Hawaii: by air

On Monday, we drove to Hilo (about a three hour drive) to take a helicopter ride of the volcano. It was REALLY rainy on the way there, we were worried they would cancel. Luckily, only a small delay and they were ready to take us. Mom and Dad went first, while we watched Owen. Then they returned the favor. (I don't think Owen would have enjoyed the ride nearly as much as I did)


Mom and Dad with their emergency life vests... ready to go flying. (really? Do they think the life vests will work if we crash?) Lucas and Owen watching their helicopter take off.This is video of Lucas and my take off. As Lucas put it, "not bad for a woman pilot"

We saw very muddy, but very beautiful waterfalls.

The city of Hilo.

But what I really wanted to see was the lava. Lots and lots of lava.

Here is a home owner who refuses to leave his house... even though lava has taken away all of his neighbors... he now has to use a helicopter to deliver groceries and other goods. I think it's a bed and breakfast if anyone's interested.

This is where the lava enters the ocean. The lava is red on the right of the picture... then all the steam.

Lots of steam. She would circle over it many times... which ALMOST made me need the "comfort bag" to vomit in. For the record: I did not need the bag.

A cool picture of a plane from our vantage point.

Just look at those goofy smiles! That was right before takeoff.

And right after landing... not too different.
Owen PASSED out for a wee bit in the car. He did so good on vacation considering he wasn't getting his normal naps, or nights of sleep. Speaking of that: I'll add a little sidebar here. The first two nights, Owen slept in the pack-n-play in the master bedroom. However, every time he woke up, he would see me and Lucas sleeping right next to him. This sent him in to hysterics! So, after two very sleepless nights, Lucas and I decided we would sleep on the Murphy bed. Owen slept all night. So, for the rest of the stay, Owen had the master bedroom. Spoiled baby! But worth every minute of sleep!

A farmer's market in Hilo. Amazing, cheap, and delicious!