about hawaii.

Hawaii smells like saltwater and flowers. The air is sweet and warm, and constant breezes dance with groves of palm trees. The sunshine is so bright and the skies are so blue. The ocean really IS a shimmering pool of turquoise and jade, and sand really does stick to everything. When it rains, there are always rainbows, and it never really rains for long anyway. Waves are mesmerizing, and watching them rise and fall becomes addicting. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean is God's perfect lullaby (especially when you're snuggled in bed with a handsome husband). 
 
The people of Hawaii are beautiful, laid back, and incredibly friendly. Homes and businesses lay among sprawling streets, dotted with countless surfers. Everyone greets you with a bright smile and "aloha!". (Hawaiians seem to have a ridiculous obsession with speed bumps. Huge, extra bumpy speed bumps. Speed bumps that jolt your car and flip flop your tummy. Everywhere.)
 
Hawaii has fruit in every color and shape. Starfruit, dragonfruit, pineapple, blackberries as big as my thumb, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, mango, and guava. You have never tasted pineapple until you have had it in Hawaii. So sweet and perfectly ripe, dripping with juice. Mmmm.  
 
If there is a place like paradise on earth, Hawaii may just be it. It is intoxicating, pulling you into it's tropical depths and enchanting you with it's dazzling beauty. Time slows down as you find yourself just gazing at this new world, trying to absorb all it's radiant splendor. It fills your senses and captivates your heart. I feel like I'm still floating on a Hawaiian cloud.
 
Needless to say, our trip was nothing short of magical. (My very, very favorite part was having 100% Timmy Time for 8 whole days.)
 
More stories and photos to come. :) 

P.S. My birthday is tomorrow!