As with last years visit, Erv (and this time Tina) was plagued by flight delays resulting in a late arrival. Not only did we lose the first evening with them, but Maddie didn't get to see them until the morning. So we awoke to a "cold", wet morning and just enjoyed the day together in front of the fireplace since the weather was poor. After a day of lounging, the babysitter came and the 4 of us enjoyed an excellent dinner at Roy's.
We spent Sunday morning packing since the days before Tina and Erv's arrival were spent redecorating the guest bedroom (decided 1 week before - smart). Maddie had fun playing with Grandma and Grandpa since they were already packed. Unfortunately, rain greeted us on the Big Island too, but we grabbed some dinner and got settled at the condo, which was nice.
The following day we made a trip to the Kahalu'u "beach". I use the quotes because with huge crowds, pea-gravel sand and awkward ocean entry, it certainly wasn't up to our standards. We enjoyed watching the sea turtles and whales and Maddie got into the very cool water for awhile.
After a night with little sleep (Maddie getting more teeth while on vacation), we spent the next day shopping and stocking the condo with necessities like wine, beer, tequila, limes and some food too. Now we could have a respectable vacation with fresh margaritas on the beach.
Tina and Erv went on a 'round the island tour taking in such sights as Volcanoes National Park, lava tubes, views of Mauna Kea, black sand beaches, Kona coffee plantations, etc. Em, Maddie and I visited the Northwest side of the island and ventured into Waipio valley, frequently regarded as one of the most beautiful places on the island. More akin to Kauai than Big Island terrain, it features lush green cliffs and waterfalls. Maddie was sick/teething so she didn't have a great time, but it was good to get out and ascend the far wall of the valley after fording the river. The evening was spent with our feet up watching a movie.
Snow-capped Mauna Kea with its observatories on top. 
The following day it was off to Honaunau Bay for some sun and snorkeling. Maddie liked the beach because there was plenty of room where she could run around and dig. For Em and me the snorkeling was good, but the water was rough. Tina and Erv enjoyed the sun and Maddie. When nap time rolled around Tina and Erv took Maddie back to the condo, while Em and I rented kayaks and paddled to Captain Cook monument renowned as the best snorkeling in Hawaii. We were not disappointed. If you don't mind me waxing poetic here, what we saw was a subterranean menagerie of multicolored flora and fauna. With the sunlight hitting the water at an acute angle characteristic of the late afternoon, the underwater scenery was spectacular.
Since Tina had seen Volcanoes National Park and Erv hadn't had enough, Em, Maddie and I accompanied him on a return visit. The volcano has been erupting continuously for the past 25 years, but just recently a new vent opened in Kilauea Caldera so smoke was pouring into the air in full view of the visitors center and many of the trails. We took the opportunity to hike the spectacular Kilauea Iki trail which hugs its rim then drops into the caldera to walk the floor amongst the steam vents. It was a unique and unforgettable sight especially to Maddie who's had the privilege to see both glaciers and volcanoes in the past year.
We spent the next morning at the pool where Maddie enjoyed the water and learned that rafts make rather unstable seats. After cleaning up, we departed for the Kona Brewer's Festival, which, as luck would have it, happened to occur during our visit to the Big Island. I couldn't have planned it better. It was not the best selection of beer I'd ever seen, but it was the best selection of beer I've seen in Hawaii (besides my beer closet). I savored the Stone, Jolly Pumpkin and Green Flash beers...repeatedly. With Tina, Erv and Emily not being into beer too much, they mostly enjoyed the food while I reaped the benefit of their beer ignorance. So many samples, so little time. Thankfully, wearing a child carrier under the influence is not a crime.
You're a loser or I'm #1, one way or another she thinks she's the best!
The following morning, the weight of our departure was upon us (as well as the weight of a mild hangover for some). We made the best of the day and drove north of Kona, closer to the airport to hang out at 'Anaeho'omalu Beach (you can call it A-beach). We watched the kiteboarders, Maddie played in the sand and we played together in the ocean. Before we knew it, we grabbed dinner and it was time to leave, though Tina and Erv had a couple hour wait before heading to the airport. We parted ways, but were comforted by the upcoming trip to Cincinnati where we'd get to see everyone again. Thanks to Tina and Erv for securing the condo and the good times!
