Ringing in 2010 Hawaiian style

We just returned from a week in Kona, HI and it was, of course, fabulous. Kona is located on the Big Island, which is the southernmost Hawaiian island. It is the last remaining island with active volcanoes, so the topography was varied, with lots of black rocks and encrusted lava in addition to the beautiful white sandy beaches that are Hawaii's trademark. The one down side to Hawaii is it's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making for a very long flight. On the plane ride there, the man in front of us, a seasoned father of three, bought John a drink and said,
"I've been there, I feel your pain."
That's what kind of flight it was. (He didn't buy me a drink, maybe because I was as cool as a cucumber, haha).
We were very happy to touch down in Hawaii after a 6 1/2 hour, turbulence filled flight down to Hawaii.
The weather was ideal and the company (John's parents, sister, bro-in-law and their daughter, Clara) was great. Dirk and Nedra celebrated their 35th anniversary while we were there which made the trip even more special.
Will and Clara really enjoyed the waves, the sand, and the pool. Jane was a bit more hesitant, content to stay in the shallow end of the pool with me and dig in the sand on the beach. Here, in no particular order are some pictures (more in picasa, under 'our pics'). Thanks to Laurel for taking so many great shots, too!