our final day in paradise.

Because of a red eye flight home our final day was really another full day. Our flight didn't leave until after 8pm so we had all day to swim and play before packing up our stuff. Carter really loved the early morning walks with me and requested one final stroll around the resort our last morning. I've learned so much about how he connects with others, one on one, with simple walks and conversations. 

 The rest of the family relaxed at the room. It had been such an incredible week but I think we were all feeling a bit tired.

 Before swimming we went down to the lagoon for a final fishing session. All the resort staff knew Simon and happily greeted him (is that a good thing that they all recognized him throughout the week?!?). The kids each caught a couple of fish before we headed over to swim.

 Simon ended up taking a well deserved nap on my lap...for over 4 hours! Little did we know it was the start of a really bad ear infection that would end up requiring multiple trips to the walk in clinic, pediatrician and even an ENT visit before it healed. Poor guy!

 We packed up, walked over to the nearby shopping center for a final lunch and gelato treat before heading to the airport. Lucy even lost a tooth! And, crazy how the tooth fairy pays extra for vacation teeth and having to travel up such a high altitude for an airplane visit. She got $5 when she woke up on the flight home....lucky girl!

 All in all it was an incredible family vacation. We were so thankful to spend the week with Matt's parents, create new family memories, make new friends and enjoy all the sun. Until next time Kauai....

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from sunrise to sunset.

 We definitely took advantage of our time in Kauai. And I mean ALL our time. Before the sun was rising I was up at the gym, prepping breakfasts and then out for a family walk. Seeing the sunrise is easily one of my favorite things. The start of a new day, the cool breeze, the fresh air. It's amazing. We took the kids on a walk over to Poipu State Park one morning to watch the sun rise. We ended up seeing 7 giant sea turtles making their way on and off the beach. It was incredible! Chasing wild chickens, playing in the sand and running around the open grassy field was the perfect start to the day.

 Then, naturally, we went to the pool! Carter had been wanting to snorkel for months so we got the gear and he and Grandpa Tom headed out to the water.

 We balanced out all that swimming with a sno cone treat and another huge round of Bingo with even more candy prizes!

 Then it was time for a luau! We had a delicious sushi dinner before making our way to the Smith Family Luau. Matt and I hadn't been in over 11 years sine our honeymoon so it was fun to be back on the grounds and watch a great show. The kids were so tired from such a fun day Lucy and Simon fell asleep on me for most of it. But...Carter liked it! Ha!

 The next morning it was more of the same. Sunrise, snorkel, swim and eat!

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