A 1,000-year-old village + close encounters of the turtle kind

Saturday was one of those days we'll remember forever.

The chief botanist at Daddy's hotel, Duane, invited us to go with him to see remnants of a 1,000 year old village up in Honokawai canyon...it's a place the general public is not allowed to go and it was so amazing and magical, especially being with the Hawaiian restoration work crew, one of whom sang a blessing on the ancestors as she brought us down the canyon, and Duane who walked us all around and gave us a history lesson and botany lesson in one.

And then we went and got my birthday present--snorkeling equipment!! And then we snorkeled right off our little beach and it was incredible all the fish we saw and the turtles, at least 2 of them and so close you could touch (though we didn't). Kids got a snorkel and mask to share and we thought it would take some time for them to learn but they got it immediately and both absolutely loved it. And I feel like in calm waters with one kid per adult we'll be able to take them out a little ways...Saturday they stayed in close where it's super safe. I asked the kids what they want to do with their last week of summer vacation and Luke said, "snorkel every day!"

Such an incredible place we're living in...

XOXO