Fall is such a beautiful time of year – and even more so when in the tropics! We have been in Kauai for the past few days, and still have the rest of the week ahead! Brandon actually has been here before, however it was when Lourdes was first pregnant with him during our thanksgiving break. So this trip has been long overdue and marked a number of firsts!

Brandon enjoyed his first time on an airplane! I wonder if it is because of the many times we have sat at the small airport by our house watching the planes take of and land. He did really awesome, in fact he had a quick stop and transfer in Honolulu – so he can say that he has been to both Oahu and Kauai!

His first “Lava-Flow” – His mom’s favorite tropical refreshment. And like mom, his does not have any booze in it either. Dad’s on the other hand did include the signature rum.

Right next to our hotel is a beautiful protected salt pond. It sits beside a great little reef, but is protected by a man made jetty to provide a calm shoulder high swimming lagoon for Brandon. This has been perfect since Brandon is still just getting comfortable with his swimming.

In addition to some really cool fish that swim along the edge of the jetty – the little man has found lots of cool rocks, shells and pieces of coral. In fact, so far, he has found the most intact shell between he and I.

However, the top shelf find, has been the “magic sticks” that we have collected. He then makes mini tents or umbrellas out of these. Not sure if it is from having seen the umbrella in his lava flow – or just something random.

Yes folks – this kid is REALLY excited by the water… not sure how I am going to get him on a plane to come back to California!

Mom was quick to point out that we seem to share the same problem with a bit of a “plumber’s crack” when wearing our swim trunks. But really… anyone who has ever worm surf trunks will tell ya – they sag, and ride low!

This evening… we took a drive up to Hanalei and the Hanalei pier – There is a great spot to pull of the road that offers a beautiful view just before you drop down to the the most known of the many single lane bridges.

Lourdes and I have never been much for the postcard photos – but are more prone to enjoy the silly face photos instead. Anyone who would go through our many photo’s might think that we are a bit off due to the many photos just like the above! That is something that I love about my wife!

Up at the pier, we started to see a bit of a tropical rain starting to arrive… held out long enough for us to hang out at the pier…

Daddy and Brandon watching folks jump off the pier and ride their paddle boards across the bay. There was a bit of surf coming in at the point, but not nearly the size that Hanalei Point is known and loved for… (one of the first spots that daddy surfed big Hawaii)

Brandon was asleep when we came over the pass coming into town – so we stopped a second time to get another shot with him. We have a number of Lourdes and I at this spot – but I was really excited to get a new one since our family is now 3 instead of just the 2 of us!

Typically – I like to post each day with shorter posts that provide the specific location of each event. However, I am having some issues with connecting… I am hoping to have found a work around… but wanted to share a bit of what we have been up to!