Something magical happened to me.

I went to this place. With this guy.

We’ve longed for an escape from the bottom of the figurative pit in which we have been dwelling. We seem to have found some footholds and are now climbing out of the dank deep and into the sunshine.

If you dislike vacation photos, stop reading now. (I tend to like other people’s vacation photos, as long as I am not in a current state of endless daily summertime misery and desperation—which is when most people take their trips and post their pics. It’s just reality; and it’s my problem, not theirs).

Alright then. Carry on.

We went to paradise, as you can see by this Bird of Paradise beside our lanai.

We went to the PCC and spotted a sort of rameumptom. Rad!

Spent a delightful morning exploring Waimea Valley, including it’s falls and botanical garden.

It looked like a movie set. Enchanting.

We went to the LDS Temple in Laie, which was glorious and beautiful.

Dutch and the Mrs. visit the temple.

Did a little blogging, Aloha-style.

Sampled Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, which does indeed rule the North Shore shave ice scene.

Took a selfie at the beach. Actually, took lots of selfies at the beach. This is the one I embellished. Yay for me! Text on pics!

Succumbed to this spell.

Saw turtles.

Went hiking.

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Saw the beach where Catching Fire was filmed.

Spent time with this precious friend.

Visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a solemn place.

Toured the USS Missouri with one happy little Dutch.

Relished this.

Found happiness.

Because, Hawaii.