Aloha 2012! Day 1

After saying so long to the Brady clan, we drove back to San Jose and then flew to Hawaii where we met Steph, Julia, and Toni. I'd never been to Hawaii before and Mark had only been during a conference, so we were not really sure what to expect. Luckily Steph and Julia had been before and helped us have a very relaxing and enjoyable trip! I love having a professional guide as a SIL!

We flew into Kona and got our rental car upgraded. Here's how we drove around:

Can't say it'd be a good family car, but it sure was fun to roll around Hawaii in a Jeep Wrangler!

We started out by driving from Kona over the north side of the island to Hilo. On the way there, we stopped at some pretty overlooks, and then took a short hike through a rainforest to a waterfall. It's good thing we brought our rain jackets because the rainforest was taking its name seriously!

Akaka falls... you say it and not giggle!

The drive from Kona to Hilo (technically we stayed in Volcano) was gorgeous. We stopped for malasadas, which can be described as donuts only better. We also saw a lot of the crazy topography that a volcano creates. And of course, we saw the ocean. Here's a smattering of pics from the day:

Laupahoehoe Harbor, where the energy of the ocean is overwhelming.

Trail to Akaka falls

We never did see any donkeys... just the five asses in the Jeep.

Rainforest beats lava.

And so that was the first day. I remember going to bed thinking "I hope we didn't do all the amazing stuff today because there are still six more days left!" Luckily, we didn't. More to come!

A Very Brady Christmas, and Hello 2012!

It seems like everyone is saying adieu to 2011 with gusto. Was it really such a bad year for everyone? I know for us, while we had some amazing things happen, we also had some really awful things happen. And whether it's circumstantial or just an attitude adjustment, I feel really positive about 2012 and the things to come!

We ended 2011 in the best way possible. First, Mark accepted a position as a tenure-track professor at St. Mary's College in California. So in about six or seven months, we'll be moving to a permanent location-- The bay area! Or, at least, the East Bay. Drivable to SLO and and easy flight to Seattle and San Diego? Yes please! The bay area is pretty much a perfect location for us. We're so excited!

We rounded out the end of the year with two weeks of travel. We spent the first half in San Luis Obispo for A Very Brady Christmas 2011, and then the second week in Hawaii for NYE with the Lingwoods. Not a bad deal, eh?

As per usual, we had lots of people at my parents house for Christmas. It still felt rather empty to me though as my brother Aaron is currently stationed in Cambodia doing humanitarian with the SeaBees. But we did get to video chat with him :) Technology is awesome.

I would post the family picture but this one is so, so much funnier. It's missing Mark (he's behind the camera and I am obviously trying to tell him what to do despite the fact that I had no idea) but it is hilarious and I think sums up every family picture ever.

Front row: Carol, Collin, Lillie, Sunny, Tena holding Cassidy, Katelin, Me
Back row: Michelle, Ray, Mom, Dad, Larry, Heide, Rick, Steve

Ok, here's the nice picture. You have to applaud Mark for not only herding all of his in-laws into the picture and then taking a fantastic shot, but keeping in good standing with them while doing so!

We had a wonderful time and it was made all the more wonderful knowing that we'll be back to California permanently in a bit!

More to come on our Hawaiian NYE adventure...