love being home.

























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67 comments
Love how the photos convey the feeling of closeness and wonder. So happy you experienced this good time, hoping one day I can visit Hawaii, it would be awesome.
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Your photos warm my heart. Welcome home. You were missed.
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Love see you all together and the love in every photo. Awesome.
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So glad you are having a wonderful vacation with your family. Looks like alot of wonderful photos. I will be interested to see if you will be using all of your photos in your PL or will you make a special vacation album?
I've always had trouble with tons of photos and wondering whether to edit or just make a special album.
Thanks for sharing your life!
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Most of them will just go in Project Life. Working on that now.
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Looks like you had an awesome time! Me and Hubby are planning out 5-year wedding anniversary and thinking of going to Hawaii. That is definitely on the list of places to visit.
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Agree with all the other comments but have to add......you ROCKED that bikini! And in January no less.
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Lovely, lovely pictures. And I wish I looked as good as you in a bikini! ;)
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You look a-maz-ing!! Are you still running? Any tips for somebody who's never run but is interested? it's intimidating....
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Ali-
I love when you share your travels with us, especially your travels with your kids. The images you share and you words you choose to describe this special time...it is always so touching for me to read and view. Thanks again for being so open with all of us.
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Those pictures will be so treasured by those kids in years to come... your an amazing mom Ali...
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I find beautiful photos reflect much family love, I love.
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I love the photo of Anna with your Mom and the doll. I can just hear the conversations they are having. Thanks for sharing. Must reconnect.
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What wonderful pictures and memories! Kauai is a place that allows me to breathe too. There is something about that island. Thank you for sharing.
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Love the relationship your kiddies have with your parents. Really special. Love that you got to be there and see it all as well as have some one document you three together also. Happy Holidays.Thanks for sharing.
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It looks like you guys had such an amazing trip! Kauai looks gorgeous! You all look so happy together too... I love how close you are with your parents and your kids as well
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Oh my gosh, Ali---love the pictures! Looks like you all had a fabulous and fun time. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
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We have a time share at Pono Kai,but haven't been there since 2010. The pictures kinda looked like Pono Kai. I find that it is so relaxing there, especially no phones or interuptions like when you are at home! Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing!
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We are just down the road :).
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Beautiful Pics! Love the photo of your parents on the porch. Your mom with the newspaper has my heart. My parents still love receiving and reading the newspaper too.
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Ali, I love how OPEN you are to share your experiences, your family, your thoughts and photos with all of us. You inspire us every day. I feel like you are one of my closest friends . . . .
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What an awesome gift your Grandparents left, even if it wasn't their original intent. The gift of a holiday - amazing how much that really means - a break, family time, thought, rest. Just awesome!!
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