before i start writing, i have to just say that mr. re-nest and i are likely the two luckiest people in the world. (at least we feel like it.) for several reasons, but here are just a few:

1. last week, we celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary. ten years. that’s jobs (plural), moves (plural), kids (plural) and many other things that i can’t even think of right now, that we went through together. and i tell you what, that guy is still my best friend in the whole world.

2. we got to commemorate this special occasion with a trip to hawaii. ten years ago when we were here for our honeymoon, we said we’d come back for this special event. and we did. but it wasn’t without some help….

3. the family. the only way this was possible was because of family. you see, the kiddos stayed at home with family for the week. (note: the family currently does have themselves booked on a flight on monday morning from IND > LIH, so that they can get some much needed downtime after taking care of a four-year-old and an almost eight-month old.)

so, on to the trip. first, we came to kauai. the “lush, non-commercialized, almost-a-state-park island.” and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. we have been to maui…which is gorgeous, of course. and has a ton to do, but i do have to say that with our plans coming in set at 1. sleep (because little mr. re-nest #2 still gets up in the night), 2. sun (because northern illinois is not known for allowing us much this time of year), and 3. relaxing, this was the place to do it. here’s the rest of the rundown on the trip:

our hotel: the westin princeville. heaven. i have to be completely honest here and say that i am a huge fan of westin, in any city. i’m a big believer in always making sure that the experience is the same. and they make it happen (in my opinion). and i’m a total sucker for the white tea and ginger scent that that pump through the lobby…if i could pump that in my house, i would.

eats: so, we were lucky enough to have a villa, which meant we had a kitchen. but that doesn’t mean we were eating every single meal in and not experiencing the island restaurants…some of the places we ventured to: lighthouse bistro (in kilauea)…amazing kale salad! frederico’s (in princeville landing)…for a little walk-up mexican place, these fish tacos were pretty dang good! sushi bushido (in kapaa)…whoa. just whoa.

beaches: so, we just happened to come at the time when the north shore of the islands were experiencing a “swell”, or in more technical terms, the biggest waves they have seen in about fifteen years. so beaching it wasn’t in the cards this trip. but, i will say that those giant waves made for some pretty awesome pictures (you know how you see hawaii in the movies and there’s giant waves? yeah, well that’s what we got to see)

pampering: there was zero chance i was coming on this trip and not getting a little spa treatment in. i went for the outdoor cabana massage (deep lomi lomi, please) where i could hear the ocean crashing. heaven.

image courtesy of washingtonpost.com

sun: if you live anywhere right now that is suffering from the polar vortex, i don’t need to say one more word to you about the importance of sun.

and pictures. i took way too many pics of just the beach and the water. it was immaculate. and perfect. and just like the hawaii you see on tv and in pictures.

from the balcony of the st. regis in princeville

beach as we drove to the end of the island

the floral centerpieces in the westin lobby. love.

hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of the tropics….everyone stay warm this weekend!
ashley