I was the first one up this morning – a rare occurrence in this household of early risers. I have been looking forward to waking up in this house for a looooong time. Unlike on the mainland, my favorite time of the day in Hawaii is the morning. I love the cooing doves as they discuss their plans for the day, the palm fronds swaying gently in the wind overhead, and the way the morning sun reflects off the ocean when you are facing west. I wanted to sit outside and sip coffee (they graciously supply some of the best Kona coffee in our kitchen) but coffee without cream is like jelly without peanut butter so I snuck out to the Mauna Lani Shops to grab a few items at the grocery store.

By the time Michael woke, I had fresh coffee waiting and breakfast foods available in the fridge for the taking.

I wanted the house set up so that for the rest of the morning, everyone could come, go, and eat as they pleased. Because my personal plan involved nothing but drinking coffee on the lanai, writing, and admiring the view.

I got to enjoy all that for 3 glorious hours today!

Mike relaxed as well and the kids found their own sources of entertainment from working out at the gym to taking a walk to, of course, watching a beloved iPad.

 

 

 

 

After lunch on the lanai, we decided to venture out to a new beach south of us. North of Kona, we found a beach called Manini’owali Bay.

The Surf was a bit rough so I was watching Casey like a mama hawk. She was fearless out there and therefore, quite dangerous. But the snorkeling was wonderful. So many fish and even a sea turtle. (Dan and I didn’t see him but Mike helped us out with some great pictures of this beautiful creature.)

It was just a wonderfully relaxing day that ended with dinner at Cafe Pesto and shopping in Kawaihae. Dan got a new bone necklace shaped like a Maui’s hook in a turtle. Between that necklace and his tan, he’s just barely starting to look a little native.

Tomorrow, I am hoping for exactly the same day as today!