For our family vacation this year, we decided to go to Maui. It had been almost three years since we last visited, and we were thrilled to go back. The last time we were in Maui, I was pregnant with Man Cub (seems like a lifetime ago).
The trip started at PDX and we were thrilled (ok BEYOND thrilled) that Hawaiian Airlines had brought back their non-stop flight to Kahului, Maui. What used to be a whole travel day, from PDX-HNL-OGG (getting to the condo around 5pm Hawaiian time), became a much shorter travel day (arriving at 10:45am Hawaiian time).
Traveling as a family of six, I always make sure to book seats in the back of the airplane, as not to disturb others around us. I figure, if we are in the back of the plane, and Man Cub throws a fit or cries, then we are at least in the back (what more can you do)?
This was not Matthew's first time flying; however, it was his first time really aware of what was going on. He was very excited to see all the "airpane" as he calls them, but was not so thrilled at take off, protesting, "all-done, all done." I think it was some sensory overload. He quickly transitioned into becoming ok, and played musical seats between our two rows.
After landing in Maui, grabbing a bite to eat, we headed to stock up on food for the condo. Costco is literally right next to the airport, and then a short trip to Foodland. I forgot how expensive some things are (hello $11 watermelon), but then some things are inexpensive (1.97 pineapple). I had never seen so many boxes of pineapples. Neither had B.
Grace enjoyed hours of reading. She has sure turned into a little book worm. I love that!! She also was an incredible help with Matthew.
Having never traveled the road to Hana we were up for an adventure this trip. It was amazing being in a rainforest and seeing the waterfalls. We stopped at the iconic Halfway to Hana stop and bought their famous banana bread. It was yummy. We also stopped at a black sand beach. It was on my bucket list! It was truly black sand! I had never seen anything like it before.
(Three of my kids on a black sand beach)
We traveled up north to Lahaina, to eat at Mark's favorite restaurant...Duke's. Everyone enjoys it.
I visited my dad's resting place and laid flowers in the water in honor of him.
After that, we got Hawaiian Shaved iced for all and ate it under the Banyan tree.
We spent a lot of time on the beach, enjoying the sun.
Or at the pool, which Matthew has named the "cuppy" after his sippy cups that hold water. Silly kid.
I am happy to report Matthew got his "OWN" ukulele, so now he can stop screaming over Bella's.
Before we knew it, our trip had come to an end. It always goes by too quickly.
It was crazy going through TSA in Maui. We had to remove just about everything from our carry ons. It literally took 15 minutes to make it all the way through with our stuff. They ended up checking and opening three of our bags too. Sheesh. We barely made it to our flight.
Heading back to the mainland was an adventure in itself. Little help and a lot of stares greeted us on the aircraft. But we made it and Man Cub even slept through half the flight. YES!
Before we knew it, we were back where we started and waiting for our ride to come and pick us up. I feel I am still readjusting to life post vacation, and the jet lag was pretty bad this time (as there was a three hour difference). But we continue to move forward with end of the year activities for school, and getting ready for summer.
