island life.

After more than two weeks of having my laptop turned off, I decided it was time to upload more than 750 photos from our recent trip to Hawaii. For my birthday last month, Kalin got me a new dSLR!!!! oh my gosh. I couldn't believe it! I'm still way behind on getting the thing to work for me, but it definitely was a great toy to have before our trip. So, here's the recap:

We stayed in Ko Olina, on the west side of Oahu. They have four man-made lagoons that are incredible. One morning when I was so inspired to run (sea-level is great for my lack of running ability), I was running along the lagoons and there were cats everywhere - about 20. They must have been wild domesticated cats. They also didn't look friendly.

lagoon 2

Along with a whole bunch of folks that were in Hawaii for the wedding (the real reason why we were luckily vacationing in Hawaii), we all went on a little tour of a Macadamia Nut farm. The tours/show was given by a Samoan chief, who had us laughing the whole time.

us.

Sean & Lauren with the chief.

grandma seemed to be enjoying herself!

Kayla was able to come out to join us. Everyone got together for a rehearsal dinner on the beach before the big wedding day.

cousins.

sisters.

sunset.

The big day arrived and Sean & Lauren tied the knot at a sweet little chapel on the beach. The ceremony was short and sweet (my kind of ceremony). My little cousin Sean is all grown up!

love.

grooms cake = mochi = great idea

sisters = mom & aunt ginger

After all the wedding festivities, we had a few days left and ventured to Waikiki (too many people) and boogie boarded, got a sunburn and had some malasadas. Malasadas are amazing delicious, doughnut-like tasty treats that are available from a truck in a Kmart parking lot. They were fabulous, but I think we all liked the truck - so bright and cheerful.

kayla's happy!

so is kalin!

a great trip to hawaii and back to reality. how does it go by so quickly each time?