Kevin and I went to Hawaii to visit my friend Jaymes, his wife Viv and their new baby son, Carlos. Carlos Barlos – I’m not kidding. We had a wonderful time thanks to the Barlos family and our friends Landin and Missy (and even their dog Jobi) who kept us busy with fun activities all weekend long. Here’s a picture highlight – for all the pictures, go here.

We surfed every other morning. The waves were almost always perfect. The crowd was abundant.

We got a lot of beach time in!

Shave Ice at Aoki's in the North Shore (Matsumoto's line was too long). Hawaiians put ice creams in the bottom of their shave ice - yummy!

We paddled (Landin, Missy & Jobi kayaked) out to Kaneohe Bay sand bar. It was like tailgating in the ocean!

Turkey fryer-Q and game night (Kevi and I smoked them in Cranium!).

Jaymes, Viv and Carlos Barlos

Diving with Landin and Missy at Koko Canyon and Turtle Cove.

We ate so much good food! Knowing locals has its perks! This was a sign at Ono Hawaiin Food. Also tops, Teddy's burgers, malasadas from Leonard's and Big Kahuna's cheese balls.

Like our trip to New York, it’s hard to put into words what a fantastic time we had. I think it says a lot about our friends. It really doesn’t matter what we do, as long as we’ve got good company. And Hawaii, Oahu especially, just makes me happy. The second I get off the plane I have a perma-grin on my face. I love the heat, the sun, the palm trees, the blue green ocean and all the happy memories. And I know it’s stupid, but where most people find Waikiki a total tourist trap, which it is, I love it. LOVE.IT. I love the energy, the beauty and the people watching…ooh boy, the people watching. I’m so thankful my friends aren’t spread out in places like Kansas and Iowa! I’d still visit…just not as happily