IT'S A GREAT DAY TO CELEBRATE

my brother's birthday.

Steve is

adventurous and loves to travel

goofy and funny

will happily debate video games with my Landon

an awesome uncle

will drive 30 minutes to get you a diet coke

thoughtful and loving

fondly known as The Steve, Stevie-Poo, Taco Steve and The Pelican

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVIE-POO!

WE LOVE YOU!!

MY BROTHER IS IN HAWAII FOR HIS BIRTHDAY, BUT WE HAD A PARTY FOR HIM ANYWAY

and he was there. Sort of....

We had a bbq in his honor, had Hawaiian music playing as we ate in the backyard and even sang happy birthday to him.  He had a little help blowing out the candles and eating his piece of cake.

We missed you at your birthday party Steve but know you're having a wonderful time on those paradise beaches.
Love you!

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO CELEBRATE

my brother's birthday.

This is one of my favorite pictures I've taken of Steve.  I think he's maybe 6?

Steve is fondly known as Stevie-Poo.  He's a fun brother and even funner uncle.  Our boys think he is cool beans and they love spending time with him.
He is spontaneous and loves travel and is actually celebrating his birthday weekend in Hawaii - how cool is that?
The only thing that would make his birthday better, is if he'd let me play match maker....

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

STEVIE-POO!

WE LOVE YOU!

CHINAMAN'S HAT

Isn't it beautiful?

At low tide, you can walk out to it.  Next time I'm in Hawaii, that excursion is on the top of the list.

DOLE PLANTATION

Steve and I stopped in at the Dole Plantation and went through the variety garden and the pineapple garden maze.  The maze, in 2008, was declared the world's largest maze.  It is really fun.  There are eight stations you have to find in it.
Steve and I were quite the team.  There were two people we were trying to beat, but they didn't know it was a competition between us.  We found the last station first, but they got out of the maze before us.  It was a blast.        

I never knew pineapple plants were so brutal - sharp spikes everywhere - ouch!  And, I also never knew there were so many different varieties.  

You learn something new everyday and knowing is half the battle, right?    

RAINBOWS, RAINBOWS, RAINBOWS

We saw many rainbows during our week in Hawaii but we had two stand outs.

First, this rainbow ended in the ocean!  You can see it a bit on the lower right.
Unfortunately, as I pulled my camera out, it was starting to fade.  The brightness you can see in the photo was all the way down to the water.

Second, if there were rainbow awards, this rainbow would get it.  Hands down the coolest rainbow I've ever had the privilege to witness.  It was a full double rainbow.

It wouldn't fit into any of our camera screens but luckily my brother's phone had a panorama app.

So many people were stopping along to the side of the road to take pictures but the coolest part of the rainbow was when you got out of the car.  The sight and feeling is indescribable.
I've never stood underneath a rainbow that felt like it was literally right over my head.  Not in the distance but right over me.  My heart was overwhelmed.  It was so incredible.  I wish the photos could have captured the amazingness of the moment even better.  This rainbow was a treat for my soul.  So beautiful!

LANIKAI PILLBOX TRAIL

in Kailua is an absolute must-do if you are heading to Oahu.  It is a short, but steep, hike to two World War II bunkers.  The hike is about a mile up and the view is unbelievably amazing.

Most of the hike you have the ocean breeze to cool you off but don't let that fool you - make sure take sunscreen and water.  And, I would recommend wearing shoes, not sandals.

I give an enthusiastic two thumbs up for this hike.

I'VE BEEN CAMPING WITH MY BROTHER IN HAWAII

My man clan stayed in rainy Oregon (man, did I miss them!) and I roughed it on the Hawaiian beaches.

This was our campsite for the week, on the edge of the beach, at Camp Mokule'ia.

Our sister is going to school in Hawaii, so Steve and I were able to hang out with her a few of the days.

For those of you who don't know my brother, he's a riot.  This photo gives you a good glimpse into my week.  Needless to say, we laughed a lot!

IT'S A WONDERFUL DAY

to celebrate my brother's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVIE-POO!

WE LOVE YOU!!

ACROSS THE BORDER WE WENT,

to see Uncle Steve and Chuck. Chuck E Cheese, that is.

These two troublemakers had to be separated.
Nothing like an evening full of games, tokens, pizza, laughter, family fun with an aunt, uncle, grandparents and a giant mouse.