Kauai 2025

This summer’s family vacation looked a little different than usual. Last-minute changes to Madden’s football schedule meant we had to split our trip. Jake and Madden headed out a few days early, and later Skylar, her best friend Anna, and I joined them. We spent two wonderful days together soaking up the ocean, playing beach volleyball, snorkeling, and indulging in the best shaved ice around.

After Jake and Madden left, we headed to Poipu Beach, where the whole Ernest/Austin clan joined us. We stayed at the Kiahuna Plantation — a place I had stayed at as a kid — so it was especially nice to go back and see it again. We had such a great time with the whole family. Everyone loved the beautiful Poipu Beach, spending endless hours in the water and soaking up the sun. One day, we went on a fun family hike that ended with all of us swimming in a waterfall — a definite highlight of the trip. We also enjoyed a traditional luau, which came with incredible food, lively music, and plenty of laughs.

 

2024 Holiday Cards

This year was our 10 year anniversary of funny holiday cards.  These cards are such a labor of love for me but I love that they bring our family and friends so much joy each year.

 

Thanksgiving 2024

For Thanksgiving this year we decided it was finally time for us to take a trip with just the four of us.  It had been close to 2 1/2 years since the four of us got away together and with everyone being so busy the last few years it was so nice to be together.  We love being warm and relaxed so we headed down to Punta de Mita and we decided to really do it up.  We stay at a lovely resort with all large condos with gorgeous views.  We even splurged and went with the chef and maid service and let me tell you it wasn't easy coming home after that..haha.

View from our balcony.

The water was of course so warm.

Skylar, Madden and I got massages on the beach one day.  Skylar and I were in heaven, poor Madden not so much.  He got a masseuse who was a little rough on the hands plus a bird pooped on him during the massage.

The W Hotel was right next to our resort were you could go and enjoy their bar and restaurants.

Jake and Madden spent hours hitting the waves in their tubes just waiting to get taken out.  Madden lost Jake's sunglasses after getting tossed around.

The resort was so quiet and empty, I swear sometimes we were the only ones in the pool besides this iguana who joined us once time.

We got this cozy cabana by the pool each day that the four of us would squeeze on together, which was of course Skylars dream.

View of the ocean from the infinity pool.

The two of them got a long so nicely. Seeing that during the week they don't get to spend much time together, I loved seeing them hang out.

We honestly didn't do much of anything besides eat, pool, ocean repeat but it was just so nice just being together.  We laughed, played games, had a karaoke jam session and just made the best memories.  Hoping we can all get away together again soon since I know our time with Skylar is ticking away.

Coeur D'Alene