Hawaii is Beautiful!!!

Just a few fun photos of our adventures.  More to come of each location!

A beautiful mistake

I am starting off my Hawaii posts with one of the biggest mistakes we made on our trip.  There is a free star gazing program at the summit of Mauna Kea, the volcano.  I thought it was Mauna Loa, by the time we realized I made a wrong turn and we were on the wrong road, we decided to stick with our adjusted plans and soldier on.  First thing that should have told me we were not on the right path of a tourist trap was that we were on a one lane road surrounded by red lava which looked something like the surface of Mars, if I had to guess.  So we continued about 12 miles through this windy desolate path, which we were the only ones on.  The other car that made the same mistake as us, gave up and turned around.  So we are taking our time, driving through and we get to the 'public parking lot'.  It has about 6 spots, one is taken.  We decide since there is a parking lot, we get to stay.  This is where we realize this might not be to bad.  First, the kids could go exploring on the lava rocks.  Second, it gets cold at 11,000 feet (we were 2000 feet higher then the other point), so instead of dealing with cold kids for an hour or so, they were able to get in and out of the car and warm up, making it more enjoyable for the kids.  Lastly, no crowds.  The other site cuts off its admission at 150 cars!  There were 3 cars where we were, so we didn't have to fight the crowds to get a good picture. So we were able to see the sunset at 11,000 feet, above the lowest level of clouds and watch the stars come out and the full moon rise!   The cameras didn't pick up the clouds.  One other cool thing on this mountain--there was a weather station up there, so at one point, an employee comes driving through and turns on a laser---one that shoots up into the sky to measure atmospheric pressure and other things that it does.  So we were somewhat entertained by the fact that we were on a volcano, with a laser on an island which probably  had sharks swimming around like Dr. Evil!  (we had a combined total of 6 cameras 4 point and shoot and 2 cell phones, these are pictures from most at least 3 of them).

 The horizon is clouds...not water.

The volcano we should have been on. 

Diggerland USA

For the past several years we have done amusement parks on Mother's day.  For several reasons.   First--when Joe was in the National Guard, he was away on Mother's Day, so that was an easy way to entertain the kids that weekend.  But mostly, we found that Six Flags by us was empty on Mother's day, and offered free passes, so we spent several Mother's Days riding roller coasters with friends having a blast!  This year was no different.  Diggerland USA was offering 'Mom's dig free for Mother's day', so I thought, that will be fun!  To give you an idea of what this place is, if the name doesn't give it away--it is a little boy's dream!  You can drive, ride and control many different pieces of construction equipment. Parts of the park look like an actual construction site.  Our kids are 8 and 9 and the moment and loved it!  I think it will be our only visit there, but it was worth the trip.  Along with all the diggers and such, they had a ropes course--that was super high and a rock wall that is included with the price of admission!  After reading reviews, I thought I would offer my own review to help you make a decision if you would want to visit.  This was an awesome place!  The magic height for almost everything is 42 inches.  Once kids hit that height, they can do most everything, with out having to sit on your lap.  Which is awesome, cause parents are allowed to drive and control everything as well.  With the ropes course and rock wall, it is a decent value for you money at $40/person.  We have visited other smaller versions of a ropes course and it was $15 for an hour.  So that is an added bonus!  There is also a playground and some swings that are nice for the little ones.  My comment on the lines will be:  You are at an amusement park--lines are part of experience.  And it takes time to explain some of the safety procedures to the participants because you are on actual construction equipment, not a coaster, where you click in and are ready to go!  Another cool thing--parking is free!  And quick and easy to get to, so while you can't take food into the park, it is super easy to get out to your car, grab a bite and get back to digging!  This place was alot of fun, and it's so wonderful to be able to share things like this with the kids, even when it's supposed to be my day!  I have to give them some props, because if it weren't for them, I would have nothing to celebrate :)