After another spinning class, it’s time to explore the lava caves along this cool walking path at the Mauna Lani. Fancy running into Charlotte out for a run! Charlotte and Monica continue their exploration out to the point. Today we’re headed south to check out the volcanoes. There are a few funny sights along the way, but overall it’s just a really long drive in dreary weather. ...

Morning in Hawaii starts with koi, flowers, and an awesome buffet. I get in a spinning class to make up for all the eating and lack of cycling, though I do enjoy touring around on the hotel’s cruisers with the kids. This afternoon I’m heading up to the top of Mauna Kea to visit the observatories and get in a little observing on slightly smaller scopes just below the summit. It’s a crazy long drive to the top at over 13,000 feet, and the upper parts are all gravel. I didn’t see any invisible cows, but I knew Monica would love this sign. I thought the very unique Silver Sword plant was quite interesting. It only grows around the visitor center and higher elevations. I also got my first view of Mauna Loa here above the clouds. ...

So today in Hawaii the tables got turned on me by this guy. I have decided to call him Tiki Guy, wait maybe Conch Guy, anyway the name doesn’t matter because what really matters is him scaring me to death. I was walking around in the lobby of my hotel trying to get a creeper photo of someone and not paying attention. Then all of a sudden right in front of me is a half-naked man with a flaming torch and a giant conch shell in hand. He blew it right in my face and I screamed because I got so scared. ...

My family and I have officially arrived at Mauna Lani Bay Resort in Hawaii. I can’t begin to explain just how excited I am to be here. It is sunny, warm, and beautiful. I am rather fond of leis myself. My brother loves leis for another reason, because he gets to say he got layed in Hawaii. Yes, he is a teenage boy and can’t help making sexual innuendos everywhere he goes. ...

It’s been way too many years since the family has been to Hawaii, so we’ve made a last minute decision to go for a week right before Christmas. Sitting for over five hours on a plane is a piece of cake when you’re heading to a place like the Big Island. Paradise has been waiting for us here at the Mauna Lani hotel. Birds, flowers, and a lovely fruit place are waiting as well. ...

It is finally Christmas time! Enjoy the holiday season, kiss under the mistletoe, give a random person a hug and don’t forget to smile. Let the holidays light up your day. Happy Holidays!!

So, I know I have been somewhat neglecting my blog and I apologize for that. SORRY BLOG Now that vacation is starting I will finally have some time to work on my writing. Currently my family and I are leaving for Hawaii in the morning for our Christmas break. I will be leaving travel updates everyday so stay tuned to see Hawaii in all it’s glory.

People walk around as if they are living in a dream. Wondering from one destination to the next without thought or questioning. Frankly it sickens me to no extent. The fact that people can so blindly pass through life, the impassiveness of humanity is frightening. What makes people care so little? What is the root of humanity’s disconnect with the rest of the world around them? How can people stand to live a life without curiosity or adventure? ...

On a hot day when the sun is beating down mercilessly there is always a sprinkler to give rain to the hungry soil. So rain down cries the budding seeds, let us grow.