We are in our favorite slice of heaven, in Maui. Specifically, the Kahana Sunset - our favorite vacation spot for the last ten years. We arrived last night, after the worst flight ever, but today woke up anew and ready to make the most of our vacation. Part of the reason we come back - besides it being incredibly beautiful - is because at least for David and I, it is the most relaxing place on earth. David often says our new year begins this week, and I agree. Today was a typical day for us. The first few days we are here, the kids are victim to the time zone change - and today, were all up at 4:45. That makes for a long day of fun. David is a saint and took the early, early morning shift. Then, he and I alternated runs - we both love running along the beach and on these rocky cliffs near Kapalua. For me, it is the perfect way to start the day. The sun is beginning to warm and the view is incredible. Then, we took the kids to buy a few groceries from our favorite market, Taylor got to swing at the park by the beach, and we picked up a few swimming necessities (forgot the goggles, as usual, and a beach umbrella). The rest of the day was spent alternating between the pool and the beach. Jake ate three papayas, Lauren went boogie boarding for the first time, and Taylor would get so excited anytime we got near the pool. She loves to splash around and delights when the big kids do handstands in the water, swim under my legs, etc.
It is so neat coming back here because now we have so many memories. I remember Lauren as a a little three month old, Jake as a chunky monkey toddler, and Taylor - who this year took her first Hawaiian steps on the grass by the pool. It's amazing to see how much they each have grown. And always, I think Hawaii brings out the best in each of us. It is so fun to see the big kids play together, splashing in the pool together, burying each other in the sand, and chasing frogs together. David and I love every minute of it. Taylor usually is a bit tired the first few days, but she had a good day today.
We're grateful for our blessings and so happy to be here together. Of course, as I was thinking about what to write in the blog tonight, the big kids got in a big fight before bed (Jake flicked his toothbrush at Lauren, spraying her with water/spit, she erupted into tears and insisted on a shower). The long day caught up with them and we ended it with a bang. But, tomorrow we'll start again, hopefully after 6am!
