Meet Natalie...

Natalie Karen Bishop

Born: Oct 5, 2010

Time: 7:28 a.m.

Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz

Height: 20 inches

Hair: red

She's gorgeous, and yes, her hair is so very red and so cute and wispy. She looks a lot like Samantha and one of these days I'll have to do some comparison shots from Sam's first days. I have so much I want to write about these last few wonderful day. I was already so behind, and now here I am getting even further behind. Thank goodness Brian was able to put up a few pics while I was in the hospital with Natalie. I hope to add more of the details... soon. For now, just some more fun pictures...

First family picture with Natalie. (Sammie was pouting because... I don't remember why, she just does that a lot lately. A stage?)

Going home from the hospital. It's amazing how small they are in the car seat on that first day, eh?

How did this one get sideways? Oh well. I'll change it later. This one really shows off that red hair!

Adoring visitors. I love this shot, of all the cousins waiting for their turn to hold Natalie.

More to come... really!!

Here's the girl!

Announcing baby girl Bishop! She was born this morning (5 Oct. 2010) at 7:28 am, at West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell, ID. She weighed 7 lb 4 oz and was 20 inches long. You might be able to see from the pictures that she has a nice crop of red hair on top. Both mother and baby are doing very well. I've included a few photos below of mother and daughter.

some random thoughts when I should be sleeping

So, this will be a short, random entry. I've just been thinking for the past several days in a row -- about the book, "The Good Earth" by Pearl S Buck. Familiar with it, perhaps? Well, here I am, soooo heavy and uncomfortable, about to give birth to my third child. And I just keep thinking of O-Lan -- the wife in the book, and her third birth experience.

Remember she has two sons, and her husband is so proud and pleased, and their births are so meaningful and special? Then their circumstances change, and they're in the middle of a really tense harvest when that third baby is due. I can't remember exactly, but it seems like if they don't get their field harvested at just the right time, they'll lose everything -- or something terrible like that.

Well, I just keep thinking of poor O-Lan out there in the field on her hands and knees, helping her husband with the harvest when she goes into labor. Then she just waits out the labor while working there in the field, until she's ready to deliver. When the baby is just about to come, she quickly goes inside to give birth -- much to her husband's annoyance. She's gone from the field as long as it takes to deliver, then comes right back out to finish up the day in the field. All she says to her husband about the birth is, "It's a girl."

Not sure why that image of that poor woman in the field keeps coming back to me. Sounds so terrible, and soooo not like anything at all I'm experiencing, or even like anything I've really HEARD about in real life. But still... what a book, to paint such a picture, eh? It's been years since I read it, but I still remember that scene.

It's been a bit of a rough week, though also good in many ways. I've got a lot done, but I've also been "stretched" a bit more than I care to be, both physically and emotionally. I don't know that I'm fully prepared for this baby -- her room is not exactly "ready" and I still think there are some things we still need. sigh. But I'm certainly ready to just be done with this pregnancy. My emotions are so topsy-turvy, and my sleep deprivation is starting to weigh on my decision-making abilities. Poor family of mine who is living with my moment-to-moment ups and downs. I keep losing my temper, poor Sammie, especially. Plus, I threw my hip out a few days ago, so now I'm hobbling around like I did before Spencer came... again. bleh.

The other night I happened upon that scripture that talks about ultimate destruction in the last days, and how those who are "heavy with child" will be unable to flee and will be "trodden down under the foot of man." Oh, I can imagine what that would be like, and thank goodness that's not me right now! I mean, thank goodness there is no ultimate destruction going on around here, or that WOULD be me, and that would be awful.

On another not-so-fun note, I have to admit, I've been somewhat whimpery/whiney lately about something else. I guess I've been feeling a little "forgotten" by some people I care about. I know the pregnancy makes things seem worse than they are -- when I get down I really feel it more than I should. And I know I feel a bit more needy when I'm pregnant, just all around, eh? But more than just pregnancy woes... I also just hate the feeling that I'm losing touch with so many people in my life who have made my life meaningful.

I like to stay in touch, I like to feel like the friendships that have been so special to me will always be special , to me, and to my friends -- even with distance and different circumstances. I know things change and people get caught up in every-day life around them... that happens to me too. But I just wish there was a better way to stay close. I wish there was a better way to cherish those friendships and memories without feeling like I'm living in the past too much, or like I'm the "clingy" one, or something. I like how President Monson said recently, "I am a man of memories." I feel like that, and I love all the memories that mean so much to me. But sometimes I think maybe I'm the only one?

Have you ever called a friend who used to be soooo very close, but then, somehow time and change and life just pulled you in different directions? Then, one day, without realizing it, when you call to talk, you're in such a different spot from each other, it's hard to even know what to talk about? I wonder how to bridge that distance, recapture the essence of that relationship, and feel the sincerity of real friendship again, without just wishing back the past? Because honestly, it's not that I wish back the past. But I do still want the feelings of gratitude and sincere friendship to be real -- no matter how long it's been, no matter how many miles come between, no matter whose turn it is to call.

I'm not trying to sound overly pouty here. Actually, I'm not that frustrated or sad about this right now. But it is something that keeps coming to my mind lately. And I wish I had a better answer for myself, about how to stay connected ... and I'm not talking about facebook or texting or any of "the means." Just reflecting on "the end," I guess, and wishing I knew better how to be -- and keep -- true friends.

Anyway, I believe this post would make more sense if I took time to write it in the light of day, rather than starting it at midnight. But for now, this is my rambling of the night, with a baby kicking uncomfortably inside me, still -- for a few more nights. Good night all!

ps. don't feel like you have to respond here and tell me that I DO have friends who care, I'm not forgotten, etc. I promise, I'm not "fishing" here. I'm just putting some ramblings up here, ya know?

Name ideas?? Anyone?

So, we've got just over a week to go before Baby Girl Bishop comes -- and that's if we're lucky. I've had some pretty good contractions over the past couple of days, but nothing consistent. Just sayin'... it could be earlier than the schedule says, ya know?

And... we still don't have a name for this child. Sigh. Last week, Brian and I went through our lists and tried to narrow things down a bit. We went to bed that night feeling pretty good about two different names -- Natalie or Erin.

But now, I still just don't know! I must be extremely flaky with this naming thing. I guess? I keep thinking something's going to hit us both and we'll LOVE it and voila -- baby will be named! Not that we don't like lots of different names, but well... so far nothing's sticking for this kid. So, I'm opening it up for comments (again). If you have any great ideas, feel free to post 'em!

Our basic criteria:

Somewhat traditional -- nothing "made up" (no offense if you have a made-up name. so do I, remember?)

Doesn't start with an "S" (Samantha and Spencer are a coincidence, but a third "S" would definitely be a trend)

Not in the top 8 on the ss/popularity charts (that counts out Olivia, Emma, Ava, Hannah, Isabella, Sophia, Madison, Emily, Abigail)

Some others we (or at least I) sort of like, but they're off the list, for no particular reasons: Elizabeth, Rachel, Erika, Laura, Gabriella, Audrey

Well, folks, of course you know this is a take-it-or-leave-it plea for help, but really, I'd love some more ideas, if anyone has any to share?? We still might stick with Natalie or Erin, but I just keep wondering if there's maybe something else out there we're missing?

Her First Time

Samantha was sick last night. She threw up two different times in the night, poor thing. It's so hard to see my kids be sick -- I always feel so helpless. I guess the thing that's noteworthy -- or should I say "blogworthy"? -- about Sammie throwing up is that this was her very first time EVER to throw up.

I'm not kidding. She has heard about other friends/cousins who have thrown up or had stomach flu. And she's certainly heard ME lose it plenty of times throughout this pregnancy (but always from the other side of the bathroom door, thankfully). And yet, she's never had it happen to her, lucky girl. She must have Brian's invincible genes when it comes to sickness (knock on wood... and yes, I do realize how fortunate I am as a parent to NOT have dealt with much vomiting in all this time! More knocking on wood, please!!)

Anyway, so, last night at about 5 a.m. when she came crying outside our bedroom door, I thought it must have been a little nightmare or perhaps an "accident." She had spilled a glass of water on her floor a few nights earlier, so I thought maybe that happened again? Well, no... there she was sniffling and whimpering and I asked her what was wrong.

"Something yucky is in my bed," she told me. No, it wasn't water, she said when I asked. "It's something yucky that's all over the kitchen floor, too." Then more crying. I was trying to figure out what she was even talking about when she added, "I think it maybe came out of me."

Oh my poor girl. Brian and I both "got it" then, and he worked at cleaning up the kitchen floor, while I changed sheets and got her resettled in new pajamas, etc. She just seemed so bewildered and almost scared about it. It was actually really sweet to watch her, and to be there to comfort her. Samantha's one who rarely needs to be cuddled or held. Usually she's just so independent and somewhat fearless (except for "scary" movies -- like Snow White -- and dogs that actually want to be petted). Anyway, so I relished getting to be there with her, stroking her forehead and rubbing her back, telling her everything would be okay, and that this just sometimes happens to all of us.

An hour later, it happened again -- as is usually the case with these things, right? Well, she had a bowl and used it well, so we had a quicker, quieter clean up. She seems to be fine now, we'll see! I still just can't believe we've gone almost five years with her not even really knowing what it means to have a sick stomach. Let's just hope Spence doesn't get it -- he already knows what "throwing up" is all about, and he doesn't like it!

Here's our cutie girl, on a "better" day! ...

ps. that "bump" you see under the blankets in the first picture really IS that big! Only 11 more days, and counting!

Things I like today

So, it's been a good day, if not the most productive. I keep wanting to write and catch up, but all those reunion pictures from the summer will have to wait.

For now, just a short list of things that have made me happy today...

-- Gorgeous fall sunshine. It's been warm here, but not terribly hot. I love the crisp mornings and nice afternoons.

-- Garden-grown tomatoes and squash. Brian's mom brought us a big bag full of delicious tomatoes, peppers, squash and other produce -- enough to make a large batch of fresh salsa (maybe tomorrow?) Nothing beats those home-grown tomatoes. mmmmm...

-- Piggy buns. This is a hair-do for Samantha, which she rarely asks for anymore. But this morning she asked for piggy buns (like piggy tails, but folded up into a loose bun, wish I had a picture). I love how cute she looked, going out the door to school. Makes her look a year younger.

-- The Eagles. Brian gave me a "new" Eagles CD last year for my birthday. It's one that got put aside for a long time, then I just pulled it out a few days ago and felt like I had a whole new musical experience with the Eagles once again. I LOVE their harmonies, sooo well blended.

-- No wars at bedtime. Spencer's been throwing fits for us to "leave the door open" for the past few weeks. When we DO leave it open, he stays awake until we go to sleep at 11 or so, without fail. So, we've started closing it again. And he howls. Forever. But tonight, we closed it and left a brighter night-light in there for him. No crying fit. (But he was still awake after 10. sigh.)

-- Maverick's hot chocolate. I tried it today for the first time, and it was really tasty. But the last 1/4 cup was waaay too sweet to even finish. Still, not bad, for a service station.

-- A clean kitchen, for the moment. I spent a long time yesterday cleaning our pantry, sweeping, organizing, and wiping all the counters thoroughly with antibacterial cleaner. For several hours, it stayed quite clean and just felt sooo nice... then we had to eat again. Oh well. :)

-- Contractions. Just a few each day, and very sporadic. But they're there, and they feel real, and they remind me that things are winding down! One way or another, two weeks from today we will have a baby girl. yay!

Bye for now!

Getting ready for her

So, I went to the doctor a few days ago. The baby doctor. I was surprised, when we scheduled the rest of my appointments and got the c-section paperwork started. Only THREE more appointments on the charts. Three weeks! Final date: Oct 5. Or, if I go into labor before then, we'll do an earlier c-section. (For those who wondered about the need for a c-section, well, the complications after Spencer make it a real necessity for me, due to where the "tear" was. So, no "v-back" in case of a rupture. Rats.)

Anyway, we're getting close enough that it's time to start getting ready for this little girl! Samantha has been especially excited about all the "preparations." Our sis-in-law, Lisa, has been passing down all her baby girl clothes as their now-four-month-old, Brianna, grows out of them. We just got another bag from her at our family camp-out this weekend (yay!), and Sammie was VERY excited to see what we inherited. I told her she could have a look while I rested yesterday afternoon. I woke up to this...

She had carefully laid out every outfit on three mats (from our camping trip). She even matched up pants and shirts for most of them. I had been hearing her little exclamations of "oh, how cute!" throughout my nap. What an organizer, eh!?

She's getting very excited to welcome new baby sister, and is pretty agreeable about our name ideas (even though we're still not sure yet). Seeing her baby cousin, Brianna, at our campout was especially fun for her.

Spencer, on the other hand, still has no clue. He liked seeing baby Brianna just as much as Sammie. But now, when I tell him I have a baby in my tummy, he is SOOO not convinced. "No, Mama. No baby in Mama's tummy." I can just picture his little mind thinking, "that big ball does NOT look ANYTHING like Baby Brianna!" :) We'll have some work to do, getting him used to the idea of a new little one around here.

A cute picture of him in his cute new jammies. (Don't blow it up, I think he might have a goober, but it was the only one where he was looking and smiling.)...

As for me, well, let the nesting phase begin! I have had two to three days in a row where I've actually felt like getting things done around here...

-- 6-7 loads of laundry (with a little help from Brian getting it started and put away)

-- Mopped the kitchen floor. That's HUGE, people. It's been months. In fact, the last time it was mentioned on here -- June? -- was the last time. gross, huh? But sooo nice to have it clean again. (Of course, Spencer managed to spill two glasses of sticky, syrupy juice all over it, within just hours after it was mopped. sigh.)

-- Vacuumed. I just have the hardest time getting that job done these days, so I felt really good to check it off the list.

-- Dusted. Another one that just doesn't get done too often.

-- Put up the few fall decorations I have. So festive!

-- Got 250+ new-born diapers on a killer sale. Score!!

-- Changed the oil and got the car washed. (Not exactly the normal "nesting" job, but something important that needed to be done.)

-- Planted mums in the pots out front. Not sure how long they'll last, but they're still looking good on day #2!

-- Looked at several stores for a dresser/change table/shelf unit for this baby. Still haven't found what I'm looking for, but now I know where NOT to look.

-- Went grocery shopping. That was today -- first time in a few weeks. Finally, fresh fruit and produce in our fridge! yay!! (Aside - I lost track of time while I was shopping and had to have them "hold" my so-full cart in their cooler while I went and picked up Samantha from preschool. Embarrassing, huh? But I didn't want to just ditch the cart, or put it all back, or be late to get Sam. What else could I do?!)

Still on the list...

-- Get a dresser, or somewhere to put all the cute, cute, tiny stuff I've been collecting and rounding up for Baby.

-- Wash and put away all her cute little clothes and blankets and bedding, etc.

-- Clean bathrooms.

-- Go into labor?

Hard to imagine what it will be like with three. But then, I know that within a few weeks, it will be hard to imagine what life was ever like without her, right? One more "good night" shot of Sam and Spencer. (Spence is pointing at the "doggie" on top of the camera -- the only way I can get him to look when I'm trying to take his picture. ha!)...

First Day

I'm joining all the other moms and dads tonight, posting a picture of Samantha's first day of preschool...

There's our girl, headed out the door with a smile on her face. We decided to do Spanish preschool again this year -- same as last year, same teacher, same classroom, everything. We had several discussions over the summer about what we should do for her education... even contemplated "early" kindergarten. So crazy, to be a parent and be worrying about these things that sometimes sound so trivial when "other" parents talk about them. I mean, how many times when I was single did I listen to "other" mothers talk about their kids' school options and behind their back I rolled my eyes thinking, it's ONLY preschool, or it's ONLY kindergarten.

But when it's you're kid, it's different, huh? And to me, it's surprisingly satisfying to feel so invested in these little bodies and their minds and their futures. I love feeling that I really do want what's best for them. Does that even make sense? Well, so back to Spanish preschool... during the summer, every time we tried to get her to practice anything in Spanish, she gave a blank look and needed lots of help for everything except counting. I started thinking, maybe this is a waste? Will she even get it, or will we be starting all over again by doing a second round?

Well, when she got home after Round 2, Day #1, all afternoon Sammie went around the house singing her Spanish songs, asking what different words mean in Spanish, making up her own "pretend" Spanish conversations. She's back, and all in just one morning of Spanish preschool. Yay! I'm really glad she enjoys it so much.

When I dropped her off in the morning, I helped her hang up her jacket and backpack, and before I could even hug her, she was off across the classroom, finding her name on the rug/mat where she was supposed to sit with the other kids. I had to settle for a wave, instead of a hug.

Though I've secretly done a bit of chuckling over other mothers' posts about sobbing at the bus stop, I now confess, I was wiping away a few tears as I pulled out of the parking lot.

And it's ONLY preschool.

(I blame the pregnancy for the tears, of course. ha!)

Quiet Time

Brian's been working out of town again the past couple of weeks. It's always an adjustment when he is gone, and then another adjustment when he returns. He's about to return and I've been looking at my "list" of what I planned to do while he was gone...

-- clean out the garage

-- clean and vacuum car

-- paint and hang the stars I bought for Sammie's room a year ago

-- trim the summer flowers back to get ready for fall

-- plant new flowers in the pots out front since all ours died during our many vacations last month

-- mop the kitchen floor (why is this ALWAYS on my to-do list??!)

-- take the kids somewhere fun

-- don't grit my teeth while doing Samantha's hair

-- catch up the blog

I didn't get TOO ambitious with the list, considering this baby's just 6 - 7 weeks away now. I thought it would give me some things to keep busy, right? Well, here's the REAL list of what I've done while Brian's been gone...

-- ate a whole box of chocolate ice cream by myself. Oh wait, I shared a bowl each with Sammie and Spence, once.

-- stayed up until 2 a.m. at least 4 or 5 times, just surfing facebook, reading, or painting my nails. I get insomnia when Brian's gone, sigh. But I take good day-time naps, for sure!

-- I made a stab at cleaning the garage, but where do I put all Brian's tools and things? I decided it needs to be a joint effort.

-- No stars for Samantha's room, but I HAVE helped her clean it SEVERAL times -- Good Mommy Points right there, huh?

-- Went to my parents' house for a week, including two nights in West Yellowstone with Brian's sis and fam. (that counts for "take the kids someplace fun" doesn't it?)

-- Lost my wallet while at my parents' house. It was at the police station! with every card and coin still intact!! whew!

-- didn't mop the kitchen floor, but I HAVE swept it FOUR times in the last two days, trying to get up the salt Spencer dumped when he emptied the ENTIRE salt shaker in a trail across the kitchen, up the stairs, and onto the family room couch. (Sammie told me she helped clean it up by LICKING the couch cushions, so thoughtful and healthy.)

-- No outdoor trimming, but I did hire the neighbor kid to come mow the lawn today, which I think was one of the smartest things I've done this whole time Brian's been away! Oh, and some of our potted flowers resurrected themselves, luckily, so I don't feel it's so urgent to replant.

-- Didn't vacuum the car, but I did wash it in the driveway with the hose -- thought it would be a fun thing to do with the kids. It wasn't; they fought over the hose until Sammie sprayed Spencer in the face, then Spence cried because he was cold and wet, and Samantha cried because she was in time out. (Note to self: automatic car wash is TOTALLY worth $10)

-- Vacuumed the house. Today. For the first time in a month, no joke. It's just not a

regular item on my pregnancy to-do list.

-- Got Samantha registered for another year of Spanish preschool, if that's what we decide to do... at least we have a spot, and I feel a sense of accomplishment about that!

-- Haven't updated the blog. But I did start loading pictures one night -- I'm sure you're all in such suspense, just waiting to see the pics from our camping trip in June, right?? :) Well, you'll have to wait until another night, sorry.

Anyway, as you can see, it hasn't been a most productive time, but I have at least been in an "up" mood most of the time Brian's been away... a good thing, trust me. Can't wait till he's back!

Bye for now. Here's a few random pics from our last trip -- to Oregon...

Baby Update, and more

So, I was just looking at our little "countdown" for baby, and noticed it says 79 days left. Not too bad, huh? That means, I'm officially about 29 weeks along -- only 11 weeks left. But guess what? Unofficially, it's even less than that! yay!

Considering both Samantha and Spencer were about 2 weeks early, I aim to shave about 14-15 days off that "countdown." Instead of 79, how about let's say 65 days left! I know, some of you moms are saying to yourselves, "well don't get your hopes up." Right? But actually, this one's going to be a planned c-section, due to some rough stuff after Spencer was born (if you care to look back to March 2008...). So... I really AM getting my hopes up. In fact, even though my due date is officially October 12, when people ask, I just tell them it's the end of September. At the very latest, it could be October 5, but I'm trying to get things ready for a September baby.

The hardest part is getting prepared for it mentally. I forget I'm pregnant all the time -- something I never did with Sam and Spence. I mean, I'm tired all the time, and my hip is popping out just like it does during third trimester, and I've got all those unfortunate aches and stitches and a huge stomach. But still, I seem to go about my days without consciously remembering there's a baby girl in there, growing bigger every day. It's weird, but I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that our little life here is going to change in a couple of months.

Brian made his first-draft "List" of baby names, so, now I guess the topic is officially open for discussion. He still says Guadalupe (we'll call her Lupe, for short) is his top pick (kidding, if some of you don't get his humor when I blog it). Other choices we're discussing:

Elizabeth, Natalie, Hannah, Kate, Rachel, Ruth, Tessa, Elise, Clara or Claire (or Éclair?), Mary and Teresa.

Yeah, we don't like to narrow it down too early. :) We went to the hospital with four names for Samantha and four for Spencer. I guess it takes us a long time to be sure. I mean, this naming stuff is serious business, eh? Our criteria, if I try to define it, is that we like names that are traditional, but not seriously overused. No made-up names, thanks. And nothing in the top 5-10 for "popular names." That shouldn't be too tricky to find something, right? But we take our time agreeing. Oh well. We'll have to wait and see.

In other news, we've been in Reunion Season this month. And it's been A LOT of fun! We just got back from the HUGE Bishop Reunion in Delta Utah. And we did a great big Phelps Kids reunion in Utah over the 4th. Next up is my grandma's Frasure reunion in Oregon later this week. Whew! Lots of tripping for us. That means I have tons of fun pictures that I want to put up... probably next week, after we're back.

Not the most entertaining post, I know, but I'm at least trying, right??

Sammie's latest

A few days after we returned from Hawaii, Samantha was in a little ballet recital. Boy, was she excited!! The best part was that three of her four grandmas came to watch her perform -- Grandma Susan came with Grandpa Dale. And Grandma Karen drove over with Grandma Eva (my grandma, Sammie's great grandma) and spent the night, just so they could be there for the special day. When I first told Samantha all three grandmas were coming, she said, "Whoah! That's toooo many grandmas!!" ha! One minute later, she changed her mind and told me, "Well, it's not really too many, it's just A LOT of grandmas, which is good."

It was hard to get clear shots while she was on the stage, but here she is with all the other little 4-yr-old ballerinas, doing their part.

Here she is, admiring the special fairy wand her teacher gave each of the girls as a special thank-you. She was supposed to be dancing, but well...

After the show, look how pleased she looks...

When it was all over, we let Spence and Sam play up on the stage. Spencer was really getting into his own routine, and even got a few other audience members taking his picture...

Look at her form. So graceful... :)

Spencer, getting in on some of the photo opps, outside...

We didn't ever get any great poses from Samantha afterward, too much going on, I guess...

And we never got pics of all the grandmas together with the star of the show. Rats! I think our camera battery was dying, unfortunately. But here are the two cuties a few hours later. Sam still couldn't resist being in her costume...

Last of Hawaii pics

Just a few days left to complete the Hawaii vacation. Actually, now that I've written about it, I'm "re"enjoying it sooo much! What a fun break it was -- one of those that I feel like I appreciate even MORE now that it's over.

Day 6:

We explored the other side of the island that day, which turned out to be a lot of fun. First, we visited another gorgeous waterfall overlook...

Then we went to watch a big blow hole. It made some great gurgling noises that were fun to listen to, as well. And, the guide book warned us NOT to go close (duh), and told about several people who had been sucked in and died, plus one really fortunate man who was sucked in, then blown right out again, phew!

Then we went to a great botanical garden. Brian found out his ethobotany teacher from BYU is one of the head botanists there -- Paul Cox. It was great to look around, and we went late enough we had the whole garden to ourselves...

Ever wonder what real cocoa plants look like? Here it is, folks -- the REAL source of chocolate...

I think Adam and Eve would have been wise to use these (below), instead of just puny little fig leaves, no??

Black pepper plant... I just thought it was neat to see how pepper corns grow. Who knew?

Lovely pink plumeria. Of course, we didn't have to go to the botanical gardens to see it growing, but they sure had some beautiful specimens..

Also bananas (below) were growing EVERYWHERE, even just wild, right in front of our condo. And yet, in their grocery stores, bananas were selling for $1.19 a pound. You heard right! And to think they're only 46 cents a pound at our local Wal*mart in Idaho. Crazy!

Some pretty flowers...

And more nameless flowers...

After the botanical gardens, we peeked in at some of the fancy hotels on the South side. Call us quirky, but it seems both Brian and I love to look at the really swanky places, just to see what they're like. So, we had fun strolling the immaculate grounds and taking a few pics here and there. This one (below) is the Marriott, I think...

Our favorite was the Grand Hyatt! It was MASSIVE, and the grounds were exquisite, including a salt water lazy-river type pool, and a tiki restaurant over the water. Wow...

From the back, looking up at the lobby area...

The beach swing we "borrowed" for a few minutes..

And, I'm sure this is a bit much, but I couldn't resist taking a quick pic of the "waiting area" inside the ladies room. Pretty posh!!

Day 7:

We kayaked the Hanalei River for a few hours, which was really relaxing and fun (except for the headwind on the way upriver). It's the mildest of the rivers on Kauai (and was the closest and most accessible for us). We got a two-person kayak, and, yes Mom, even *I* helped row the boat!!

Me and the boat... (again no shots of Brian, as he was the camera man, risking our camera by taking all these shots FROM the water)...

We saw tons of turtles, sunning themselves on rocks and branches. But as we'd get close enough to take a picture, they'd slip off into the water and we hardly ever got a good shot. But I thought this was a nice one...

After some good eats and naps that afternoon, we went back down to the Queen's Bath to swim and snorkel a bit at sunset. It wasn't as full as it had been on Sunday night, but I felt "safer" -- with less water flowing in and out. It was a perfect swim...

And a gorgeous sunset, once again...

Day 8:

Our last day (sniff, sniff). We woke up early and went snorkeling one last time. We found the BEST beach, and it was so close to our condo...

If only we had found it sooner. It was gorgeous and secluded, with TONS of fish and coral...

The pathway down (which is hard to see), was really steep and rickety, which probably helps keep it a secluded beach. And the view from the top (with my head included) was lovely...

One last shot of our lovely Hanalei Bay...

Then we packed up and headed out. We stopped and saw the Kilawaea Lighthouse and wildlife preserve...

One of those "rocks" down there is actually a monk seal (which I kept accidentally calling a monk squirrel ??). Can you find it?

They wouldn't actually let us go up inside the lighthouse, but we got to walk around and look at the water crashing on the cliffs below...

The views were spectacular, and it was such a clear day, too!

On our drive back toward the airport, I had Brian stop so we could take a picture of the Police Station. Ha! Looks intimidating, doesn't it?!

And Brian had us stop so he could take a picture of the Kapa'a LDS chapel, very quaint and lovely...

We spent the rest of the afternoon buying cheap souvenirs and delicious chocolate, then snooped around some more fancy resorts near the airport. Here's another Marriott, I think...

A clever sign, I thought. ha ha...

And, one more picture of the two of us, I thought it turned out nice...

We flew home through the night, a long night but not too bad. We were VERY excited to see our kiddos. And they were excited to see us, too. And the toy train at the airport, too...

Ah, what fun memories this trip will be as time goes by, huh?