Grandma D Visits Maddie (...and Em and Me)

Yes, we've accepted the fact that we are no longer the most important thing in our parents' lives - the grandchildren are. So we let Grandma D spend as much time with Maddie as she wants. We get the fringe benefits of a peaceful dinner and movie alone as well as a killer hike along the Honopu ridge without the encumbrances of hauling a 30 lb load of child + carrier on my back.

Her visit, though short, was enjoyable in many ways. We spent a day at the beach, had a couple good meals together, hung out in the baby pool and most importantly Maddie got to hang out with her Grandma.

No diaper so I'm sure the pool was at least 10% pee.
Hey, you've gotta have sunglasses in Hawaii!
On Saturday evening, the one year anniversary of our arrival on Kauai, Emily and I went to Naniwa at the Sheraton for the most excellent sushi buffet. After stuffing my belly full of sashimi we went to see The Dark Knight at the theater. It was the first really great movie I've seen in awhile having amazing special effects as well as an exciting plot.

After a few short hours of sleep and putting Maddie down for her morning nap, Em and I departed for the Honopu ridge hike. Billed as a 2 mile one-way hike in the guide book, this was easily a 7 mile roundtrip with a fair elevation gain. The views over the last mile are spectacular and you may recognize them as the content for the blog title picture. We arrived home tired, but rewarded and spent our last evening talking with Cindy before her departure to Cincinnati.

The following morning I finished up work early and was able to join Cindy, Em and Maddie for lunch at the Kalaheo Cafe. Goodbyes were difficult, as always, but we were thankful for the short time together.