This is what Miles does at Oma & Papa's house

Who taught him to rock out like this? It's a mystery.

Do I fit?

Miles likes to explore spaces, especially spaces that are about his size. When he climbs into a new place, like a yellow box or magazine rack or the shelf in our bed headboard, he examines how snugly his legs fit inside, then turns to his audience with a big "Look at me!" grin.

More Scenes from Paradise

This is our happy family at the top of Waimea Canyon, safely avoiding the giant tsunami (which amounted to 3 series of 2-3 inch waves). The clouds are shrouding the Na Pali Coast.

Miles' new swim trunks are still a little big.

Laura, Miles, Alvin, Amber, Jeni (my sisters), Jim (my current dad)

Sand legs built by Alvin.

A Buddhist temple on Oahu. The grounds were serene and beautiful.

Miles can't waddle over the edge of the cliff when he is strapped in the mei tai. These clouds floated up the cliff and drifted across our trail along the whole hike. This was my favorite adventure in Hawaii - the Waimea Canyon/Na Pali Coast overlook hike.

Pineapple at the Dole Plantation (I slept and recovered from jet lag while Alvin drove his Mustang convertible around Oahu and visited the plantation); bamboo graffiti; one of the abundant feral roosters; carniverous rooster-eating fern of Kauai

Ringing the gong before entering the Buddhist temple is said to bring peace and serenity. I think it worked.

Aloha

20-40 foot (depending on how many times Alvin has recounted the story) waves at Queen's Bath

Surf's up! If you go to Kauai, you should stay at the Kiahuna Plantation condos in Poipu. Isn't our backyard beautiful?

Yeah, winter in Hawaii isn't ideal for swimming.

Near Tunnels Beach. Our last day, sigh. (That's sigh of relief for me. It was amazing to see a new place, and an exotic one at that, but I am devoted to my simple, predictable daily routine at home in South Jordan.)

The lighthouse near Princeville. Refuge to thousands of migratory sea birds that nest on the cliffs.