Aloha from the Big Island!

We can now all check Hawaii off of our bucket list and I personally can say that I have now visited all 50 states! 

We woke up at 2am in Phoenix to get to the airport for a 3:15am check-in. All went smoothly. We caught our flight to San Jose, CA at 5:15am. 

After a short layover, time enough for a bathroom break and to nab a chic-fil-a chicken biscuit breakfast sandwich, we got back on the same plane for the flight to Kona. 

We landed early. Soooo awesome- the entire airport is located outside. Covered outdoor seating while you wait for your flight, pick up baggage, etc. Way cool! It is so lush and green here…and humid!!!

We picked up our rental car- a jeep!

We checked into our condo. The view from our lanai (covered porch) is just…WOW! 

We then headed out for lunch/dinner at The Kona Brewing Company. Derek and I split a small flight of light fruity beers which paired exceptionally with our pizzas. The Hawaiian Luau pizza containing pork, pineapple, bbq sauce, and goat cheese was outstanding! 

Speaking of goats, we saw quite a few roaming around. Here is a mama with 3 kids! 

After eating, we went to Costco to get a membership and food shop as it is apparently one of the most cost-effective places to buy food and gasoline. Well, turns out that you have to have a visa credit card or debit card to get a membership. No other cards are accepted. We don’t have a visa. Soooooo- no Costco. We ended up going to a local Safeway to stock up on groceries. Then it was back to the condo to relax after a long day. 

Exploring the lava rocks and tide pools right outside our condo. Can you spot the crabs? 

Ashton poses in front of our condo building. We have the unit three from the left on the second floor (above the first floor parking). Ashton is standing underneath the unit just to the right of ours.

New addiction! Grandma Dixie raved about this juice. juice so we had to try it. Excellent!!!

The boys enjoy juice while Derek and I enjoy cocktails during sunset! 

The sunset pictures have not been doctored in any way. They are true to color!