Alaska Kids!

I am very much enjoying having our Alaska kids, Lori & Dave, here for a nice long visit, and getting to know our grandbaby Acacia all over again. 

She is a not-so-little whirlwind of inquisitiveness and curiosity, astonishingly intelligent and charmingly demure at times... and just plain old Two at other times.  In other words, my kind of kiddo! 

We have fallen into a pleasant pattern of alternating active out-and-about days with quieter at-home days.  It works nicely with a 2-1/2 year old's temperament, as well as with getting things done on the farm, while still allowing us lots of time for explorations and sight-seeing.  And the timing of cloudy rainy days between sunnier ones has helped tender pale skin to heal from sudden tropical sun exposure.  Today is one of the cooler, wetter days, so while it's naptime I will see how much I can get accomplished here for your perusal and enjoyment.

Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona: Lori, Dave, & I did the grand tour while Grampy & Acacia strolled and explored the grounds. (Kerry stayed home while we went to pick up the kids from the airport - it's an overnight trip and she had work and took care of the farm. Thanks for holding down the fort, Kerry!) (Oh yes, and since I am Grammy, it follows that Mike must be Grampy, his new title.)

Back home, everyone settled in well together in extended family mode.  Acacia took to each of us right away, thereby letting Lori relax and kick back a little.

Acacia got to try her first musubi, a local treat, at the Hilo Farmer's Market.  She picked out the spam to eat and let Daddy finish the rest.

Onekahakaha, also known as Baby Beach for it's sheltered calm water and shallow sandy bottom.  This place has been such a hit that we have returned a few times already, and will be sure to come back for more.

Lavender honey, best licked off a stick, is a special treat after a picnic at the beach.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is always a favorite place for meandering the paths while seeing some of our fellow creatures, as well as beautiful plantings like this water lily pond. 

And no, I haven't gotten any work done on my book since they got here.  It can wait; I have better things to do right now. 

(Sadly, and as usual, the spacing gets funky somewhere in the ether between drafting and publishing the post. sigh...)