Aloha!!

{click on photos to enlarge}

 Last week we surprised these cute girls with a trip to Hawaii!

This is the first family vacation we've been on, just as our family.  We don't take big trips like this often ever, so we were pretty excited!  It was hard for Ty and I to keep it a secret, but we really wanted to surprise them the day of the trip.

We woke up Saturday morning, got them dressed and told them where we were going.  Mckinlay jumped up and down and danced around singing "We're going to Hawaii!!" and Eliza, of course, followed suit.

The only hiccup in our plans was a huge snow storm that caused our plane to not show up to the airport.  We were all checking in and waiting, but ended up having to be re-routed until Sunday.  It's was a depressing drive through the snow {and 19 degree weather} back home, but the next morning we made it out and off without a hitch.

We were lucky enough to stay with Uncle Jim and Aunt Kathie at their beautiful home!  I'm mean seriously, look at the view!  In addition to the gorgeous surroundings we were spoiled with Kalbi ribs, a swimming pool,  the "movie room", the entire down stairs to ourselves, lots of treats and fun with Aunt Kathie...and free reign with Uncle Jim's new toy -- his "shave ice" machine.  It doesn't get better than that.  They even took the girls for a night so Ty and I could enjoy a night out at Haleiwa Joe's.

 We were also lucky enough to spend some time with our Hallstrom cousins.  I wish we could see each other more often!  Let's us know if any of the neighborhood houses go on sale in 2 1/2 years!!

We basically spent our time swimming and eating.

These little girls are made for the water and sunshine.  Further proof we need to live somewhere warm.

 We visited all my favorite places from growing up and tried a few new ones that are now added to the list.

Mckinlay kept saying things like "Mom I love this place where you lived!  Can we just live at Hawaii forever and ever?  I don't like Cleveland anymore.  It's cold."  And she hasn't stopped.  She keeps asking to move "at Hawaii" and saying how much she misses Aunt Kathie-- who stole both of the girls hearts.    

We had a great time just being together as a family.  It was so fun taking the girls to places I, and now Ty, have such fond memories of and seeing them fall in love with Hawaii.   

Thanks to all our Hawaii Hallstroms for the wonderful week.  We love you!!

And we love Hawaii.