H A W A I I

In September, Brian and I took our highly anticipated trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary (which was Aug. 5th) and it was fabulous! We spent the entire week on Maui, soaking up the sun, heading out on mini adventures and relishing each minute together...alone. That's right, we didn't take the kids with us. Shocking, I know! We left them back in IL with our completely capable and generous parents, along with a few friends who filled in here and there. THANK YOU FRIENDS AND PARENTS!!!!

Okay, back to the big trip! Several people have asked what the best parts about Hawaii were for us and so, instead of boring you with a play-by-play of each of our days, here's a list and pics.

(in no particular order)
1. sleeping in - indeed this is a bit hard at first with the 5 hour time change, but alas, it didn't take us too long to adjust!

2. adventure - we did a zip-line trip through the "jungle" and while it wasn't the scariest thing I've ever faced, it was really fun and exciting. We explored the island and drove up a really scary road, where we saw a cross memorial for those that lost their lives on that very road. We walked through a crowded, touristy town and had several people ask us for money. Which, I might add, if you're going to be homeless, you might as well be homeless in Hawaii! We went snorkeling one morning as well...so fun!

calm, cool and collected :O)

I'm really not as scared as I look!

HUGE Banyon Tree

3. the SUN - and plenty of it! It was hot, hot, hot! Thank goodness for several pools to choose from at our hotel and of course, the vast ocean to cool us off!

4. eating delicious dinners without having to cut someone else's food - need I say more?! We used a guide book to give us recommendations for restaurants and I don't think we went wrong once. We tried sushi, a local fish market, mexican, a traditional Hawaiin feast (yep, we went to a Luau) and even Greek! We tried to eat as much seafood as possible, but I have to admit, by Thursday, we were both ready for a good ol' fashion burger!

 
5. enjoying the beauty of the island and the Creator who made it - I don't think anyone will be surprised to hear that Hawaii is BEAUTIFUL! There IS a reason they call is paradise! The landscape is gorgous and the wildlife is seriously awsome! Right off of our hotel shore, we saw sting rays and sea turtles (or "turdys" as Sam calls them!)! And, have I mentioned the sunsets? WOW!

our friend "mr. turdy"

surfers and wind surfers riding the waves along the northern coast

6. time together - after 3 amazing children have come into our lives, it's not surprsing and not-so-uncommon, that we don't spend enough time alone together. And while spending 8 days without those little, sweet beings had its difficult moment, let's be honest, it was great! :O) (see note above THANKING those that took care of our kiddos!!!)

 7. BUT coming home to these little blessings was one of the best parts of the trip!

sammy wasn't too sure about the lei 

ALOHA!

*I'd also like to thank the Marriot Reward Points Program and the American Airline Advantage miles for graciously allowing us to go on the this trip...we couldn't have done it without you! :O)