In celebration of their 33rd wedding anniversary, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar took a week trip to the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. Have you ever visited?
Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com
Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com
Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.
It is beautiful, but it is more fun if you are surrounded by people you ❤️. Naturally the Duggars will really ❤️ it.
ReplyDelete♫♪ Happy and Blessed Anniversary, Jim Bob and Michelle!! ♫♪ :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I have never been there but my aunt-in-law lived there.
ReplyDeleteVery nice anniversary gift to themselves.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they will enjoy the beautiful weather and experience.
Guessing Jana and the others caring for the younger siblings?
Jill must be doing great for them to go away. Great sign all is well.
Thank you for sharing!
How can you afford a week trip in Hawai having 19 kids? Well 4 of them are married more or less..15kids and you can travel..can you get savings? Enjoy these days!!
ReplyDelete5 is married.
DeleteAna: Jim Bob sells houses that how they got the money. They don't take money from TLC. When they first air on tv Jim Bob told TLC they don't want money from them use it for your other shows.
Delete5 are married
DeleteNo way they'd be on TV for all these years without getting paid.
DeleteAnon 11:52 I'm sure the family is paid for being on the show. I don't think anyone would put themselves under a microscope just for giggles and grins.
DeleteAnonymous #2 "They don't take money from TLC. When they first air on tv Jim Bob told TLC they don't want money from them use it for your other shows."- Can you provide a article or link from an interview to document that statement? I think you may be mistaken.
DeleteSurprised they left with their daughter just released from hospital following the traumatic birth of their grandson. I know she has lots of sisters who care for her but its not the same as having your mom when you really need her. Maybe Jill told them to go, just seems strange to me?
ReplyDeleteI am sure Jill was doing fine before they left. Jim Bob and Michelle probably purchased their tickets months ago. They may have purchased non-refundable tickets to save money, so it may not have been possible to move their trip. Either way I am sure they wouldn't have gone if Jill was in bad shape, so I would assume she is fine.
Delete"Just released" "traumatic"? Please check your facts. Jill and her parents are on very good terms. If she hadn't wanted them to take this trip, she could have spoken up.
DeleteMaybe because it wasn't as traumatic as everyone made it out to be.
DeleteThey probably had this planned out before Jill gavebirth and didn't know jill was going to have problems with the baby.
DeleteMost kids don't want their Moms around when they give birth. Derick's mom is their.
DeleteI didn't want my mom around when I gave birth.
You make me feel so guilty cause I moved away from my adult children, maybe you are right.
DeleteAnon @ 5:37 Don't feel guilty, I am sure you would be there in a heartbeat for your kids if they needed you, and I am sure they know it.
DeleteMichelle's bright red long sleeved blouse and long hair in the heat of July in Hawaii. Why?
ReplyDeleteAnd pantyhose, I couldn't stick that, would be a total sweaty betty, nice cool cotton a must.
DeleteLong sleeves so she doesnt get sunburned. Long hair because she has long hair. Does that bother you?
DeleteThey are used to it. Just like wearing that long skirt and flip flops when hiking.
DeleteKnit picking is not positive thinking and does not contribute to an attitude of gratitude and joy which people actually need to enjoy others good will and love given! When one focuses on little criticisms they detract from the the beautiful big loving picture!
DeleteIf she wants to wear a long sleeve blouse in July in Hawaii she can. You are not her mother.
DeleteWhy did you take time out of your day to write this? Do you really want an answer to "why"? Do you care? Maybe it was cool when she woke up, maybe they were about to play paintball, maybe it was a double dare. The real question is why make the effort to visit their FAMILY BLOG, and ask something like that.🤔
DeleteMichelle fits in with the waist long hair of other women in the pacific islands. Her red cotton top might be to represent the heart reasons for their trip. Long sleeves might protect her arms from getting bright red sun burned! Michelle did alright, when she dressed herself there. Any more questions that I can help you with?
DeleteBetter question, why do you care?
DeleteThe original poster above was not "nit-picking" or being critical, so there was no need for the snarky responses. Her attire is unusual for the vast majority of tourists during summertime in Hawaii, with its high temps. It is more obvious when the only other person in the picture is dressed more like the norm. There was nothing nasty, hateful, or rude about the question. It's very sad that some posters are overprotective to the point of rude about people they don't even really know. *sigh*
DeleteNo, I have never visited. Only reality stars get to travel to nice places like Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are not reality stars. We go to Maui, Hawaii. We work hard and save our money and book cheap flights etc. It is a beautiful place to go. I think it is wonderful that Jim Bob and Michelle have taken this anniversary trip. With 6 children under 16 and the youngest about 7, it is great to go when you have so many adult children who are married and can help look after those under 16. We have friends and neighbours who leave their responsible children 16 and over while they go on a week end or week long trip together. There is always a back up adult to call and check in with them. I am sure that Josie and her sister would be happy spending a week with Josh and Anna and their daughter Meredith.
DeleteI wish Jim Bob and Michelle a blessed and happy anniversary and many more to come. Eileen
That is not true at all. I have friends that are very frugal. They don't make a lot of money, so they are very careful when they purchase anything. They don't buy anything unless it is on sale. They pay for things by credit card to earn free hotel nights and pay the credit cards back off right away. They have been to Hawaii twice. They had free flights and several free nights at hotels.
DeleteThat's not true. There are plenty of military and their families living on Oahu.
DeleteYou must not be a good saver. I saved up all through my twenties and watched for a good deal on airfare and hotels and paid for my mom and I to fly from Detroit to Oahu for my 30th birthday. I made $20-30 000 per year. That was just 5 yrs ago. Start putting aside money now and, you, too, can go on your dream holiday. Also, there are many "nice places" in every state and in every country that are just a day-trip from wherever you live. Look for the bright side of life and you can find it! Take care!
DeleteAnd El Salvador, 7:50.
DeleteI've been to Hawaii and I'm not a reality star. Just a normal person that saves up for vacations.
DeleteI went there and I am not a reality star
DeleteNot a reality star but have visited many nice places including Hawaii. Very rude comment.
DeleteThat's not true. They're are plenty of military and military families living in Hawaii.
DeleteOh yes....I remember how the military gave us (as a couple) and my husband (by himself) great "vacations" to places we didn't ever want to go....frigid and sleety Scotland in January, for starters.
DeleteMust be nice to have so many kids at home and be able to leave for a week. Built in babysitters.
ReplyDeleteEven parents are allowed to sneak away for an anniversary getaway. My husband and I go every year. And I didn't have kids to have built in babysitters. But now that my older kids are old enough and responsible enough and LOVING ENOUGH TO VOLUNTEER to help, we are grateful and blessed.
DeleteMichelle sister is their at the house why they are in Hawaii.
DeleteIt's called family!
DeleteWhen my kids were at home, we NEVER left them alone or with babysitters to go on a trip, even for an anniversary. We had them; they were our responsibility. I would never impose on family members. They are NOT my kids' parents. We are.
DeleteKids are home for such a very short time. We took family-friendly trips and went to family-friendly restaurants. After all,there will be enough time after the kids are grown up to take vacations by ourselves.
I would NEVER leave a teenager alone, even with a responsible adult on call. I know a very responsible young man whose parents did that. He was allow to invite a good friend over, on a Saturday night, for pizza. These were good kids. Unfortunately, some other kids heard that the parents were away and started showing up at the house. So many kids showed up, the boy was not able to control who came into the house. He ended up calling the police.
12:56 I can so relate to your post! My husband and I never took vacations away from our kids and it was always family trips. We couldn't stand to be away from them and also didn't want to impose on family or friends to babysit for an extended time. Even now that our kids are grown, it's our two dogs we can't bear to leave behind and they've got to come along on our road trips! I guess we're hopeless in this department!
DeleteWe left 11 of our 12 (at the time) kids at home while we went to visit my husband's sister in another state. They ranged in age from 21 down to 2. We took our 13 (again, at the time) year old and his cousin with us. My brother-in-law and his wife live 3 miles down the road. There were absolutely no problems. The older ones took care of the younger ones, they all cleaned, took care of the animals, and made sure the ones playing baseball got to their games.
DeleteIt's not always true that you can wait till after the kids are out to take a vacation as a couple. My dad died shortly after I moved out. Nothing wrong with a married couple taking an occasional vacation alone if there is someone responsible to help out at home.
Kauai is my favorite place on earth beyond beautiful
ReplyDeleteI love Kauai also. The Napali coastline is stunning!
DeleteAll the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful. It is wonderful that Jim Bob and Michelle were able to get away by themselves. Their love for God and one another is truly worth celebrating.
ReplyDeleteHow can she travel like she does and leave all those children for someone else to watch?
ReplyDeleteJana will take over. She's used to it. No need to worry or look back as you leave. Aloha!
DeleteShe doesn't have little babies anymore. Her adult children and their grandmother are perfectly capable of watching them for a week. It is summer time, so the kids don't have school. They are old enough to dress and bathe themselves.
DeleteIs this a serious question or just an attempt to cast aspersions? Do you honestly think Jim Bob and Michelle are the first couple to ever leave their children with someone in order to celebrate their anniversary? Do you question the parents who let public schools watch their kids all day so they can go to work?
DeleteYou must be jealous. My cousin & his wife have 3 kids and go away EVERY year for a week and family watches the kids. It's great for kids to see that parents value each other & their marriage. It's great for kids to develop independence and resilience.
DeleteWhy can they not take a vacation? There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with them going away for their anniversary. Nothing.
Delete"All those children?" While there are 14 "children" at home, several are adults. For the kids that are in their teens, they're probably responsible enough to be home alone or with little supervision. There are only four kids under the age of 12 (the youngest one being 7).
DeleteMy thoughts exactly
DeleteGet on a plane and go. It's easy. If over 33 years, you had 19 children, five children in law's, an adopted child, nine grandchildren, a son getting married, you might not be able to go to Hawaii but you could go in your room and lock the door. Give them a break already! They need one!
DeleteIt's their anniversary what you them to stay home for their anniversary. The kids are older know they don't need mommy around all the time.
DeleteSo they're never supposed to go away by themselves? Come on now! Think of something nice to say.
Delete3-5 children need close supervision,,,the rest at home can help Jana out a lot ...there all grown up now , parents aren't leaving a dozen little ones - home alone with only Jana .....
DeleteGood Grief....🙄❣
And most of those "children" are teens and young adults. It's not like they left a bunch irresponsible people to watch their children.
DeleteWhy don't the homeschooled kids have school in the summer? Seems you could have school every day of the year if you didn't have to follow a public school schedule. Not to continue educating your children at home during the summer seems pretty lazy. Not like the kids are needed then to work on the farm and can't go to school.
DeleteDoesn't it sort of help and prepare the children for years of independent living if they get little breaks from Mom and Dad like this. Their parents will never always be there, it is not right to in no way help them adjust to their biggest need, the ability to be independent adults someday.
DeleteTwo things: Probably just a different style of parenting, but I would not leave a child who has regular, severe seizures with my other children "supervising" her. A sick child or one recovering from a seizure needs her mom.
DeleteHomeschoolers should not "have school every day of the year" just because they don't have to follow a public school schedule. I assume you don't take a vacation from your job because you could work every day of the year too. Do you/did you teach your children during their summer breaks? I believe your bias is showing. As Homeschool moms teach our children, we take planning days just like public school teachers. Our children get time off and vacation days because people work better when they get rest. All work and no play makes a burned out child who can't learn anything. We may have shorter days because we're not losing time changing classes, getting the class quieted so they can learn, dealing with multiple discipline issues in each class, etc. That doesn't mean our children aren't taught or learning things on their own in the afternoon/evening. Homeschool children may also have homework too, especially at the High School level, as we prepare them for college homework loads and time management. In many states (such as mine), we also complete end of year testing, in addition to documenting all of our children's work. We just completed our end of year testing last week (2 months after the local kids got out of school-we chose to start late for a family vacation to accommodate my husband's hectic work schedule- we car schooled in the mornings).
@11:26AM Homeschool students have just as much a right to take time to take a summer break as public school students. We are not "lazy" as you put it because we take a well deserved break in the summer! I speak on behalf of homeschool parents and students who know what it's like to be judged harshly by critics.
DeleteOh my gosh @11:35 Really??? So home school children and parents who do school for 4-6 hours a day for the whole school year are lazy because they don't do it all year round? Do you know how much effort goes into schooling all those children? We have 13 children, with 4 graduated and 2 still not in school yet. We homeschool(ed) all of them. It takes a lot of effort and time. Summer break is a necessity for us for sure. Our kids play sports and take care of farm animals in the summer as well as participate in 4h and go to summer camp. Do you not remember being a kid yourself? I'm sure you looked forward to summer vacation all year! It's a communist/socialist idea to keep kids in school all year. I hope your comment was a joke...
DeleteNot going to read any comments so I won't get upset. So good to read that this wonderful couple got away. Hope they had a great time!! Wish we would see parts of their visit on the show but no TLC has banished the two core members of this family and show......so wrong!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't wrong that TLC only show limited shots of the parents, that was part of the deal for them having a show at all, and they must have been ok with it because they agreed with it.
DeleteJim Bob and Michelle will be on Monday night (tonight). Not sure how you can consider that being banished.
DeleteBanished? They've been on every single courtship, engagement, wedding, and birth episode! And with this show, that means every episode!!
DeleteWhy do people assume that Jana is the one who is looking after her younger siblings? There are other capable, responsible, caring, loving adults than Jana who can manage a few kids during this anniversary trip away. This is just an assumption not grounded in any fact at all. I have not read any announcements from Jim Bob or Michelle saying that Jana is providing care during this trip. Could people stop the snide remarks all the time and making it sound as though Jana has no free will,no life and no choice. I believe she does. Eileen
DeleteBetty you were very wise not to read the comments.
DeleteCongrats on the milestone. Our parents were young with 6 young children. they wanted to go to Key West. We were btween my Gran and Mamas 2 sisters. It worked out. Looking back I think #7 was of thatvacay. My beautiful baby sister Maria was born 9 mos.later. :) --poppy, Fl.
ReplyDeleteT M I 😬
DeleteAgreed.
Delete11:13 AM -- Very rude. You should be ashamed of yourself.
DeletePoppy -- Cool story.
Nice :))
ReplyDeletePlease , another update on Jill......aloha....🌸🌴🌼
ReplyDeleteI haven't been but would love to go. Looks beautiful there. Hope they had a nice time. :)
ReplyDeleteHow nice they could go overseas.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't consider Hawaii "overseas". Lol!
DeleteHawaii is not overseas. It is a state.
DeleteHawaii is not overseas. Hawaii is our 50th state. You don't need a passport to go there.
DeleteConfused Hawaii is part of the US. When was Hawaii ever considered going overseas?
DeleteThey did actually go over a sea. Ironic that the reality of the statement conflicts with your assumed meaning.
DeleteTechically, it is "over seas'. You cannot drive there or take the train from mainland US.
DeleteAt least they crossed water to get there. Jill and Derick are frequently referred to as missioning overseas yet they are on the same continental land mass and don't cross any water!
DeleteI am happy for you. Happy Anniversary and many more. God bless you Jim Bob and Michelle, and all your family.
ReplyDeleteHappy Annivarsary
ReplyDeleteJim Bob & Michelle
They more than deserve it. So glad they could go!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite island! I've spent many vacations there. I do hope Michelle doesn't have heat stroke wearing her usual clothing!! Try the Beach House restuarant in Poipu for a great meal, specifically at sunset!! See Waimea Canyon & take a ride up Wailua river to Fern grotto. Hanapepe town has a great arts reputation.
ReplyDeleteMy family and I are in Kauai on vacation right now too! I will keep my eye out for them!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy so good to have a love that last this long. God bless you two and have fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome trip. My hubby and I haven't been there because we don't like flying. I'm sure you lovebirds had a nice and romantic time. Blessings to you and your family....Jane
ReplyDeleteThe time has come to block all the comments or only those filled with envy, irony, hatred and similar. These comments are not encouraging at all, non christian, are pointless and sad. We the fans, true fans and readers, want to come here and exchange opinions that are building the body of Christ and to exchange our joy over this family and their blessings. When I read the comments, they make me sad and I fear what will I read next. We need more filter on the comments
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. I accidentally went to the incorrect site and the one I landed on is the originator of the type of comments you are speaking about. I just felt physically ill at the nastiness, cruelty, outrageous assumptions and basically lies on that site. I left that site and how to think about the unhappy people who seem to stalk a family, while criticizing their very existence, some of those people are around my age and it has really saddened me as well. So glad we have Lily and Ellie sharing, creating and being a positive beacon. That people may have a different opinion of course, but it can be stated with dignity, honour and care. Have a good Monday everyone and let's join in keeping a positive perspective on this bog. Eileen
DeleteThe comments are screened by the moderators of this blog. Even though some comments are unpleasant it's good to see what the other side is thinking. Not everyone is thrilled to bits by the Duggars. Many are concerned with apparent inconsistencies concerning how they live out their faith. Some are confused. If a blog us filled with only lovely comments it soon becomes too sweet. Everyone tries to outdo each others positivity and it's like eating a giant spoonful of sugar all at once, if you get my drift.
DeleteBut there are some who seem to purposely come on here to start rumors, fling baseless accusations (like the one above who says that it's lazy for homeschoolers not to teach their kids in the summer - seriously??), etc. Those trollish comments are completely unnecessary and drag down the spirit of this blog.
DeleteNone of the children especially the younger girls have never had the love and attention they truly need from their mother like they should!! You can't have that many children and give them the love and attention you truly need in order not to feel insecure!! Just look at the younger girls and see how they act. My heart goes out to them!!
ReplyDeleteMary agree with your comment. Large families can be wonderful, but there is a limit to how many children one person can manage and give enough individual attention to. Little Jennifer in particular always seems so sad to me.
DeleteThe younger children are all well behaved! Michelle stays home with her children and gives them plenty of attention. Parents who work all day and take their kids home, feed them, and put them to bed are the ones who aren't giving their children the attention they need. Yes, Michelle and Jim Bob have a lot of children, but they have always taken special time to spend with them.
DeleteI think this statement is ignorant and untrue. We have 13 children, and they all absolutely know how much they are loved and valued. When your kids are home with you because you homeschool, you also have a lot more opportunities to spend time with them. The also learn that they are not necessarily the center of the universe. Very practical for when they get out into the "real world".
DeleteSo Jill is out of the hospital? What actually happened? Baby came on July 8. Normal c section would have you home in two or three days.
ReplyDeleteShe was in almost two weeks after her surgery?
Baby was being monitored (ok, just precaution but still what was the red flag to have him monitored?)
The only picture of Jill in two weeks she looks terrible and she looks sad. Most new moms take and share many photos. The Duggars have made a living promoting pregnancy and babies and this pregnancy/delivery/newborn merits a handful of photos in two weeks? It's all adding up to being very strange.
Jimbob and Michelle going to Hawaii doesn't bother me in regards to Jill and Sam. There must not be anything they can do. The siblings help Jill anyway and Cathy has been keeping Izzy.
But what is going on with Jill? Tell the truth.
It seems very cruel to the supportive fans to leave them hanging, especially when many send gifts, etc. and have genuine concern. Plus, it is simply uncharacteristic of this family when a child is born.
DeleteWe all want to know why there is a news blackout on the Dillard home front and how could they even leave with Jill just out of major surgery with a new baby & a 2 year old. Jana can't do it all.
ReplyDeleteSo many of us parents do not have an ounce of help. I have 4 of our parents near and NONE of them help due to full-time jobs or physical problems. They are blessed to have so many hands to offer help. Jill has Derick, thats all i ever had was my hubby to help. Im about to have baby #4 and it hasnt stopped us. You make it thru. 7 days in hawaii is not long considering travel time and jet lagg. They deserve it. Michelle knows how to Love her man. Theyre a great couple despite the dump loads of criticism they get. Theyve had to navigate parenting and trials as the rest of humanity does. Just wait til you get married and have kids--it'll show you just how much you really need to grow and have left to learn. Its a humbling experience
DeleteI have five children, 6, 5 ,3 ,2 and 3 wks. And don't have much help. It's tiring. We also home school. But it is such a wonderful blessing, being able to stay at home and raise my children. Like you said, a lot of parents raise children without a lot of outside help. And God gives strength and help.
DeleteYes , Michelle's long sleeves are a bit much....
ReplyDeleteshe looks warm , bless her heart ❗️😳🌴💚
She could go as short as Jim Bobs sleeves .
And pull that hair up ❗️
Maybe the sleeves and hair went up as the day went on and she got hot?
DeleteJana is the one who deserves this holiday....
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!! The best gift we can give our children as parents is to love God and for Mom and Dad to love each other. You two are a wonderful example to your children and to everyone who know you. In this day and age of broken homes it is refreshing to see a strong marriage. God Bless you both.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Kauai many times. The most spiritual place I have ever been to. Happy anniversary, hope y'all enjoyed it, and also felt the spirit!
ReplyDeleteCan y'all please give us an update on Jill and baby Samuel? It's very unusual for there to not to be any more pictures. I do hope nothing went seriously wrong during L and D and that Jill and baby are doing ok. The longer without updates, the more concern grows!! Sending hugs and prayers her way. I hope Jill is able to get the support she needs from an emotional standpoint in case she had a historectomy. That is a hard surgery to recover from both physically and mentally!
ReplyDeleteSome married,,,only 4-5 young ones need looking after throughout the day..
ReplyDeleteOthers are old enough to help with the younger ones....so Jana has help.
Mom & dad need not worry....❣❗️
Dear Lily and Ellie, I read this blog and your Bates blog and love them! Thank you so much for the updates on both families that are such an encouragement to so many people. You do a great job. I would like to suggest though that you don't have to allow people to come into your home (blog) and criticize your friends, the Duggars. Maybe those can be blocked-as a kindness to the Duggars and for the Lord's sake. People can find other places on the internet to be mean and hateful and gossip-y and if they come here they can read the comments of true friends and see what that's like. The Duggars share their lives to encourage and bless others, maybe this site can be one that blesses and encourages them in return. It's your site and you can run it how you like, but in case you need support to stand up to the mean people, you've got mine.
ReplyDeleteHi Ellie and Lily -- You say you won't post anything that's insulting or derogatory, but why do you post such nasty comments from one commenter to another, like the "TMI" comment above?
ReplyDeleteThe TMI comment was perfectly ok to say. It was of that persons opinion and others i'm sure,that they felt it was too much information for us to know how the woman from Florida's baby sister was conceived.
DeleteTmi? Too much information? How is that insulting?
ReplyDeleteWishing Michelle and Jim Bob many more years of love,joy and happiness. God Bless you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY
Joan,Marion and Marilyn