Calm and Tranquil

Life is a bit hectic right now: Joe and I have two shows opening next week, our classes, our jobs, and we have to be moved out of our house by Wednesday. The fun never ends. To get through this stressful time, I keep reminding myself of why I love Hawaii, even though it is kicking my ass every chance it gets:

Beautiful views

Good friends (we can see whales!)

Time with my bro

The adventure of it all

Did I mention stunning views?

New Year's Day Hike!

The beginning

Oh no!

typical...

Koolau Mountains

View of Windward Oahu

The intrepid explorers

Barefoot?

The half-way point...

Hanging out in a tree, of course!

At the end of our 5hr hike

Sweet, sweet, pavement!

On the Edge!

Mmmilkshakes!

Best meal we've EVER eaten...

Zombie Apocalypse

On our hike Sunday, Ray was supposed to be guarding us against the zombie apocalypse (Joe was guarding us from ninjas). If Ray had failed us, it would have gone something like this:

And then we would hide in the bushes...

Mmm...bananas!

This stunning photograph is of banana pancakes and fresh fruit, which I served with honey. Delicious! The pancake mix was a Christmas gift from Meg and Kei, the bananas were fresh from Grandad's yard, and the starfruit was from the tree in our front yard. Thanks, Hawaii, for ono fresh food!

A trip to the Gardens

Continuing our tourism from Tuesday, we also visited the Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, which is just at the end our our street. We thought it was quite lovely.

 Hanging Lobster Claw, False Bird of Paradise

This was just the first area of the 400 acre park, specializing in tropical American plants. The park is so large we only had time to visit one section, but we fully intend to go back and check out the rest. Maybe with a picnic lunch!