Kauai

We spent 9 days in Kauai.  Tyler did throw up a whole can of Apple juice on the plane. Ella got her top two front teeth the couple days we were there.... so enjoy the photos

We saw a couple waterfalls, this one is taller than Niagara Falls but a little less water coming down!

This is as far West as you can go, but a great look at the largest Valley of the Na Pali Coast

Tyler didn't love the loud scary ocean but wanted to snorkel in the condo

Darren continues his pursuit to learn to surf, He did well, but better not quit his day job yet.

We saw monk seals on the beach, we had to stay a 100 feet a way.  We also saw from the beach lost of whales jumping and diving, and making big splashes!

Shipwreck Beach- Where is Nolan when I need him, I am on the top in my yellow shirt, there are some girls jumping off below me, I think I would have jumped off if I had my swim suit on, it looked AWESOME!

Our family photo at 6:30 AM - trying to get over jet lag and not wake up our neighbors.  I understand those of you who might live in an apartment or a townhouse now, that is a lot of work to not bug all your neighbors. 

We went everywhere with Ella in a stroller or her carrier, thanks Rowie for telling me to just invest the money.  We love our Ergo baby carrier.

We thought Ella might walk there but not quite

I think Tyler got kind of tired of us, he wanted to play with kids. So most nights we went out to the green literally right next to the beach and he got to meet new kids and run and play.  Now as Grandpa Harston will tell you, he knows lots more games and wants everyone to play with him all the time.  tag, duck duck, red light, etc...

We hiked/walked to some beaches, beautiful!

Darren took some photos of some great sunsets

This is as far North as you can. We did a hike, a short part of a hike, to see the Na Pali coast.  We (Tyler) had a bit of an accident on the trail and had to turn around but luckily we made it this far. 

I seem to always be drawn to jump off of high things.  I think this is why I like climbing so much, what a rush.  I do feel like I am generally pretty safe though.  This was one of my very most favorite things we did.  You can jump off the edge of the waterfall.  And you can also swing from the rope swing and LET GO  (very important to let go) and land in the water.  We were so glad we made it here, even with two kids in tow and pouring rain!  I am swinging on the rope and the person in yellow is standing by the place to jump off the waterfall. 

Overall good time.  All our frequent flyer miles were used to rent the car and not have to pay for three plane tickets.  So we wont be traveling for a while.  Lots of camping, lots of camping!

the link ...

If you cant access the link I did then here is the URL:

http://www.islandreefjob.com/#/applicants/watch/u0iP4bIAsQg

Go Nolan!

So Darren's brother has applied for the"Best Job in the World"- and he needs all the votes he can get- This is a real job, for one year in the Great Barrier Reef.  So go to this link, see his movie and give him five stars so he can get closer to going- and I am sure he would let you come visit if you give him a five star rating- We are going... if he gets the job!  GO NOLAN

if only you really knew

I had to take a picture of my house today.  See there is this little squirt who loves to explore in my house.  She likes to look at everything, pull everything out, make love piles for me to clean up everywhere she goes... Do you remember this stage?  Anyone???

also, a quick plug- the Patagonia outlet in sugar house is having their famous 40% off current outlet prices - the sale starts Thursday the 12th and goes through the 16th- Doors open at 10- and we love to go on Thursday at 10 - and fill the black garbage bag they give us with all kinds of deals- Especially go if you need any snow gear!  You can take it back if it doesn't work for you!

Really looking for ideas.. please help

We are leaving for Hawaii in a few days- My sister (Thank you so much Rachel and Rob) gave Tyler a very neat bag for trips, with all kinds of books, magnets, crayons, books, etc... in it.  It will keep Tyler occupied on the trip with no problems- We are also buying a movie to go on the IPOD for the trip incase he needs it- 

BUT - then we have a 10.5 month old who only wants to crawl, climb, walk with an adult, and be all over the place all the time... HOW DO YOU ENTERTAIN THAT!

I would love some ideas- Anything- I would even love to buy some toys that she can play with if there is something good out there to keep her happy for a one hour flight and then a five and a half hour flight... HELP I NEED IDEAS~

Ella Bella

We took some kid pictures today- Getting a dog to stay, sit and lay down... A 10 month old to look, not crawl away and smile... and a 3 year old to stay attentive as the parents say, stay, sit, smile, look... It was pretty crazy!

To Die For

We went skiing with Tyler yesterday, just the free tow rope at Alta.  Tyler did great, Ella didn't want to stay in the front pack as long as we wanted her too.  Anyway, we came home starving.  I just need to share the recipe with you, because it is my very most favorite thing to cook ever.  It is pretty cheap, easy, and most important, I can make a big batch and freeze it for later.  

De De's Smothered Sweet Pork Burritoes

2.5 pounds of pork - any cut - I go to costco and buy a three back of pork roast, each roast costs about 3.50-

salt, pepper, garlic to taste

tortilla shells  

2 cans of mild green chili sauce, divided

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 15 oz black beans

1 15 oz western chili beans- not chili, but beans that have some chili sauce on them

rice

Cilantro

Cheese- I use what ever but the recipe says montery jack about 1/3 lb

toppings: salsa, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole

Preparation:

Cut pork into large cubes and place in a slow cooker with 1/3 cup water. Season with salt, pepper and garlic.  Cook High for 8 hrs or low for 4 hrs. Shred meat when done, stir in 1/2 cup green chili sauce and brown sugar.  I add the left over water back to the pork after shredded and drained to add moisture. 

Oven 350 with a 9 X13

If you warm the tortillas up they will roll easier. Put 1/2 cup green chili sauce on bottom of pan.  Then put everything on the tortilla: rice, beans mixed, pork, sprinkle with cheese, and roll.  Pour remaining sauce over and sprinkle with cheese.  Bake till warm. Covered, 25-30 minutes.  We mix the lettace, tomatoes and cilantro and drop some sour cream on top. 

YUM!