Manoa Falls and Cacti Ball

It's been a while.  We've definitely been keeping busy here in Hawaii.  The whole month of January James was away in California for training.  I spent my time with friends and work.  It definitely helped to pass the time.  He's been back for a month and we've definitely done a lot. 

Trail head start to Manoa Falls

In the heart of Honolulu, opposite the beach, there are mountains.  One weekend, James and I decided to hike up to Manoa Falls.  I've heard a lot of things about this fall, but never went.  I'd say the hike was pretty easy.  I really like it because it's shaded the entire way!  It's really tropical and green, so I felt like I was in the rain forest.

Lots of lush green and shade

These trees are huge!

The trail is pretty much paved the entire path and we saw families walking with their kids, so it's definitely doable.  The trail itself is probably no more than 2 miles.  Up hill of course to get to the falls but remember, what goes up, must come down.   

The fall itself wasn't too spectacular.  It hadn't rained all too much before we came, so the water wasn't flowing over, but we did see water enough.  Apparently there as a mud slide a couple years back that dumped a bunch of minerals to the bottom.  They sectioned the falls off with rope with a warning saying we shouldn't go in. 

Manoa Falls

I have to say, it did take us a little while to find the trail.  Turns out East Manoa Fall Road is different from Manoa Falls Road.  You'd think people in Hawaii would find different names for streets!!  When we finally found the trail head, we saw parking for $5.  I don't think so!  James and I found a spot a little way down the road.  It's okay.  We can walk 50 yards for free parking. :) 

About two weeks later James and I attended the Cacti Ball.  James is part of the Cacti Battalion.  They're all deploying shortly, so the unit put on a ball.  Yay for getting dressed up.  There wasn't too much dancing, but it was fun nevertheless to get dressed up for an evening.  We took pictures too.  Definitely felt like it was prom! :-P 

Cacti Ball

There are a couple more weeks left before James deploys for a year.  We have some fun activities planned, so I'll definitely keep you all posted!

Honeymoon, Christmas Break and Cholos!

It's been over a month since I last posted.  Sorry, it's been a while.  I've been a little pre-occupied and I finally got back to Hawaii last week. 

James and I finally had the opportunity to go on a honeymoon to.....Cabo!  We're from a beautiful area (San Diego) and we live in an absolutely beautiful area (Hawaii), so most people would think we'd go somewhere else to honeymoon since we're surrounded by the beach all the time.  What can I say, we love the beach.  We stayed at the beautiful Sierna Del Mar.  I think it's the only resort where you can actually see the arches.  We were only about 3 miles away from downtown Cabo, so James and I ran there a couple of times.  Good way to get exercise since we're kind of crazy like that! :) 

View from our balcony

Enjoying an afternoon at the pool

Watching the sunset

We spent Christmas break with family back in Los Angeles and San Diego and then James left to back for Hawaii on New Years Day.  I followed back a little later.

Most of the husbands in the bible study James and I are apart of are all gone to NTC (National Training Center) in Fort Irwin, CA.  They're training in preparation for deployment in April.  To be perfectly honest, I don't feel like I'm having a very hard time (yet, at least).  I think a big part of it is because I'm connected with a wonderful group of ladies.  Last night, we went to a restaurant up in Halewia (North Shore area) called Cholos.  I was actually very plesantly surprised by the food.  Granted, it wasn't like food you'd find in San Diego, but it was actually pretty decent.  The prices were a bit high, but everything in Hawaii is expensive!  I think I'll definitely have to take James when he comes back, and I'll gladly take family and friends when they come and visit. :)

Wonderful group of girl friends eating at Cholos