the last few days {hawaiian highlights}

relaxing in "the donut" with a Kaho'Olawe and Molokini view

Daddy and Avery time in the water

at the mai tai party and someone has a mouth full of maui potato chips

a Concialdi lunch date at Pita Paradise

building towers with papa on the lanai

wind chime heaven in Makawao

a three year old's solution to "it's too bright for me"

And she said, "This chair is just right."

the porch of Haili'imaile General Store- our favorite restaurant

mangorita... we think about these all year!

I think this cookie was the size of her head and she polished it off.  Mmmmmmmm....

off to the pool they go

in mommy's hat

digging a pool at Ulua beach

Two more fun-filled days to go of our perfect family vacation! 

our little trip to upcountry.

Every trip to Maui definitely includes a trip to upcountry- Kula to be exact.  We love so much about the upcountry. It's natural beauty, the views of the island and ocean and the quaint {and not so quaint} homes.  Because it's 4,000 feet up on the slopes of the Haleakala crater, the charming little town's climate is a bit cooler.  Most of all, we love to visit the Surfing Goat dairy farm and Ali'i Lavender Farm.

This year, Avery really enjoyed petting and feeding the goats.  She made sure all the goats got lots of love and food. I couldn't count how many times we heard "I love you, goats."  Lucky little goats!

watching how it's done.

a little skeptical to let 'em eat out of her hand. If you look closely, you can see the food in mid air.

going back for more as the eager goats await.

 After we perused the gift shop and samples of the lilikoi goat cheese, jalapeno-artichoke-cilantro-lime goat cheese and chocolate goat cheese truffles, we headed to the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm.  There, we filled our tummies with sweet treats, lavender coffee and tea and filled our bags with lavender waterless soap, lavender gourmet seasoning and lavender dog shampoo and conditioner.

enjoying a lavender brownie and lavender scone.

We are excited to show you more of our trip.  Stay tuned!

7 days in...7 days out

A week ago, we headed out on our annual two week family vacation to Maui. With the help of a suitcase full of new toys and some old favorites, our five and a half hour plane ride went smoothly. Avery was such a good girl.  We left at 3:30 am CA time and she didn't sleep a wink until 1:00 pm Maui time.

We've taken our trip to paradise very seriously by...

catching up on our sleep,

enjoying the view from our condo,

taking a trip to the north side of Maui,

 stopping in Kahakuloa for Julia's famous banana bread,

loving the ocean,

playing in the sand,

spending time with Papa,

smelling tropical flowers,

visiting the swap meet,

wearing plumerias (like Fufa),

playing golf,

rafting with Mimi,

making Maui Brewing Co. beer runs,

barbequing fresh fish,

sunset cruising,

It's been a fun trip so far- stay tuned for more!!!

a birthday celebration: the festivities

Family Shot

Making crowns

Guess who made an appearance?!  Avery was beside herself with excitement.

Snow White read her story and Avery helped to tell it.

Snow White painted the kids faces and

sang "Happy Birthday."  Notice Avery's "princess hands."

Time to make a wish

It was a perfect day for Avery! Happy birthday, Sweet Baby Girl. We can't believe you are 3! Thanks to everyone who helped make this day so special for Avery.