Charles Charbonneau, the Executive Chef of the Hilton Waikoloa Village, joins us to talk about how this resort is looking out for the welfare of their guests when it comes to eating. Whether it’s a Lu’au, a Wedding, a convention of just a family vacation, they will go to no expense to make sure you have options, no allegic reactions and a memorable meal.

Wesley Snipes said it in the movie Passenger 57, “Always bet on black.” That line has always stuck with Todd and made sense this weekend as the 4 of us drove all the way around the Big Island and created some amazing memories: the Black Sand Beach; the viewing of a live an active volcano; the mood rings and dinner on the southernmost part of the US.

But this show also discussed how Todd and Laura deal with being cooped up in a small house while trying to deal with two very active boys.  It has lead to some trying moments. What do you do when you are in an enclosed area or situation and someone starts getting upset? Laura’s suggestion of going on a run might have Todd in the best shape of his life by the end of the week.

And don’t miss out on learning about one of the finest healing oils on the island. It’s already working for our family.

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One of the great things about being here on the Big Island for a month is that we get the chance to explore. I mean, if it were a 7 or 10 day vacation, it’s all about getting down on the beach, getting tan and showing it off when you get home. But with two young kids in tow, and over 28 days here in this Paradise, there is no reason not to enjoy all of the immense beautiful surroundings. This weekend that is exactly what we did in a trip around the island.

After a jaw dropping drive over Mauna Koa, the biggest volcano on the planet, we arrived in Volcano on one of the other 4 volcanoes on this island. Kilauea is the one that has been active for almost the past 30 years and is helping expand the island. We were able to see the volcano spew steam hundreds of feet into the air from a very close distance. We were nowhere near the active lava that is coming forth currently. Those areas are closed off but to see the plume of smoke arise out of a volcano at close range is something; especially if you are someone who has lived through the Mt. St Helens explosions of the 80′s and beyond.

After spending much of the day there, we finally arrived at our original destination, Punalu’u. If you enjoy the islands, and I mean any islands, and enjoy running your toes through the sand, this locale might interest you. There is no white sand, only black. If you spend all of your life believing one thing and then are shown something that you never could exist; it is quite a trip.

It felt the same, smelled the same, and essentially was the same. It was just black.

The day was getting long and we had been away from home for 8 hours. It was getting dark and it was time to go home. We had walked along the beach. We had seen the turtles that lay sleeping on the warm black sand and rocks. It was time to get the kids in the car and go. They would be hungry soon. Then Drew, our 4 year old, says, “Why are we leaving so soon? We just got here? This is the coolest sand I have ever seen. I want to play in it.”

I had plans to get everyone fed before sundown and on the road and back home by 9pm. I was on the south end of the Island, 3 hours away from our home and I wanted to go. I don’t know how or why, but as I was sitting there with my toes in the sand, watching my kids look up at me. I thought, “Always bet on black.” Thanks Wesley Snipes.

“Sure, go on kids. Play all you want. We are in no rush.” Remember when you were a kid and your parents got you in the car for a long all day car trip. Along the way, your Dad is getting frustrated because either he is lost or it’s just taking too long with so many potty stops. Well, I remember being that kid. I remember too many long road trips where I wanted to play after we got somewhere and all I got was a terse, “Time to go. Everyone, get in the car. You have seen what we came here to see. Now let’s go.” We don’t have to be those parents. We don’t have to be in that rush. Whether you are on vacation for 7 days or a month, let’s just try to remember to always enjoy the special outings and always bet on Black.

To see more images go to our Facebook page and check them out.

Now that we have been here one week, it’s time to share our observations on these three topics. Well, not exactly.

Poop: You may have read about this story on our Facebook page. If not, the saga of a road trip turned into hell and back is smack dab in the middle of this episode and yes it involves. Poop.

Parenting: We were trying to record this show while our children were trying to play nicely. That didn’t last and while Todd did edit out the moments they broke in, we did get the chance to talk about it. Laura explained how she handled one situation and then when Todd handled a similar situation the same way a little bit later, she procalimed, “Well, I would have handled it this way.” Did Todd lose his cool? We don’t hold anything from you on this show.

Sibling Rivalries are something we are locked in right now. Connor (7) and Drew(4) play well well but right now we are 50/50 fun and fighting. It’s driving us both insane.

We did have some wonderful resources to talk about on the Big Island. Our trip to the Sea Horse farm, our venture to Akaka Falls (it says it’s $1 to get it. We didn’t see any of that. It was free) and the Seafood Watch info from the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. It’s all good and it’s all in this episode.

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Laura brought back more than just luggage and Macadamia nuts from Hawaii. She discussed what she learned and how she has utilized that as a parent, allowing her to connect even more with the boys. Todd referred to his big learning this week: “It’s happening for you, not to you.” Simple change, big difference…great show.

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In-Joy. We pronounce it that way, but do we ever live it that way? Laura and Todd share space and time and knowledge with Jeanne Sunderland, owner of Hawaii Island Retreat on the Big Island, a transformational place where parents can rejoice, rejuvenate and return to a place of peace.

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Todd and Laura talk about Hawaii’s great new Retreat center, Hawaii Island Retreat, an amazing locale for finding peace, joy, renewal of spirit and a sense of connectedness with oneself, with nature and with each other. Simply put, Jeanne Sunderland has created a destination for all parents to experience the true spirit of Hawaii.

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The Big Island in Hawaii, Todd and Laura finally get a chance to share their experiences from this summer’s big adventure. Getting to this island paradise was easy thanks to Hawaiian Airlines. Since their arrival, they have seen many changes in each family member but maybe Laura the most: she got sunburned.

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Damn that Portland Weather! With all of the rain and lack of sun, our bodies were pretty upon arrival on the white sandy beaches of Hawaii. As of the morning of Day 2, Laura’s back is Rock Lobster red. I have a couple of spots and as of bed time last night, Connor had the back of his calves a little toasty and Drew was the only one that wasn’t bad, (he napped for 3+ hours).

The boys did love the beach as they chased each other up and down in the water. A woman berated Laura for being on her cell phone (she was actually calling me to tell me to come pick them up). Connor and I saw a turtle swimming close to shore. Connor actually led a group of boys who were swimming after the turtle trying to check it out.

It’s a great start. More to post after Day 2.

A rollercoaster ride of a week. Todd and Laura talked about a great family experience at the zoo concert, which balanced out having to manage two boys who fought most of the week. Fortunately, Todd and Laura share their parenting tips and resources that helped them get through this. Also, is receiving a love letter from her hubby enough? Laura says I don’t think so and elaborates about the perfect date.

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