Day at Hapuna Beach!  This is one of our favorite beaches on the big island.

 Snorkeling was awesome.  Mom and I even saw an octopus.  The blue fish above was taunting it.

 I purchased an underwater bag for my camera and it worked out great to keep my camera dry and sand free.  I think I could snorkel all afternoon.

 Sea turtle munching some lunch. 

Up on the beach, Elena was having a grand time making sand castles and jumping in the tide pool Carl dug out for her.

Kīlauea Volcano

Today we drove 3 hours South of Kona, down to Kīlauea Volcano.  Above is the Halemaʻumaʻu Caldera spewing volcanic gases.

 The steam vents (smoke on the horizon) were very active thanks to the recent rain. 

Elena loved exploring.  Here she is pointing out a lava bubble.

 Walking through the lava tube!!

 A short break for a family photo :)

 Elena loved stretching her legs and running on the pathway through the jungle.

I think Carl enjoyed the run too :)

Waipi'o Valley

Akaka Falls

 We drove over to east side to see some waterfalls.  This is the Akaka Fall.

 Elena loved the waterfalls and the tropical rain forest that surrounded us peaked her curiosity. 

A' Bay Beach

 One of our favorite Big Island beaches is A' Bay Beach.

 Elena and Papa creating a volcano before we even went to see the volcano.  Elena enjoyed pouring water in the center.

Elena enjoyed her "boat" and giggled when Carl rocked the boat :)

From A' Bay one can see Maui'i and the beach is known for having sea turtles.  We were fortunate to see two turtles swimming over the course of our visit.  Both were enjoying the leaves washing ashore.

Old Kona Airport Beach

We spent this morning at the Old Kona Airport Beach.  Just as the name implies, this beach is just off the old runway.  The beach has a shallow, protected area great for relaxing, watching the surf crash and observing the marine life.

 I loved having an underwater bag for my camera.  In this picture you can't really tell, but this is an underwater picture.  Thanks to the sheltered area, shallow waters and heavier sand--the water was crystal clear.

 Elena swimming to me.  She only uses her legs but she really motors around!

 Scouting for marine life!

For the past month or so, Elena has been intensely interested in facial expressions while reading books.  During our vacation, she tried out her happy and sad faces.  Above Elena is being goofy with her happy face and it looks a bit more of a frown, maybe a happy frown--but so cute!