We just returned from a family vacation in Maui. Jonathan's parents took the five of us (Ma & Pa, Anna, Jono & me) six years ago, although we went to the north shore of Oahu. We always said we'd love to go back to Hawaii, and when Aaron entered the family, we started looking into possible times to make the trek.
It didn't seem to work out while Jonathan was in PT school. And it didn't make sense to go the summer after Australia, when Jono had just started working and was studying for the boards. Last summer, Clara was tiny (and most importantly, Anna was very pregnant). So this was the summer! We wanted to sneak in the trip before we had to pay for seats for the girls. Eleven and fifteen months were great ages for travel too. Mostly ;).
We had a wonderful time together. Our days looked slightly different than they did six years ago, when we traipsed to the ends of the island in search of the latest adventure. We worked around nap schedules and infant limitations. The funny part, though? Nothing about our laid-back days felt like we were missing anything. I have no regrets. We got to swim and snorkel in the ocean every single day, exercise plenty, and just relax and enjoy being together in such an amazing place. Pure loveliness. Thank you, Nana & Papa!
Here you have it. 10 highlights of our trip (no particular order). In pictures...
10. Watching Clara explore everything. Literally.
9. Sandy booty (and every other body part imaginable)
8. Driving to Haleakala at sunrise (for Jono & his dad, at least)
7. Date night out
6. Sunrises and sunsets
5. Lu'au
4. The pool & our view from the condo
3. Walks and Runs
2. Family Time
1. The Beach
And I just have to add two more "firsts" for the Claranator. She is adding new words at a rapid pace ("bye bye Joe" has been uttered about a dozen times since she learned the name of her new friend, Joe, yesterday). On the trip we realized that Clara has a name for Sophia. She calls her "eeya" (ia). All this time I've been calling her cousin "Soso" and the little lady can't even say her "s"es. So she circumvented her mother's strategy and made her own name for her cousin. Love it.
And she also pulled a Finding Nemo moment and started saying "butt" for boat. It was hysterical. My immaturity surely came out as I took any and every opportunity to point out boats in all directions, forcing Clara to say it as often as she possibly could. Oh the ridiculous things I do!
9 comments:
I've been waiting to see these pictures :) Soooo gorgeous...a few of those pictures of Clara sitting on the beach in front of the blue water could be postcards!! It looks like you had a great time, I am very jealous! Could you get your in-laws to put "family hawaii trip" bug in the ear of my in-laws ;)
so fun!! i love the pictures of clara with the ocean behind her, and the one of her smashed against the screen. how fun for you guys to all get to go together. now...camping!!:)
Yay! That sounds like a wonderful trip. Also, I miss you! I love reading about your adventures, and little details (i.e. your immaturity in this post) leave me craving an opportunity to get our families together.
Ahhhhmazing! Goodness, the adventures you guys have are pure awesomeness! :) LOVE it! Love all your fabulous pics & the way you captured your trip --- SO FUN! Am smiling here as I think about what it feels like/smells like to be in Hawaii... yeah, you give me island feva' Friend! :) Love you guys & yes, we FOR SURE need to hang out -- I miss you & want to kiss those darling cheeks of your baby, er um, not-so-baby-anymore- daughter. Oh my is she ever cute! In fact Tara & I were just commenting the other day to some other friends how Clara literally came out looking model-adorable and has "that" look about her that is forever BEAUTIFUL!!! Might I add how beautiful YOU are, too?! Yep, you guys are such a gorgeous family... and have the most amazing hearts. Love you much!!!
Amazing pictures, Amy! The family one at the beginning is especially beautiful. And I love all of Clara's cute clothes and swimsuits--I think dressing a girl in the summer is one of the best things ever. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time!
The pictures are not only BEAUTIFUL but show how much fun you guys had!!! Yay for family vacations!!! :)
so so so cute. great post. I love the picture of clara sharing her necklace with her new friend. oh, and cute suit amy!
I love reading your posts! The butt for boat part is definitely my favorite! I hope you got that on video and will share it! What a wonderful vacation! Loved the pictures! Love you!
I've been anxiously awaiting this post. So glad you had this time as a family and made many new memories. I'm still finding cheerios from that darling girl of yours in my Rav. I love it!
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