Our Trip to PARADISE, Pt.1

As you may recall, my family and I took our summer vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii in early June. To say that we had an unforgettable time is an understatement. The memories we made there will last a lifetime. I'm going to do my very best to share with you all of the highlights from our trip, but it may take me several posts to do so. How 'bout we get started?

Here's the girls and I after our LONG 10-hour flight to Kona, Hawaii from Atlanta, GA. Thankfully, we did have a short layover in Phoenix, AZ. so we were able to get out and move around before our 6-hour flight on to Hawaii. We arrived there in the early afternoon. As we were waiting for our luggage, Chris surprised us with these beautiful and fragrant leis. Sure wish they would have lasted FOREVER...they smelled so good! The airport in Kona was a far cry from Atlanta's airport...everything was out in the open, but it was definitely a welcome change.

We rented a car and drove about 20 miles north to our hotel...the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort. The place was massive! This picture shows the view from our balcony. There was a tram and a boat to take guests wherever they needed to go on the property.

Here's a very odd-looking bird that was always standing on a little patch of grass right where you'd catch the boat. We always got the biggest kick out of watching him (or her!).

This shows just one of the pools on the property...absolutely breathtaking! The water was a bit chilly, but on a hot summer day, it felt pretty refreshing.

Of course, Abby couldn't resist rubbing Buddha's belly when we were out and about exploring the hotel.

The flowers there were some of the prettiest I have ever seen!

The picture-taking opporunities were endless. Seems like there was something new to see around every corner.

Watching the sunsets soon became our favorite evening activity. Here's the first one we were able to enjoy. What a perfect way to end the day, wouldn't you say?

We were in Hawaii for 9 glorious days, so the BEST of our adventure is yet to come! Can't wait to tell you all about it!