Aloha! Maui - Part 1

Aloha! You know what is uber depressing? Two weeks ago my Hawaiian vacation was just starting... and now I am sitting at home dreading going back to work tomorrow... seriously, I'm sitting here eating cookie dough (feeling like Bridget Jones) and getting myself all sad.  I've been trying to get Miguel to move to Hawaii and have the two of us start up a food truck and live a low-key, stress-free, Hawaiian life, but he's not that in to it ;) 

So, yeah. This year my family vacationed in Maui. Um. I feel totally spoiled. I think I really should start out this post by expressing how grateful I am to my parents for always taking us to such amazing places and for being overwhelmingly generous. 

When I was born my dad was finishing up seminary and supporting a wife and two small children. During most of my childhood my dad worked in ministry. Throughout my life my parents made sacrifices for our family that I am only really starting to appreciate now. Though we were never swimming in pools of gold, I never, ever was in need of anything. In fact, I always felt very spoiled. My dad always put value in traveling with the family, and by the time I started college I had traveled all over the states and been to Europe many times. I have experienced so much because of my parents' generosity, and it is because of them that we got to build new memories together this year in Maui. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really do feel spoiled beyond belief that I got to take this trip and even now as I try to recount it all I feel as though I should pinch myself! Anddd I wouldn't even be writing this if it weren't for my parents... and my sister...

You see, this whole trip began with my sister, Sarah. She and my brother-in-law, Jared, decided they wanted to take a trip to Hawaii to celebrate their thirtieth birthdays this year. Originally they asked my parents to travel to Seattle to babysit my niece, but that somehow developed into the five of them going to Hawaii together, and then my parents had the foresight to know that I would feel very left out and suggested that the whole family make Hawaii our vacation spot this year. Um, yes please! Also, besides being the brains behind the idea, I feel that I should also give a "thank you" and shout out to Sarah for playing travel agent. Sarah did the majority of the research for this trip. It's such a treat to just show up and have everything all planned out for you! She also has written about our trip and has been way more on top of things than I have, so if you want to read about our trip at a faster pace check them out here! I'm borrowing her format of breaking down our trip into multiple blog posts. There is just too much to write about to fit it all in one, and I seem to have a hard time limiting how many photos I had and how much I gab etc.


WHERE WE STAYED

Our family stayed on the south end of Maui in the Wailea-Makena area. We rented a villa in a community called Ho'olei. Ho'olei is right across the street from the Grand Wailea Resort and The Four Seasons. We really enjoyed both the resorts and their amenities, but it was so nice not to be staying in a hotel. (Um, but I would 100% stay in either of those resorts just to be clear). The villa set up just works much better for our family. We all had our own space to retreat to and relax in but it was also great to have common space to spend time together. The villa also felt much more private and isolated and gave us a break from the crowded resorts.

Our unit was at the top of the development (which wasn't my favorite when walking back from the beach) but it was the best because it provided us with 180 degree views of the ocean and mountains! And just in case you are looking into purchasing a unit to own, that is about a 1.5 million dollar view compared to the unit on the tier below. If only I could win the lottery... which I don't play. So if any of you happen to come into loads of money and buy a place in Maui, please, oh pretty please, let me come visit! 

An outside view of the lanai

The property's best feature was definitely the lanai! It was almost 700 square feet of outdoor space with smack-you-in-the-face views. We had stretches of ocean, Lana'I to our right, Kano'Olawe (a barren island that the government used to use as target practice for bombs-kinda sad, but it produced beautiful red landscape views) and Molokini Crater to our right. Both sides of the lanai that led into the house were walls of glass that all slid open. At any given time during our trip you would find many a family member out on the lanai sitting and admiring the view, taking a nap, eating a meal, or chatting. I've never wanted to spend time in a place more than I wanted to be on the lanai during this trip. The weather in Maui is of course beautiful, and there are no bugs, so it was really just ideal.

Southwest view from the lanai

Kaho'Olawe in the background, Molokini crater in front with all the boats.

One afternoon I caught a rainstorm over Kaho'Olawe. I thought it was so cool to see rain surrounded by gorgeous sunshine!  That was part of the draw of sitting on the lanai. You never knew what kind of view you would get. Some days you couldn't see Lana'I in the distance at all, other days you could see the windmills on the western part of Maui, and it was always fun to watch the boats take snorkelers out to the crater. 

Molokini Crater (clearly I did not take this photo)

DAY 1

Let me start off by saying that it takes a longggg time to actually get to Hawaii from the East Coast. We arrived in Maui around 8 PM local time, which is 6 hours behind EST. We were all exhausted once we arrived and since we had to wait for Sarah, Jared, and Karis to land from Seattle we stayed in a hotel near the airport for our first night on the island. Sarah, Jared, and Karis's plane was delayed 3 hours (parent awards to Sarah and Jared for surviving that ordeal with a toddler!) so Miguel, my mom and I all crashed in bed and slept very well until the morning.

In the morning I woke up super exited to get going. Ohh the first day of a vacation is always the best! I love that feeling of a whole adventure at the tip of your toes, not a worry about real life in your head, only exciting things to look forward to!

Being in Maui is super awesome, but I was most excited to get up and greet the cutest little thing on the whole island, my baby niece! Ummm, HELLO ADORABLENESS! I don't get to see my west coast family often so spending a whole week with them is beyond great!

Smallest, cutest little Tevas!

Frustratingly toddlers need to take naps. Humph. So while the cutest thing to hit Hawaiian soil was sleeping under Lolly's watch, the rest of us headed out to a local Swap Meet. Dad bought some of the most amazing flowers and breakfast for us from the swap meet earlier in the morning and we all jumped on the chance to go back with him and check it out for ourselves. There were tents of vendors selling jewelry, produce, clothes, chotchkies, etc. and food trucks selling local favorites, tacos, and shaved ice. We all tried some shaved ice in Hawaiian flavors (yum!) and even shared a coconut.

Sarah and I also purchased some fun Christmas Tree ornaments made from dried flowers to add to our collections.

After we went back to the hotel and collected Lolly and Karis, we packed ourselves tightly into the car and drove down the Hana Hwy to Mama's Fish House for some lunch. Our first day was kinda gray and rainy, but as soon as we walked down the path to our lunch destination it really started to feel like Hawaii (or my idea of Hawaii) for the first time. 

We had our first taste of Hawaiian fish and filled our bellies up! Karis had fun watching the birds fly in and out of the restaurant (that sounds like it could be dirty, but it wasn't that kind of restaurant, it was actually really nice) and had fun taking turns walking on the beach with family members in an attempt to entertain her while the rest of the family ate. 

The food was realllly good. Man, looking at these pictures of the food really wishes I was back there again. It all was so tasty. We really ate so well during our trip.

With full bellies and happy hearts we headed to our villa. The rest of the afternoon we settled in and made several trips back to the hotel to pick up all our luggage.

We had early bedtimes as we were all still adjusting to a new time zone and the guys had to wake up very early the next day for a fun adventure! More to come soon, but I'll wrap up this post with the glorious sunset view from our lanai. Great photo, Jared!

Happy Easter!

Miguel and I went home to Atlanta for Easter weekend. Though it is wonderful to spend time with our parents, the real reason we headed home was to see our baby niece, Karis! 

Sunday morning we met up with my family for some Easter breakfast. 

My brother-in-law Jared, my Daddy, me, Miguel, my sister Sarah, Karis, my Gramma, and my Mom 

Most of breakfast we just spent admiring how cute Karis is! Everyone wanted to hold her and shower her with cuddles and kisses! It was especially fun for Miguel and me to see all the differences in Karis that she has developed since the last time we saw her right after she was born. 

Miguel loves his niece!

Kisses from Great Gramma!

Though we all wanted to hold and love on Karis, I think she loved being adored by her daddy most of all! Jared hadn't seen Sarah or Karis for two weeks and was definitely needing to soak up some baby time!

Karis loves, loves, loves her daddy!

Miguel and I were so excited that we got to spend time with Karis on her very first Easter! We were delighted to be able to give her an Easter basket in person! We filled the basket with a plush, carrot rattle, a crinkle, tag square, and a "Bunny and Bee" book with the matching stuffed Bunny.

I tried to read Karis the book at breakfast, but I think I held Jared's attention more than Karis's ;)

The Easter Bunny came three times for Karis! She is obviously very loved and spoiled. The china in the picture below is Peter Cottontail and my sister and I each have a different set. I love that my mom the Easter Bunny got Karis her very own set!

After spending the morning with my family, Miguel and I headed to his parents' house and had a lovely Easter dinner. I forgot to take pictures while we were at the Amadors' though. Probably because we were all consumed with either watching the masters or trying to learn how to play Euchre. Euchre is a card came that seems to be pretty popular up north. A bunch of our "yankee" friends are familiar with it. Friday night Miguel and I attempted to play and ever since then we have decided to learn it better so we can play with the big boys next time we're in town!

I just have to finish up by sharing some photos from earlier in the weekend...

Look how cute this onsie is that Karis wore on Saturday! It says "My Auntie Loves Me". I do, do, DO love her soooooo much! Plus, you can't beat that face... ohhhh emm gee! So adorable!

Sarah W. also came by to meet Karis! Karis was very excited to show Sarah how she can "stand up" now.

Sarah W and Karis

My parents' dog, Luke, isn't quite sure about having a baby come visit. Another thing on the floor that people talk to in silly voices confuses him. I believe he is under the impression that he should be the only recipient of that. 

We had a wonderful time being at home with family. I don't remember the last time we left Atlanta that I didn't drive away with tears in my eyes. I so badly wish I got to see everyone more often. But I am so thankful that we get to see each other as much as we do! Countdown is on for our Summer family vacation and the next time I get to see sweet Karis!!!

Seattle + Karis + Family = Weekend Full Of Blessings and Love

Well, almost two weeks after our precious niece, Karis, was born, Miguel and I made it out to Seattle to meet her! I hate flying but I think I was so excited to just get to Washington to meet Karis that the flights went really well. Although, they did not seem fast. Flying to Seattle takes a longgggg time! But it is totally worth traveling the 3000 miles to be with family!

The house we stayed at had a map where people could pin where they came from. It was really neat seeing all the different locations people visited from!

Meeting Karis was really special! It was different and better than I thought it would be. I definitely had tears immediately once I laid eyes on her. In fact, the whole trip was littered with tear-filled eyes for me. At moments all throughout the trip I would look at Karis and would find myself blinking back the tears. Babies are truly a miracle from God. 

Miguel was really sweet with Karis. I loved seeing Miguel, a tall, strong man, be all tender and gentle with her. Karis is really lucky to have him as an uncle and I know he will make a wonderful dad one day!

We got in to Seattle pretty late which was of course super late East Coast time, so our visit was pretty short the first night. But the next morning my parents took the whole crew - now a party of 7 - out to breakfast. I literally did not eat. All I wanted to do was hold Karis the entire time! I did, however, end up sharing her with my Dad and Miguel so that my mom and I could give Karis a special gift. It was actually from all the ladies on our side of the family, including my Grandma too. All of us have charm bracelets and we collect charms for special occasions in our lives or to remember the places we've been.  It seemed only fitting that we all let Karis in on the deal too. So my Grandma bought the silver bracelet in a too-cute-for-words little girls' size and we all three gave her a charm. I'm sentimental and I really hope it becomes something Karis will cherish all her life. Sarah seemed really pleased when she opened the gift. I'm writing that because this is a big deal. Sarah isn't a very expressive gift-opener. Not saying she isn't grateful, she just doesn't give huge reactions to gifts. She teared up (okay, some of that may be hormone related...) but she really was happy and that of course made me tear up too =)

As you can imagine, the new parents were pretty worn out. The first day this was pretty much their body language and the expression on their faces:

I had to snap a shot of Jared at one point just to document the still sheet-imprinted face he was sporting after a quick moment of "just shutting [his] eyes for a second". 

Although, I love visiting with my sister and Jared, Miguel and I were more than willing to hang out with Karis for them so they could zonk out for a while. 

Yeah... look at that face! Those cheecks! That tiny, pink jacket that just ate her up! Yeah, we were totally willing to hang out with that sweetness for her parents!

The weather was unseasonably warm the weekend we visited Seattle and the skies were really clear. We took advantage of the nice weather the first full day we were there and headed out to Golden Gardens to enjoy the sun and scenery! It was fun because this was the first outing Karis had in her stroller, which was a gift from Miguel and me!

My dad chauffeured Karis, too cute!

Look at the mountains in the distance! SO beautiful!

Golden Gardens had such a fun energy! Everyone and their brother was out and about enjoying the weather. I have never seen so many sailboats out on the water at one time in one area. Really, really cool. We took blankets and some snacks and lounged around talking and I spent most of the time just staring at Karis. 

Miguel, however, took his school work to the park (rolling eyes). I'm just playing. I'm really thankful that Miguel is so responsible and diligent in all areas of his life, including his school work. 

At one point when Miguel went to go get some water Sarah decided she would do some light reading and picked up Miguel's school book. It was really funny! None of us could even being to understand the equations in that book! 

Literally one of the coolest things ever happened that afternoon. We saw a pod of wild orca whales (apparently it isn't P.C. to call them Killer Whales anymore) in the water right next to us! This is rare even for Seattleites! I was kicking myself for not bringing the long lens, but even if I had, I doubt the moment could truly be captured on camera!

Super bowl Sunday we mostly just hung out at Sarah and Jared's. We tried to soak up as much Karis time as we could. While I was monopolizing Karis, Miguel hung out with the cats, Milo and Busby. They are characters and crack me up!

Sunday afternoon Sarah gave Karis her first bath. I was so tickled to be there to experience one of Karis's firsts! While almost everyone was in the kitchen helping or watching Karis's first bath, Miguel couldn't help himself to watching some pre-show coverage of the Super Bowl! Haha! He makes me smile, he is so male.

Karis did really well with her bath. But of course she would. She is a rock-star like that. No seriously. And no, I am not bias. =) Okay, maybe just a smidge.

But she really did do really well. She is not fussy at all and so even tempered. Unfortunately, both are traits that did not come from her Aunt Laura. It's cool though, we share the rock-star gene. ;) Karis knows what it means to get pampered, and girl knows she deserves it after a long two weeks of being that adorable.  So after her bath I filed her nails for her and Miguel did her hair. And in true rock-star fashion Miguel styled her locks into a faux-hawk. Don't knock it till you've seen it... she has the face shape to pull it off ;)

Right after Sarah and Jared found out that Baby Ray was a little girl, I whipped up some little girly onesies with some matching tu-tus and headbands and sent them to Seattle to await Baby Girl's arrival. Karis was kind enough to model one of the outfits while we were visiting. 

Oh my gosh, I know it is a little much... that HUGE bow and tutu, but I just can't stand the cuteness! I think it is precious! Not practical, but precious! 

The absolute worst part of the trip was leaving. Rip your heart out, tear it in two, break it into a million pieces type stuff. I cried in the airport, I cried while boarding, I cried on the plane. I am so happy that Sarah and Jared have found a city that they are thrilled about and love, but it just breaks my heart that it is on the opposite coast! I wish sooo badly that I could watch this little girl grow up in person. I just won't get to see her as much as I wish I could! Especially in these first few years when I know she'll change so much in the gaps of time when I don't get to see her. But I keep reminding myself that we are blessed to live in a day and age with computers, skype, and airplanes! 

I'm counting down the days till I get to see Karis and her pinch-able, cheeks again! April cannot get here soon enough!!!