November: Visit to Haystack Rock, Concerts, Mt. Hood Thanksgiving

A Fall walk around Tualatin Nature Preserve

Peter isn't a super friendly cat. This was the first time she chose to sit on Saki's lap. It made Saki super happy:)

Saki and Julian had a day off from school so we decided to drive down to Corvallis to see the twins. We went for a nice walk then had some yummy dinner together. It was good to see them.

I started watching Stevie (Taylor Doxey's baby) every Tuesday. She is such a cutie and is a very happy and fun baby.

Saki and her coach at the Cross Country end of season dinner. I think Saki had a fun time running and meeting new people in cross country.

Beautiful fall colors outside Hyrum's clinic window

Hyrum went to Utah for a weekend to visit his mom. They went on lots of walks together

We stopped at Camp 18 on our way to the coast for some yummy breakfast

A cute bunny at the coast

Haystack Rock

We walked around the tide pools and saw some star fish and little crabs

The sunset at the coast was amazing!

We put Saki to work raking a million leaves from our yard!

Carmina Burana with Katrina and Jason

My van was at the repair shop so we rode our bikes to Burgerville for some lunch

Prepping our Thanksgiving Feast at our condo in Mt. Hood

Happy Thanksgiving!! Hyrum always makes such a delicious meal and it was so special to have all our family together.

Relaxing in the hot tub at the condo

We drove up to Timberline Lodge but there was hardly any snow at all...it's just been a really warm and rainy fall.

Ping Pong and...

...shuffleboard in the lodge

The sun peaked out of the clouds for a few minutes and we got a great shot with Mt. Hood

Julian's snow/slush man:)

Warming up with hot chocolate

Dinner at the Ratskeller...tradition when we are at the condo

At the Cirque Nutcracker performance

They were doing some crazy stunts...luckily no-one fell!

The beautiful Christmas Tree in downtown Portland

Maui with Saki and Paige

We brought Saki along to Hawaii with us for Hyrum's annual medical conference. Then (because I miss her so much) I told Paige she had to join us because Hawaii is a great halfway point between Guam and Oregon. So I got to see my sister and hang out with her for the week which was wonderful. We all got along great and had some amazing experiences. I love Maui because I have been there so often I feel comfortable making my way around the island. Plus my favorite fish tacos are on Maui!

On the airplane...ready for an adventure

Welcome to Maui!

Pretty nice way to start the day

Paia Fish Market fish tacos...best in Hawaii!

Snorkel time

Watching the sun set in Kihei

Nene geese...so cute!

Leoda's pie shop did not disappoint!

Hiking down to the Nakalele blowhole

It was putting on a real show for us. Water was shooting up 50 feet in the air!

I was "squishing" Hyrum and Saki:)

Paige found a "heart" rock

Super cool plant

Walking out to Honolua Bay

Playing in the crazy big waves at Napili beach. This surf was not kidding around and reminded us all to be cautious in the ocean.

Relaxing with the sunset at Napili beach

We did the half road to Hana...that means we drove halfway to Hana, stopped for some yummy banana bread, then turned around and came home. 

Banana bread was definitely worth the drive. They bake it fresh all day so it's warm when you get it...so ONO

The amazing black lava  rocks and crashing waves at Ke'anae peninsula...such an amazing spot

We paid $20 for this nice man to open  coconut for us so we could drink some coconut water and try the coconut flesh

It really doesn't have much flavor to it but it was still fun to see how people break into the coconuts

My favorite, rainbow eucalyptus trees in Ke'anae arboretum 

Just one of MANY curves on the road to Hana

There wasn't much water at Twin Falls but it was still a fun spot to stop and hike to a waterfall

Golden bamboo at Twin Falls

Hyrum and Saki went for a little dip under the waterfall

Gelato in Paia

Breakfast at the Kihei cafe

Another relaxing beach day...this time at Ulua beach

Waiting for the sunset up on Haleakala volcano

Freezing cold and windy!!

Silver sword plant

We got to see the sun set...

...and then the full moon rise. It was a spectacular night to be on top of the world

Second time we have gotten a flat tire while in Hawaii on vacation!! Luckily Hyrum is pretty handy and he and Saki got the spare put on and we were on our way!

On the boat heading to Molokini crater for some snorkeling

Getting ready to hop in and snorkel

Paige at Molokini crater

I like this photo because it accurately represent how I was feeling. I don't know why I didn't take any dramamine medicine...I was super seasick and threw up off the side of the boat twice! Luckily no one else got sick and I think everyone had a great time

We made a quick stop at the Baldwin house museum, such a cute historic home and museum

The beautiful Iao Valley

Hyrum and Saki swimming in one of the rivers

Nothing beats a fresh water river on a hot day!

We made a quick stop at Kepaniwai park

Last sunset in Maui

Saki had a great trip, I'm glad we could show her this part of America

Had to get Ululani's shave ice on our last night:)

Dropping Paige off at the airport, why does she live so far away???

We had a bit of time after dropping Paige off before our flight back to Oregon so we went to Ho'okipa Beach and there were a few seals just lounging on the beach. So fun to see these animals close up!

There were also tons of sea turtles just hanging out in the sand!

Goodbye Hawaii beaches...

...and goodbye Paia fish market. Until next time!!!

Slightly sunburned but happy and on our way home to Oregon:)