Spring break in Kauai

Spring break we were off to our Home away from Home! Kauai!

Gemma always manages to get the window seat. She was our resident photographer.

Five hours later and we're in paradise.

First stop was to get some food in Kapa'a at the food trucks. Followed by our favorite shave ice.

We shared Lilikoi and a Lava flow, although Lily didn't have any because SHE DOESN'T LIKE SHAVE ICE. Is she even human?

We loaded up with some groceries and then headed to our resort. Of course the room wasn't ready on time so we headed to the pool to cool off. Honestly it's like a mermaid was in the pool. 

The first morning we're always awake bright and early with jet lag so we go walk the shore to look for sea turtles.

Relaxing on the Lanai with coffee and breakfast. Beach hair, don't care.

Surrounded by palm trees and the worlds most beautiful flowers.

We headed to the North shore for the day with a pit stop at Holy Grail donuts. A universal fan favorite.

Our second stop is always our favorite coffee / acai bowl at Wishing Well. 

Then to Tunnels beach for the day. We love the waves and the views.

We purchased a couple cheap-o camping chairs and an umbrella when we arrived. Best investment. It did downpour at the beach for about 10 minutes and the girls survived huddled under the umbrella.

Our wildlife friends. They have no fear and eat well off everyones crumbs.

After hours at the beach we decided to start the drive back before dinner.

Shore walks and Honu sightings.

At Poipu beach you are all but guaranteed a Honu and a Seal.  This time we had 10 Honu's at one point. I think that is an all time record.

We love to spend time at the pool as well. Everyone gets a lounge chair and there is always some shade. 

It doesn't hurt that you can order drinks just mere steps away.

We went to Brenneke's for dinner one night and then went to the shore to watch the sunset.

We did a little mini photo session for the influencer in the group.

We did one more day up to North shore to go to Anini beach. The water is turquoise blue and you can snorkel in the shallow reef.

Our last day Gemma and Dad did some morning boogie boarding while Lily and I got spots at Poipu beach. 

We needed some fresh poke bowls from the hole in the wall grocery store.

Then one last afternoon at the pool before dinner.

We went to Kalapaki Joe's. It was surrounded by a rainbow variety of plumeria trees.

LYBL

 

There are a lot of birthday parties around here. This was Kate's 13th. They all went to dinner at Crawfords Social and then back to Kate's house for hot tub and cake. 

Valentine's Day was a good day. They had a party in class with snacks. The substitute teacher Mrs Cohen made each student a cookie!

They exchanged treats and Gemma came home with a haul. 

There has also been a lot of friend hang out time with Lily, Austin and Reid. Gemma was invited over to Reid's house on Valentine's day and came home with gifts and cards. 

The middle school went on an "educational" field trip to Universal Studios. 

They did the back stage tour of the lot, followed by some learning experience about behind the scenes of making the movies. Then they were free to ride all the rides!

Gemma is taking a life skills elective this trimester. It was very popular. They are learning how to use various tools. I think she is one of the few kids in the class who has done any of this type of work before.