AE Vacation Lens | Kauai

The kids and I spent the week right after Christmas with my parents in Kauai.

This was my fifth visit. Once as a child, once in college, and twice with Chris. My grandparents originally purchased a timeshare many years ago in the town of Kapaa and our family has traveled there on and off for many, many years. This was my first time being there with both my parents.

I've loved it every time for so many different reasons.

This time I loved it because we did a whole lot of just being at the pool or the beach. There wasn't a lot of traveling around or sight-seeing (which I've done before and enjoyed as well) - it was more just being together and letting the kids (and adults) enjoy each other and the water.

The photos I'm sharing today were taken by me, my Mom and my Dad.

I'm an ocean girl.

Give me the sea and I'll give you a really deep breath.

Give me the sea and I'll give you a calm heart.

And oh those sunrises.

At my parents house on the Oregon coast we get the insane pleasure of seeing sunsets. Love that Kauai to me is so much about the sunrise (and the roosters who tell you it's time to wake up).

I also love having my parents there to capture me capturing those two.

And the laughter.

And the fresh-squeezed juices my Dad lovingly prepared.

And the water. Pool or ocean. Love that my kids love it too.

We visited a local Catholic church and lit candles and said prayers for our loved ones.

And we relaxed. Always love my Dad's daily cocktail hour concoctions.

She is amazing. Fun, silly, wide-eyed, lovely.

And she learned to swim just like her brother did on vacation when he was four.

Simon, as I already knew, shares my love of the water.

This trip for him was all about boogie boarding. Dad and I each spent time out with him, showing him some pointers and just generally being around while he worked through the basics.

I think he liked it.

He did not, however, like losing two of his masks. He's definitely a fan of his masks but made a ton of progress on this trip in not having to have his eyes/nose covered with a mask the whole time.

Nice capture Dad.

Love being there.

Thanks Grandma Marie and Grandpa Neil for setting the precedent. Thanks Mom and Dad for continuing the tradition.

And now, love being home.

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67 thoughts

  1. Mamasue123 says…
    01/08/2013

    Love Hawaii! That first breath of air you take when you step off the plane you just know you are in the tropics. You can almost feel your dry skin soaking up moisture. The sunrises and sunsets are just so peaceful, just something special if you are lucky enough to witness one or the other by the ocean. Thanks for taking me back there with your photos, a mini vacation without leaving my house!

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  2. Carmenb says…
    01/08/2013

    I find...pick an ocean any ocean...sooths my jumbled brain. For us girls who grew up on the coast of Oregon...we recognize oceanic perfection. Having been to Hawaii (including Kauai), I agree, sharing it with family makes it pretty dog-on perfect! Thank you for sharing these fun photos!!! Now, to find the fun papers, etc. to scrap the story!!!

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  3. Tamika says…
    01/08/2013

    What a fabulous way to spend family time!

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  4. Leslie says…
    01/08/2013

    Looks like a wonderful trip for all of you. I love Hawaii. Some of my family used to live on Maui so we have been there many times and it is so peaceful to me.

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  5. glee says…
    01/08/2013

    Glad you caught some sunshine; we have been freezing here (by our standards) and having tons of rain the past week. Love that boogie board shot by your dad! aloha

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  6. applemimi says…
    01/09/2013

    wow just gorgeous!!

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  7. Janice Hopkins says…
    01/09/2013

    Pictures are such a treasure! As I work on my adult children's albums, it is so apparent that photos help them remember so many wonderful times in their lives. Wish digital had been an option as mine grew up.

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  8. Pi'ilani says…
    01/10/2013

    OMG WHAT!!! I can't believe you were here!!!! I live in Lihue and my parents live in Anahola which the next town north of Kapaa. I'm so sad that I didn't get an Ali Edwards sighting :) It's a dream of mine to one day meet you, you are so inspiring, just to be in your presence...lol (really I'm not a stalker) sorry I was starting to sound a little stalker-ish. Happy to hear that you had a great time surrounded by love from your family on our beautiful laid-back island. Take care!

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  9. patricia says…
    01/10/2013

    We went to the Dominican Republic with my parents, kids, etc last summer. These photos remind me so much of those relaxed days. Beautiful! So glad you had such a good time.

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  10. Sonia A. Mascaro says…
    01/12/2013

    What a beautiful family!
    Lovely pictures.
    Wishing you all a Wonderful New Year!

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  11. Bonney says…
    01/12/2013

    As a northern east coast person, this post is gorgeous. I'm a little jealous, yet temps here are up this weekend so all is well. I hope to capture some great photos! Inspiration !

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  12. brandy m. says…
    01/13/2013

    i can't wait to go back to the islands...we loved it so much we named our first born Kauai!!

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  13. Teresa says…
    01/25/2013

    Beautiful!!! I need vacations like these ones!!!

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  14. Rose Prochnicki says…
    01/29/2013

    Wonderful photos. Recognize a few of the spots. My husband and I were just in Kauai this past Nov/Dec.

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