Aloha from the Parks!
the wedding
We’re incredibly grateful God blessed us to capture Renee and Matt’s incredible love story and wedding in Kauai (link here):
the gorgeous sights
And we decided to turn our work weekend into a family vacation in this paradise.
Westin Princeville
All you needed to do was take a drive and look out the window to see these incredible creations.
St. Regis Princeville Resort
Poipu Beach
Waimea Canyon State Park
Kilauea Lighthouse
Queen’s Bath
the good eats
And, oh man, we cannot go to Hawaii without falling in love all over again with their food and drinks.
POG mimosa
Kalua pig loco moco
Puka Dog (drove over twice for this delicious baby)
Ono Ono Shaved Hawaiian Ice (look at the SIZE)
A few other favorite eats to check out:
- Kilauea Fish Market ahi tuna wrap
- Pono Market poke
- Lappert’s Hawaii Kauai pie ice cream!
P.S. Beware the wild chickens.
They will stalk you for food wherever you go.
🙂
an inspiring story
It all started on our plane ride to Kauai.
David was chatting with some of his airplane neighbors about our little Knightly and his Down Syndrome.
The lady started opening up about her brother with autism. As we spoke, we were politely interrupted by a gentleman who said:
“What perfect timing but we’re actually going to Kauai to help kids with special needs!”
Then, we learned about TheraSurf – an amazing organization that freely helps give kids with special needs surfing therapy and an opportunity to find healing energy in the power of the ocean REGARDLESS of their abilities or challenges.
I eagerly jotted down their surf camp information.
And, without calling ahead, we drove an 1.5 hours down to Poipu Beach.
But we couldn’t find them.
Apparently, they had ended early. But as soon as they got my call, ALL of the volunteers got dressed back up and brought all their gear just to teach our mighty Knightly his very first surf.
Drenched in ocean water and tears, I watched my brave boy take on one of my personal fears – surfing…and loving every minute.
He kept signing “more” and got to ride a wave 4x.
I couldn’t be more proud and more grateful to stumble upon these walking angels that help children like ours show that they CAN do what so many people believe they never can. Just checking that off the Impossibles list.
They were incredible.
BIG HUGS and kisses to the awesome team at TheraSurf. You have our love and deepest gratitude <3
Founded by this beautiful couple, TheraSurf is based in Malibu but travel around the world for their camps! Check them out 🙂
family time
Knowing we were sandwiched between two busy seasons, we wanted to intentionally spend time as a family.
And, oh man, traveling with a toddler is SO much easier when you’ve got a loving grandma with you.
We figured out where Knightly gets his smile.
Our little boy had such a blast.
And we even got to have some much needed couple’s time.
These moments together – these are priceless.
As we flew home, we were particularly proud of our big boy who sat through the whole 6 hour plane ride without a tantrum (thank God!).
After traveling to Japan and then Kauai, it felt good to fly home.
want more travel adventures?
Konnichiwa from Japan! Check out our travels in Kyoto and Tokyo here.
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