Oahu: North Side

We took a trek one day along the North Shore.  The waves weren't that high, but we found a spot with some huge spray and big rocks.  This particular day was a very sad one for me though, because my favorite flip flops died.  I've had them for years and years and years.  They had seen me through painting the INN office, going on mission trips, walking in a flooded bathroom, and a myriad of other scrapes I managed to get myself into.  I almost shed a lone tear.  However, I happened to be right next to a general store and went in to joyously discover a replacement pair.  Definitely not the same, but they sufficed to allow me to continue my journey. 

Oahu: The Valley

Behind our beach house were some seriously majestic mountains, along with a working cattle ranch that gave different types of tours.  We went on a jungle trek in a little Swiss Pinzgauer (the ranch was inordinately pleased about their Pinzgauers) and were able to go over the mountains and see the valley.  Absolutely gorgeous scenery.

Oahu: Kaaawa Beach House

We have spent the second half of our trip in a private beach house.  About 10 feet from our back door, we have our own beach to laze about on.  Nothing is quite as relaxing as enjoying the life-giving sun without a crowd of people around you.  The house is as you would expect-- nothing grandiose, nothing luxurious, nothing extraordinary.  However, they have everything we could possible need-- boogie boards, snorkeling gear, kayaks.  Not to mention a lanai to eat every meal under, impossibly clear views of the stars that nearly take your breath away, sounds of breakers in the distance that lull you into a blissful state, shallow waters that you can walk out in for a seemingly endless distance, and a stunning view in all directions.  Yes, life has been grand.

I leave you not with pictures of the house, but rather of the things surrounding it.  The things that matter far more than the mere structure on the beach.

These first two are some of the fabulous sunrises we got to see






Our Beach

Oahu: South Side

By sheer ignorance or happy accident, depending on your point of view, we ended up going around the south side of Oahu on our way to the private beach house we are currently at.  We added several hours to our trek, but decided it was beyond well worth our time. 

We heard crashing waves. 
We felt refreshing wind gusts. 
We saw swaths of blue. 
We tasted salt spray. 
We smelled fruity air. 
We.  Loved.  It.

Oahu: Waikiki

I'm a detail person.  Always have been.  Always will be.  While you'll find some of my pictures to be the sweeping big picture, most of them are the small things.  The extraordinary ordinaries of life.  Here is just a wee taste of the details I chanced upon in Waikiki.







And a rather large detail... the view from our hotel room.

Oahu: Hotel Renew

Warmth.  Sun.  Beaches.  Water.  Relaxation.

Do I really have to go home?

I'm currently on Oahu for the week and wanted to share a bit of my time here.  I will put up multiple posts as I go along so that you can see some of my fun.  This first one is from our stay at Hotel Renew in Waikiki.  I have nothing but great things to say about this little boutique hotel.  I completely dislike Waikiki because of the mass of tourists and the caricature of what Hawaii is really about.  It's so fake.  I don't understand how anyone can enjoy it.  However, our hotel was an oasis in the middle of the madness.  They mixed up our reservation, but then bent over backwards to make sure that we were taken care of.  Hotel Renew truly was a renewal. 

Elijah

Watch out girls.  This boy is soon going to be breaking your hearts.  Those freckles.  That hair.  The gigantic grin.  A quiet spirit who loves to laugh.  Yes indeed, he'll be tugging at your heartstrings before you know it.  Not to mention that his favorite subject is math!  You're getting all that and a bag of chips too. 

Here is more of this fabulous guy.

Sister Sister Fall Photo Shoot

My gorgeous sisters.  One from the same womb.  One from marriage.  Odd thing is, someone mistook the one who has no relation to me as my twin.  Bizarre.

We spent an hour or two frolicking in the leaves.  Freezing cold and ending with a dubious substance on a sleeve or two that was suspiciously excrement-like in substance.  We didn't care.  They were beautiful.  They were fierce.  They smized to make Tyra proud. 

I love my sisters.  Click here for the full set of photos.

Deliciousness

What do I do in my spare moments not taking pictures?

Whipped Hot Chocolate.  Creamy.  Frothy.  Rich.  One friend need a moment to do this after tasting it.  Not even joking.



Apple Andama Coffee Cake.  Dense.  Warm.  Fragrant.  A barely-sweet molasses and cinnamon studded apple cake.  Perfect for breakfast with a steaming mug of coffee.

Emily Senior Pictures

Emily.  A girl who has walked through all sorts of life experiences in her 18 years.  A girl who lacked confidence 4 years ago has blossomed into a caring mom who wants nothing but the best for her son.  A girl who is discovering who she is in this world.  A girl who knows with all certainty that life is unpredictable but she must make the best of it.  A girl who still has a long future ahead of her full of discovery of the roads less traveled but more full of beauty.  A girl who will take the scenic route without realizing it, but who, at the end of it, will surely say she is better because of it.  Emily, may your path be clear and may your life be filled with the laughter that's bursting to get out of you.  Enjoy your journey and treasure it all, be it easy or difficult.  Especially the difficult!

Click here for more of this beautiful girl.

Sammy, Emma, & Cheeks

Oh my, these melt my heart.  The protective older brother who won't sit still yet can't keep himself from kissing his sister.  All. The. Time.  The younger sister who just sits and smiles.  Happy and content to be herself in her spot in the world.  The cousin who has The Cheeks.  And a constant stream of adorable drool down his chin.  Cousins, may you forever use your personalities to melt hearts and bring rooms to life.

Click here to see more pictures from this shoot.








 

Baby Cayden

This little man was my complete undoing.  Piercing blue eyes in a somber face.  Intense gazes as he tried to figure out the world around him.  Tiny fingers holding the bottle as I fed him.  Eyelids drooping in complete contentment.  Little man, you're precious.

To see more, click here.

Baby William

Wrinkly neck. Chubby cheeks. Tiny feet. Sleepy eyes.

Life doesn't get much better.

Someone I grew up with who turned into an unexpected friend recently gifted the world with this delicious little baby William. His arrival was a complete surprise, but one of the best surprises of their life. I am delighted that I was able to document the newest world changer-- for that's what he is. He changed their world, and will take the rest of our world by storm as he grows up.

William, may you live your life content in the knowledge that you are loved. May you spread your love and protection over others. May you make a mark in this great big world as you serve our great big God. For our great big God has great big plans for your life and I can't wait to watch as they unfold!

To see more pictures of this world changer, click here.

Sam & Nicolle Wedding

It had it all...

Relaxing.  Laid back.  Beautiful.  Celebration.  Love.

Lots and lots of love.  Love between Sam & Nicolle.  Between families.  Between friends. 

It was a joy to be there for this gorgeous ceremony.  Sam & Nicolle, may you live your days resting secure in your love and others' love for you.  May God make his love known to you and may your love flow in abundance out of your lives.

To see more photos from the wedding, click here.