snorkeling with the turtles

After our 1.5 mile beach trek we reached the BLUE LAGOON which is my happy place in Kona. I love that you can see fish, turtles, lava rocks, waves and snorkel in calm water ALL in one location. It was sure a blast to experience this with my family!

1st hike to Blue Lagoon

On our first full day in Kona we decided to take the kids to Kiholo Bay and hike on the beach to the Blue Lagoon. We thought it would be fun for them to see turtles. Our hike was a success as we saw a TON of them. Here are the kids with the first turtle napping on the beach!

Noah is definitely our nature boy so he really got into observing all the waves, shells, coral and animals!

The lava rock was very exciting for each of them. They all enjoyed hiking on it even though it was super HOT!

Isn't it just gorgeous!?! More pictures to come of our kids snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon.

Airport- Costco- Mile 88!

We all got barely any sleep on our night flights to Kona but that didn't keep us from heading to the beach. We landed at noon, changed into our suits, ran to CostCo to buy some BOOGIE BOARDS and then drove to our favorite beach… Mile 88 or Kua Bay. Kep showed the boys how to boogie board and then we had to pull them off of them 3 hours later so we could get checked into our condo! They ALL loved everything about Mile 88! Awesome first day in Kona!

Kona bound!

These 3 cuties have been waiting 2 years for this happy flight! Each of them is pumped to be Kona bound and we can't wait to experience the Big Island from their view. We all feel so blessed to be able to take this family vacation as many memories will be made!

Noah asked to backcountry ski… Kep got on it!

Noah really wanted to go backcountry skiing with all the men on their moonlit adventure. But, Kep isn't quite comfortable bring his young skiing buddy up in avalanche country in the dark. So we all went up shortly afterwards and played in Hatchers. The 3 boys worked hard and climbed almost to the top of Marmot while Savannah and I found some decent snow to sled in at the base! We all had our own version of fun and then warmed up by a little fire once the boys skied down! Perfect day adventuring in the snow with my family and only 10 more days till we are in Kona having adventures in the sand!!!

the Kroon Moonlit ski team

We have had a weird winter~ barely any snow and rather warm temps. Hatcher Pass finally got some snow after the New Year and there was a full moon. This meant that all the Kroon guys got their backcountry gear together and headed for the first ski of the winter. They had a great time!

family pic in 5 degrees

Momo wanted an updated family picture while the "uncles" were home. Unfortunately, it was 5 degrees on Tills' last day home, so we all bundled up (except Teag!) and ran outside for a quick snapshot! Maybe this summer we can take a warmer family pic!

neighbor goodness!

We feel incredibly blessed to have our neighbors. They spoil us with gifts but most importantly we are spoiled to have neighbors we can call friends! Mrs. Sandy is always making gourmet treats and jams for our family! This Christmas, she made homemade hot cocoa and homemade marshmallows which were fully~coated with sprinkles. They always come home from their Mexican vacations with treats and t-shirts for our crew too! So sweet!

Our neighbors across the street have named themselves as the adopted "grandparents" to our kids. Mrs. Carmel has yet to miss one of their birthdays. Every birthday, we hear the doorbell ring and we know it must be… Mrs. Carmel! Her gifts are always WAY cool and educational. She did not disappoint this Christmas either when she delivered a ginormous marble tower! How cool!