Aloha! Our little family just spent a week on Kauai with my folks and I can’t wait to share the trip with you. It’s always a little hectic and even stressful to prep for a big trip like that: organizing the dog/housesitter, rearranging schedules, packing for Oden and myself without toting 27 suitcases along. And then there’s always a bit of post-vacation blues on the other side of the trip. Traveling from Hawaii also leaves us in a jet-lagged haze with the 4-hour time difference, and let’s just say that’s tricky with a baby. On Monday, I was longing for a palm tree-filled Kauai sunset and then I looked across the valley at my own view. The setting sun was illuminating the hillside, full of fall colors, and I reminded myself that we live in a different type of paradise. People come here for their dreamy vacations. Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have in front of us because it’s so familiar, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t special. So while I get to smile at my joyful Hawaiian memories from last week, I also get to smile about joyful things around me at home. Here’s a little bit of both!
John and I have been committing to weekly date nights. Here’s the view from dinner!
Lone Star tacos and a Corona with Julie.
Things I want to remember. Look at his little bear paw!
The days of the tomato toastette are numbered!
A little late afternoon porch time with Papa.
Amanda and I virtually cheers each other often!
Kissable!
We took Oden and Cholula to Snowbasin’s Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival.
Is he 7 months old or a toddler?
Sunset view from the front yard.
Right before she ran through a sunlit field…and covered herself in sticky burrs.
Why, YES, that DOES say 21 pounds 11 ounces. #BIG
Mama took 15 years of piano lessons, so his interest in music so far makes me so happy!
It’s the best time of year for hiking.
Meats and cheeses! And other stuff!
Already in size 4 diapers!
I never get over the hibiscus blooms in tropical places. They look fake!
Mai Tai Monday family selfie!
Lap situation at the beach.
What? We’re teaching him to count.
A tentative first taste of pineapple. I ate so much of it while I was pregnant, and he liked it!
Beach towel items: baby toys, diaper, bottle, beer, wine, sun hat, burp cloth, extra onesie…
Sunset pool time while Grandpa grilled dinner.
My mom found a rental place with baby stuff. BRILLIANT.
I love this word!
My old friend Pat from Durango has a killer taco truck at Hanalei Pier!
Just another palm tree in paradise.
Anini Beach has the bluest water.
Hanalei Bay Resort has orchids growing on their trees. Look at this one!
He was a little scared of the waves but did pretty great!
My dad and Oden. This one is a framer!
Grocery store flowers look different in Hawaii.
This “dangerous” beach was the perfect lunch spot!
Toes in the sand.
My beach boys.
Ahhhh. A sleeping baby is so blissful.
The walk down to the beach from our condo was gorgeous.
Because they are EVERYWHERE!
Dreamy bike!
We saw some incredible sunsets.
Kauai’s lighthouse at the Nature Preserve.
We returned home to serious Autumn action!
One year ago, Oden was a peanut in my belly on this family hike!
Two years ago, I practiced with my Big Girl camera.
Three years ago, Cholula was super excited to be hiking to Heart Lake near Aspen Campground.
Four years ago, Sarah and the Durango girls took me to Ouray for a pre-wedding celebration.
Five years ago, I was tanning on a beach in Tulum before we were evacuated due to a hurricane.
And this morning, I had a pot roast in the crockpot by 9am.
You know. Just the usual bliss.
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the usual bliss 
Very nice
Great pictures!
Thanks, Joy!
Fabulous photos! Such scenic pictures. Your baby boy is the cutest
Inez | My Small World
Thank you! I think so too!