Maui, 2012

Mr. Giggles and Big Sis pose in a tree.

Daddy getting Dahlia comfortable in the ocean.

Milo gets captured by Tita after trying to crawl into the ocean

Our adventure to the blowhole, a Maui marvel, was a bit too windy for D but was a great chance for snuggling with Tia and Tio.

At the blowhole. You can almost see it behind Milo. It wasn't at its most impressive this day but was still fun adventure exploring a bit of the island.

Another adventure took us to cliffs with some great views

We always wonder about those kids that can be carried around town sleeping. Dahlia has NEVER been one of those kids. Until a long day of playing hard at the beach and then an evening out to dinner. She was drooling by the time we got to our table.

Milo felt just at home with the white noise of the ocean playing live during his naps on the beach.


Family of four photo! At Napili Beach, our favorite beach we found. Tiny waves, not too windy, great snorkeling, fun kids for Dahlia to play with, and 5 minutes away from our condo.

Who loves shave ice more? Tito or Dahlia? Both were equally disappointed on days we didn't have time for it. Dahlia's standby flavor: strawberry, orange, and blueberry, no ice cream.

Boys happy in the ocean

Videos:

Our fourth annual family trip (including the Titos and Jrs) to Hawaii landed in Maui this year. No, it doesn't hurt our feelings that we have gotten to do this so many times. This time we had a condo that was literally right on the beach and it had a pool which were wonderful perks now that we travel with two kids. What should Dahlia do while Milo naps? Go to the pool with Daddy! What should I do while Matt and Kev surf, Dahlia is out to breakfast with Titos, and Milo naps? Sit on the lanai watching the ocean and read! What to do on nights where Dahlia and Milo are jet lagged and need to go to bed at 5pm? Have lots of Kevin's Mai Tais and watch the sunset!

Dahlia learned to love the beach on this trip. At first she was partial to the pool due to struggling a bit with some windy days, sand slapping her in the face, and big waves. But we found the right beaches eventually. Add that to  some good sessions in the ocean with her Daddy and by the time we had our last day (last days in Hawaii are so sad!) she was full on swimming in the salty water (see video), getting crazy dirty in the sand (it washes right off!) and begging to stay longer. This was a relief. We were not settling for a daughter who doesn't love the beach.

Milo had no problem with the sand or the water. He loved crawling on the soft sand (see video)--heading straight towards the ocean, and finding rocks to explore with his mouth--his first tooth cut through while we were there! He did not like eating sand or getting it in his eyes (who does?) but he was fascinated with the beach and had fun splashing in the ocean and the pool. He was a super trooper the whole trip putting up with naps in different places and seemed happy about everything. 

Can't wait to see you again, Hawaii!