More Hawaii Highlights

We've been back from vacation for over a week now, but between unpacking, laundry, and catching up on orders/emails I haven't had a chance to go through our photos until now.  We had such a great time in Hawaii and are already trying to figure out how soon we can return. Coming back to the cold and rainy weather in Utah has been a bit depressing!

These photos are from our time on Oahu. We had an awesome time there, but Big Island will probably always be our favorite...

Hawaii Highlights...So Far

Wow.  What an amazing vacation we've had so far!  Being away from Hawaii this past year helped me to see it's beauty with new eyes.  The beaches, flowers, sunsets, weather...it's all truly breathtaking.  I thought I'd share a few photos of what we've been up to so far.

Watched the sun set over the Kona coast

Introduced Lily to these cute sea turtles

 Lots of hours at the beach

Jason officially became a Doctor of Pharmacy!

I've taken a million photos so far, I'll share more when we return!

And we're off...

Leaving tomorrow morning for Hawaii and I can't wait.  I have been so homesick for the weather, the sights, sounds and even smells of our old home.  We are spending one week on the Big Island and another on Oahu.  Heaven.  But the main event is that I'll get to see my husband graduate from UH's pharmacy school.  I'm so proud!

mauna kea resort photo by me

Utahns

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Hard to believe it's already been two months since we moved from Hawaii.  I guess you could call us Utahns by now.  I don't know if the homesickness for Hawaii will ever go away, but I have definitely discovered a new love for Utah that I never had before.  I always took for granted the beautiful mountains, dry climate and long summer days.  And let's not forget that extra holiday in July.  :)  Summer time in Utah is my very favorite.  We have been enjoying the outdoors with hikes, evening bike rides and walks.  What a beautiful place this is, and what a blessing to be able to see it with new eyes.

Lily cooling off in the shade

Hiking Waterfall Canyon

Biking the Ogden River Parkway

Water Lilies, Island of Kauai

We are vacationing in Poipu for a few days before heading to Utah.  This morning I went out walking and came across these pretty water lilies.  Aren't they just perfect?  I think I have an obsession with water lilies.  (And I'm quite impressed with my little point and shoot!)

Aloha Oe

My favorite photos I've taken during our 3 years living on the Big Island of Hawaii. As you can see, this island is absolutely amazing and unlike any other place on earth.  I am going to miss it here so much.

Enjoy ♥

Jennifer Tigley Photography

I really wanted to have our family pictures taken here in Hawaii before we moved.  I was searching for photographers here in Hilo and just didn't find anyone that I thought fit our style.  Since we were going to Oahu in April I decided broaden my search and look for a Honolulu based photographer.  I was browsing Flickr and randomly found Jennifer Tigley Photography.  I knew right away she was what I was looking for.  This girl is such a doll.  She is a full time mommy and an amazing photographer.  She spent over an hour with us and patiently dealt with my hair flying all over in the wind and Lily pulling some pretty funny faces.   I know we will treasure these photos for the rest of our lives.  Thanks again, Jen!

Big Move

Well, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our little house in Hilo.  In 2 short weeks we are leaving Hawaii and moving back to Utah.  We have loved our time in Hawaii and are very sad to go.  My husband has finished school, and we don't really have a choice but to move due to the lack of pharmacies here on the Big Island.  We both grew up in Utah so it will be nice to be near our families again.  Lily will love seeing her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, and I will love the many available baby-sitters!  I have a million things to do so I might close up the shop for awhile.  We'll see.  Wish us luck!

hapa | hale

Today my shop is being featured over at hapa | hale.  Leigh, the creator of hapa | hale, put together this wonderful website which features modern designs and handmade items from Hawaii.  The site is so lovely and is filled with beautiful photos and thoughtful, well-written posts.  Ever since Leigh introduced me to h | h it has become one of my favorite daily reads.  I am thrilled to be featured on such a fabulous website.  Thanks, Leigh!

You can read the Sugar Fresh feature here.

Pink Bird by Heather Brown

We just picked up this print from a little art gallery in Waikiki:  

I am a Heather Brown fan and just couldn't resist this lovely piece.

We are having a wonderful vacation so far, although it's going by way too fast.  Only a few more days in busy Honolulu before heading back to Hilo town.  It better not be raining when we get back... :)

While Out Walking

Some days just seem to drag on and on, and today was one of those days.  We still had an hour before Lily's bath time and were completely out of things to do.  The weather was nice so I grabbed my point and shoot and strapped Lily in her carrier and out the door we went.  We walked up and down our street and snapped a few photos of the beautiful plants and flowers that are all over here in Hawaii.  It was so nice to get some fresh air and enjoy this beautiful place we're so lucky to live in.

Cinnamon Girl

We spent the weekend in Waikoloa with my sister and her husband visiting from Utah.  What a wonderful time we had!  While we were there I went strolling around the Kings' Shops with Lily and walked into one of my favorite local boutiques, Cinnamon Girl.  I always stop by when we are there and usually leave being completely obsessed with a few items.  The whole shop is filled with unique treasures you don't see anywhere else on the island.  Their clothing is very feminine and some items are Hawaiian themed, but not overwhelmingly so.  They also have a very nice selection of jewelry, accessories, bags, and dresses.  They even have mother/daughter dresses in similar styles.  If you are ever on the Big Island or near any of their 6 locations, stop by and take a look.  You'll be glad you did.

Seven Months

Happy 7 months, Lily!

My baby girl is getting so big. She is on the verge of crawling, and it is the cutest thing ever to see her rocking back and forth on her knees. One of these days she's going to take off and there will be no turning back. Why can't she stay little forever?

A Perfect Weekend

For Valentine's Day the husband and I decided to pack up and head to Waikoloa for a little getaway. (We live on the Big Island of Hawaii in Hilo, and Waikoloa is on the other side of the island - near Kona.) What a wonderful time we had! Our little getaways aren't nearly as relaxing as they used to be when it was just the two of us, but having our daughter Lily has sure made things more fun. She was a joy to be around and loved every second of our little beach trip.

Anaeho'omalu Beach

A beautiful Kohala coast sunset