Just for Fun Kauai

 









Hanalei-Okolehao Trail, Day 6

One thing I definitely did not know about Kauai is that it is known for its hiking. Had a known that, and the fact that they have true red dirt, I don't think I would have taken my bright white, brand new kicks. There are some gorgeous trails, some easy, some not so much. Our very favorite thing of the whole trip was the Hanalei Trail along the Napali Coast. It was breathtaking. The hike starts out at Hanakapiai Beach and leads you to a scenic beach and then up the valley to Hanakapiai Falls. There is the typical water hole at the end of the falls that many ventured into to take a dip. It was freezing water and had started to rain, so we passed. Brett and I thought we had read somewhere that the hike would take 2-3 hours. We took a couple of water bottles and 2 granola bars. We figured we would catch some lunch after. Five hours later and a moderately strenous hike, we were done. I really wish we would have had more water more than anything. It was so hot and humid we both were dripping sweat! The Napali coast is one of the highlights of the island. It is majestic and unique. Many movies have been filmed here.

At the end of the hike, they were a bunch of guys selling fresh coconut. Brett thought he would give one a try. We had heard they were delicious. Blah! It was enough to almost make me puke. We drove around in Princeville and decided there wasn't much there and ended up eating at some random place not to be recommended. Brett even fed chicken to the chickens. Sounds so wrong! But we did find the best Shave ice on the island. Can't remember the name but I think it was off the main road in Kaapa. What a day to remember.

Kauai Lagoons Golf, Day 5

Remember how I mentioned we met an amazing couple from South Jordan? The Soffe's. Well, somehow golf came up at church and Brett was asking about the Princeville course. We were told it was under construction, much to Brett's dismay. How could he possibly imagine going to Hawaii and not playing one of the best courses in the country? Guess we will have to go again so he can live his dream. Anyway, Kurt invited us to go golfing. They have one week at the Beach Villas and one week at the Lagoons which includes 2 rounds of golf every day. His wife, Linette, said she sometimes just likes to ride along instead of playing so if we both went along we could just chat. Which we did. We learned so many fun things about this couple while getting to see some beautiful scenery. It was delightful. I put all the pics up because I have been requested to show more pics. I am sure pictures of Brett playing golf isn't what you meant, but it makes my selection easier. Besides, this new blogger format makes it much more user friendly.

We took it easy the rest of the day and decided to hit the Villas Mongolian BBQ. It was very good but even more entertaining was watching Brett get hit on by a 50 year old drunk.....in front of me. Didn't even phase the lady. Brett of course was all charm.  Sat and talked to the lady for a while and the lady was shocked to learn he even had kids, gasp!

Kindred Spirits

Tan and Jake meet for the first time on Earth.



Preschool graduation 2008




Doing what boys do best




Eating pizza and slurpees



Jake was happy to pose for a picture until he
came around the cut out to see what
he had just posed in.



Dance, Dance







Saying good-bye, having too much fun!



These 2 boys have been on my mind a LOT lately. Jake is one of Tan's best little friends. They have known each other literally since the day Tan was born. I am pretty sure they knew each other pretty well in heaven though. They just are special little kindred spirits when they get together. Time and distance has never changed a thing when they see each other again.

We first met Jeff and Heidi in our married student ward (Brett did know Heidi from growing up....). We started hanging out and pretty soon realized we were both due with our first child within weeks of each other, and both with boys! A few years later, we found ourselves distanced with school and work. Things changed in our lives, as well as theirs and we ended up in the same neighborhood as them. This gave these 2 boys a perfect chance to always play. In fact, when Jake came over this time, he said, remember how I used to spend every day here except for probably Sunday. I had to laugh. They did spend a lot of time together. Fast forward a few years and they have moved, things in our lives keep us busy and these boys don't see each other near as much as they used to. But, like I said, you would never know it.

Jake was diagnosed with leukemia when they were 5. He went through 3 1/2 years of grueling chemotherapy treatment to beat it! But, he recently relapsed. It isn't fair that any family should have to go through this once, yet alone, twice. Before Jake started his aggressive chemotherapy treatment, I had told Heidi I would pull Tan out of school so they could play. Tan was worried about the amount of homework he would have (he really must be my kid!) from missing school, but once he got with his buddy, he realized it was going to be a day of none stop fun. I let the boys decide what they wanted to do. After some thoughts of McDonald's, Olive Garden and Chuck E. Cheese, I threw out the idea of Planet Play. Jakers had never been there but it didn't take any convincing. They had fun eating whatever they wanted, playing laser tag, miniature golf, go-kart racing, bumper cars and video games all afternoon. They played each thing over and over again. When it was time to go, Jake didn't want to leave being with Tan. He told us he wanted to stay until midnight. I would have kept him, but he had to start his chemo the next day. 

After spending the day with him and letting these kids just be kids, I couldn't help but think about the journey he was about to embark on. He is so healthy and strong right now that it is hard knowing what is coming. The drugs and chemo he is going to be on are going to be so hard on his body! It has been difficult to answer some of my own little boys questions as to what is going to happen. They are only 9 for pete's sake! These are some big questions for some little kids. We pray for these guys everyday in their upcoming battle. If you would like to follow Jake's journey go here: http://heidi-jeff.blogspot.com/. I have learned so much through their faith, perseverance and love in this difficult process and am grateful to have them as part of my life!