My grandma wanted to have her entire family together in Hawaii, the way her parents used to do, so she "gifted" us a trip! 32 of my family met in Maui last week and stayed in Kaanapali, just north of Lahina. We stayed at a condo property called Papakea. Our kids loved our condo, as it had a loft where they slept. It overlooked the pool and had a good view of the ocean. It was perfect weather and a great trip. Thanks, Nana!
My mom and grandma, taking the tram to the airport.
Waiting to board with cousin, Emma.
Did you think JJ would not want to talk to the captain and "fly" the plane?!
Jacob got to try out the controls, too!
Kathryn did great on the plane. On our flight to Maui there were extra seats. She was able to sit in her seat, which helped her take a 3 hour nap! Unfortunately, on the way back she was on our laps. This girl is a wiggle worm. She took a shorter nap and was constantly moving.
Day 2
The boys woke up at 5:30 Hawaii time. We were out on the grounds (quietly) by 6:30, already fed and dressed. We checked to see if the coi fish were awake too.
We headed to a nearby beach with my sister, Julie, and her family. Tim and the girls went snorkeling while the rest of us played on the beach and in the water. I was hoping that Ryn would not like sand...but she loved it! I tried to keep the binky in to avoid sand in the mouth. It only worked a little.
Jacob liked the shore, Jackson LOVED the water!
After naps we went in the pool. This was Ryn's first swimming experience and she loved it! She can kick like a frog on her stomach or back and didn't mind going underwater.
The whole crew headed to a luau. We had a family pic in matching outfits (to be posted later) and drew quite the looks when gathered together.
The Kid End
Kathryn chillin' in her chair.
Jackson wanted a picture with every hula girl. Hmmmmm.
Day 3
The boys are ready to have some local pineapple and then take a trip on the Sugar Cane Train. We weren't going to do this, but due to some slight sunburnt backs, we thought this would be a good activity out of the sun. A little boring, not much history about sugar canes, but the boys liked it.
Not very cute of Ryn, but the background is nice!
I was a little nervous going over this OLD tressel. At least they slowed the train down to a few miles per hour.
My cousin and his new sweetie!
Jackson got the hang of the "hang loose" sign.
We had an early birthday party for Nana that night. Here she is with her 3 kids; Ann, my mom, and Jim.
The boys wanted to help her open presents and blow out candles.
Day 4
A group of us got up early and headed to a catamaran to go snorkeling at Molokini and then at "Turtle Town". These are my 2 nieces that are 3 months apart in age. I don't know if these two separated the entire trip, except to sleep!
We took Jackson with us thinking he would enjoy it. He chatted it up with the captain and did really enjoy "goggling" after about 10 minutes of being scared to death to get in the water in fear of jellyfish. We only saw 3 turtles, 2 of which were sitting still at the bottom (probably in fear of the 40 swimmers that invaded the water!).
Day 5
The beach in front of our condos is either at high tide and comes right up to the rock wall, or at low tide where it create shallow pools that need exploring. This morning, Marcus and the boys found that the tide created this drop-off that was perfect for sliding down.
Papakea
Day 6
Jacob conquered some of his fear of water this week. Just enough to do things on his own, but still timid enough that we knew he would not go in without us. He patiently waited for the water to come to him.
Like most trips, I usually forget to get a family pic during opportune times. Here we are, fresh from the pool, trying to capture our last sunset from our deck. Oh, well.
My mom and dad graciously watched all of their grandkids the last night so our generation could go out. We first went to a "swanky" dinner on the beach and then ended at a fun place called Moose McGillycutty's.
Day 7
Time to head out. Marc took the boys swimming one last time while Ryn napped and I packed. Everyone was a bit sad to leave.
My sister, Julie, and I.
Ready for the flight home. The boys did great again and got their second wind as we landed at midnight, Seattle time. I wish I had gotten some more pictures and video of different activities (like Marcus and I TRYING to surf!) but we were just too busy! Mahalo, for stopping by!
