ALOHA...MAHALO...

...and what's the Hawaiian word for "refreshing vacation?" Justin and I returned from a wonderful trip to Maui last week, which we planned with Dan and Mare. We had the most relaxing, refreshing vacation I think I have ever had. That is probably due to the fact that we did only three things while there: 1. lounged by the pool/beach and read 2. shopped 3. ate. I didn't realize the extent of how good we had it until I came home to reality. We have some fun memories and pictures to share!

If you would have needed to find us on the whole island of Maui, you would have been pretty safe looking for us at the Marriott pool at any given time. Let me give the reasons why we didn't want to leave: 1. endless drinks in our Marriott mugs 2. refreshing pool with waterslide 3. great people watching, especially along the boardwalk 4. only about 15 steps to the Kaanapali beach and 5. great whale-watching from the comfort of our own lounge area. Do we need anything else?

One of the definite highlights of the trip was the whale-watching tour we took. I'm pretty sure National Geographic is going to be contacting me for my great pictures. I decided to share this picture to show just how close the whales were getting to the boat. We left in amazement at these great animals.

Justin held a boogie-boarding clinic in Kapalua for all of his fans. Unfortunately, the waves were breaking at the shore, so the great "show" had to be cut short. Here's a great shot of the teacher in action!

"Cheeseburger in Paradise"...the name explains itself!

We had a great time with Dan and Mare! I have to pick on Dan a little though because he brought us a lot of great entertainment. "What is Dan doing in that picture?" you may be asking yourself. No, he is not sick. The only explanation is that he is looking over the menu on a patch of grass nearby on all fours! Maryanne chose to sit on the otherside of the sidewalk from him, I'm sure to avoid any of the stares being thrown his way! The other fun memory with Dan wasn't fortunate enough to have been caught on camera or videotape. He apparently had a great "yard sale" in downtown Lahaina!

Thanks to my great husband for a fun and memorable trip. We both felt so refreshed to come home and get back to the real world. We missed Jackson and Bowen so much, but knew they were in such good hands with my Mom. They both were sick with colds, but my expert mom nurtured them back to health. Jackson is still telling me stories about the things he did in Price, which is considered a great vacation spot to him! Thanks again to my mom and dad for unselfishly taking care of our little guys! I have to say, I can't wait to get back to Maui!