Kauai

Just several days after we moved to Colorado Springs we took a trip to Kauai. This was the vacation we'd been dreaming of the last six years of dental school + residency. I'd been once before as a teenager and couldn't wait to introduce Dustin and Clara to my favorite place!

(The one thing I forgot to pack- my camera. So all of these photos were taken on our phones. Not the best quality, but thank goodness for iphones!)

Clara was terrified of the sand. She'd cling on to us and cry and scream. This lasted for four days. But, of course, by the end she was in love with Hawaii, sand and all. 

Coconut Market farmer's market

pool time at our condo (above) and naptime shot courtesy of Dustin (below)

so much delicious food- mostly found in trucks- especially the fish tacos, ahi bowls and burritos, and sushi

these next photos come from our hike along the Napali Coast

carrying an almost 30 lb. toddler on your back makes a difficult trail miserable

but it was worth it for this

still not friendly with the sand

I carried Clara for a bit on our way back (notice the sweat)

post-hike sushi lunch

and post-hike Hawaiian shaved iced (with coconut macadamia ice cream in the middle)

Waimea Canyon

more sushi

and the chickens, great toddler entertainment

boat tour of the Napali coast

all that rocking lulled her right to sleep (for most of the trip!)

shortly after this we got our rental car stuck in the sand

 Dustin snorkeled while we played at Tunnels

we snuck into the Grand Hyatt for a free Hulu show one evening

 our last day on the beach (before the dreaded all-night flight)

Aloha, Hawaii.

the last of Chicago & family photos

now that we're settled in Colorado, I have a whole lot to catch up on. as usual, lots of photos with few words. it's the only way I'll ever get around to posting. 

first, some family photos taken in June by our friend-photographer Amy Jo Royall. taken in Lincoln Park. 

the rest of these are not even in chronological order, but I'll provide some descriptions. 

park date with Lincoln (best friend/neighbor). she misses him dearly. it breaks my heart to hear her talk about or ask to play with him.

taken by grandpa when they watched Clara for us

lots of visitors! first Brooke.

then Dustin's parents came for his graduation dinner

we finally made it to the Chicago temple

and had an all-night date downtown...

saying goodbye to Linc

last photo taken in Chicago, on our way out

and one last visit to our fire-station

Clara's first dental visit 

Dustin and I took a weekend trip to Colorado Springs to find a house to rent. My parents stayed with Clara in Chicago. It was our first time apart and she did so well. Except she wanted nothing to do with me upon my return. 

first of many visits to Garden of the Gods

and we'll finish with this one- Dustin's last visit to the children's museum...

Chicago, we miss you. Sort of. :)