Day 29 Oct 3 Last day. :(

Wednesday Oct 3

Up and ready early again today. W have a dolphin watch charter to catch! I packed most of our things up last night so the condo is in pretty good Orr. Fortunately we booked with great people that let us have the condo for a late check out since our plane didn't take off until almost 11 pm. The condo just booked as if we had an extra night and clean the room the next day when we were gone. We packed all our leftover groceries to take to someone who would enjoy them (Carrie in Lanaina) and got on our way.

When we got to the store the lady was surprised to see me and Cam. She told us yesterday Cam was not allowed to come on the raft. After much persuasion and phone calls it seemed the information give to us the night before was not accurate and She was not able to come for the dolphins watch on this smaller boat. So we found ourselves with some open unplanned time. The kids decided they wanted to shop a little and get a homemade Tiki from the man that carves them on the street. H took great pride and finesse etching the kids names into it in cursive. The kids were pretty impressed.

We also took a walk through the shopping center there to where there is a little Koi stream that runs through the lower level.  We visited this with the kids on the last trip and thought it would be neat to get a pic of them there again this time.

.

Back to the condo we went for a swim while daddy had another nap. The last swim in the pool before we head back. :( it will be deeply missed. The kids wanted to watch a movie while I finished packing and cleaning and so I let them. Then it was time to load in the car for the last minute running around and catching a flight

We stopped in at Costco for supper and then into the airport.  They found a few friends there to play with and spent time playing cards, running around, drawing and enjoying the last few minutes of vacation before they got on the flight.  They slept the way home and were very happy to see Lori pick us up at the airport.  Cam was happy to get home to her puppies, as was I.  It was a great trip and we look forward to doing it again!

Day 28 Oct 2

Tuesday Oct 2

We booked our whale watch for this morning which by default meant an early up and at 'em. The kids were happy at this point that they had gone to bed early and so was I. I did not want to deal with crabby kids all day. W were eager to relive our last dolphin watch. It was the high light of the trip for the kids, especially Cammie. Se loved seeing the baby dolphins jumping up and the big dolphins swimming.

Grant and Brooklyn parked the car while the kids and i checked into the charter and walked down to the slip. It didnt take long for Brooklyn adn dad to join us each with a coffee in hand. Brooklyn had a smile a mile wide that she got her own coffee. The water looked nice and calm as we left the harbor but as we started crossing the channel to Lanai it picked up quite a bit into a rocky choppy experience. Brooklyn's coffee didn't stay down long and she spent most of the ride at the back of the boat keepin the other sick people company. At one point all five kids were at the back with buckets, but not until after acammie puked all over the deck. They weren't the only ones, the ocean had us bobbing pretty good in the water. As such the bay we snorkelers in last time was too worked up for us to stop there and we continued on to lighthouse point to drop anchor and jump in. The bay here was very deep and the fish far away but it still made for a good snorkel. The visibility was good. There were a variety of fish, a few active eels and some nice coral stretches. I did see a rays wing tips breaking the surface of the water before we got int, but no rays once we were down. The kids attempted to come snorkeling but Brook was soon back on the boat playing and coloring with another little girl. Sydney and Maddie soon followed the smell and found themselves back on board, followed by Cam and Bob. grant and I savor red the quiet and snorkelers for the last few minutes on our own. Once we we all back on the boat we started heading back to the harbor, a good hour long ride, and Cam and Brooklyn were happy to spend it with me at the back of the boat with the hurlers. Grant sat with them on the way out, so it was only fair that I stayed back and watched the people turn green and lose their cookies over the side. Fortunately my kids didn't seem to need to puke. Someone had taken. Pity on Brook on the ride out and given her bracelets that u pressure points to calm motion sickness and she was happy to wear them. No sign of any dolphins though, so that meant a free trip!

We went into the store to book the free trip only to learn it was on a little raft that Cammie would not be welcome on. It didn't seem very fair and we weren't impressed but we booked it for us with the thought one of us could stay with her while the other went. When we got home though I checked online and the booking app they had let me select a 3 yr old for the trip. I was happy about that but not wanting to take any chances, I called the office to make sure. We spoke with a gentleman there that assud us that yes Cammie was booked on the boat and everything was good. I was happy. Tomorrow is dolphin watch day!

We picked up our birds pictures from the man who does the prices. Our old photo was in with them, even in the original envelope. It was great to pull the pic out and see us and the kids from 6 years ago just at the end of our vacation. Everyone looked so blonde and tanned. Can't wait to get the other images in the computer to see. Sydney really wanted pictures done again with the morning set of birds but we managed to convince her that her money was spent better elsewhere. Tomorrow is another day and maybes she will find something she likes more.

Hard to believe tonight is our last evening swim. Our last shot to sit in the hot sun and converse. It seemed so far away and now it seems that this day came too soon.

Day 27 Oct 1

Monday Oct 1

It's just getting too close to when we are leaving. We know we would like to take the kids for another dolphins adventure but the lack of vis and high swell is concerning to us and we have been wondering if the trip would be worth going. We would like to take the kids up to the sumit of Haleakala to see the goodies that it has to offer, photograph the silverswords and take in the view but the overcast weather and clouds have us worried about vis up top as well. I don't feel we are finished exploring the water world and would love to do another beach snorkel before we go. After much discussion, it was decided that today we would head to the farthest point on the northwest side of the island and do a snorkel at Kapalua Bay. It would serve to see how the swell, vis and weather was and then we would decide if a dolphin watch would be good.

First off, was a trip on down to the pool though to go for a swim while daddy slept in and woke up. Cammie has been really missing her bed back home and hasnt been sleeping well. She likes to sleep horizontally across the bed, with our king size bed its a pain in the butt but doable with this little queen bed its impossible. When you toss in a cold the end result is a very fitful restless sleep for everyone.

When we got back from the pool we loaded the kids with the gear into the van and started our scenic trip around the island. I love looking at the ocean and the waves rolling in. I love the smell of the air. I love the vast difference between the rainy side of the west Mali amounting and the dry dessert like side. As we passed Lahaina and then Kaanapali, we were entering into a side of Maui we had only seen once before and then we went beyond even that. The landscape changed back and forth between the dryness and the landscaped tourist areas, finally into a lush forest with towering trees that stretched out with and numerous different plants growing on and around them. Walking into the first was like going to visit the wood elves. The canopy was astounding and we felt so small and insignificant looking up. The kids saw some neat spiders and webs that were huge. We continued the walk through the woods until we reached a rocky bay with several people around both in and out of the water. There were a couple boats anchored and snorkelers in the water. We were eager to gear up and get in. Wile Bobby took advantage of the woods and their privacy for a bathroom break, I tried convincing Cam there there were no waves here that we're huge. (Cam loves that words - Everything is huge these days). When we were all ready we swam out in to some wonderful coral formations, hidden eels and numerous fish species with a couple turtles thrown in. It was an incredibly beautiful dive and made us feel pretty good about booking our adventure to see whales again.

We stopped in Lahaina for lunch and then home to the pool. Supper wasn't a extraordinary fare. I swear there won't be any pasta, cheese or bread in our diet for a very long time when we get home. The kids were very petered out after our busy day an they were eager to fall asleep and dream.

Day 26 Sept 30

Sunday Sept 30

The last day of September has finally arrived and with it is the knowledge we are only 3 days from flying home. This is somewhat welcome as home would be nice right now but thinking about leaving this paradise and returning to the crisp fall back home is somewhat depressing.

The shorebreak is still a bit rough out there so we started the day again with the trip to the pool. It doesn't bother me as it gives me a chance to spend some time checking my emails and facebooking, keeping somewhat caught up. In the world. I find myself viewing my page as more of a waste of time and less of the requirement that it used to be. Everything is more of the same and find myself doing a quick scroll to check up on friends before setting it aside and wondering what to do next. When having the option to go to the pool and check it, rather than looking at this opportunity as a great thing like at the beginning of the trip, I'm more blasé about it and would rather leave the iPad behind. I was taking more trips to the pool while the kids were sleeping or before they woke up to check in more frequently, and now leaving it at home is more appealing. I think a habit may be pretty much broken.

Back at the condo and after lunch is eaten, I'm almost disparate to get the kids and us out of the condo. Cammie is tired and not feeling well and very homesick. She wanted to head home to her puppy and her grandma and was very upset we have to wait a few more days. I can't spend another day with them mostly in front of the TV and we load into the van with plans to head up to the summit for a walk or hike around. Of course just before getting into Kanului we look up and see the summit so entrenched in clouds that it seems kind of pointless to take the 1.5 drive up there to just look at clouds....we decide to possible try it out tomorrow and head up a little earlier in the day when it is supposed to be clearer.

I did not want to turn around and head back home and Grant agreed. So we headed to the mall in Kahului to spend some time just walking around there. This excited the kids as there is a play place there fore them to play. The kids had fun looking at the clothes in Sears. We walked into a quant little used book store called the Friends of Maui Library. It had a great selection of used books, all of r around $1-3 and we picked up some great titles like Forks over Knives, The Gerson Therapy, The Omnivores Dilemmna, and several others. I was very happy, but we will have a couple heavier suitcases to take home. The kids played at the play place while Grant and I browsed and were even given balloon animals from a mall worker. The next stop was over to Costco where we browsed and had supper before we headed back home to the sun setting behind the west Maui mountains. We stopped in again at Crazy shirt with all the kids so they could pick their souvenirs to take home.

Another trip to the pool in the dark rounded out the evening. The kids enjoyed watching a movie on deck in the dark while Grant and I visited with other visitors in the hot tub. Then it was time for bed and a movie to relax.

Day 25 Sept 29

Saturday sept 29

The day started off with a quiet morning with a pancake breakfast and some TV movies. W tore the kids away from the screen for a trip to the pool. The kids were tired today and spent time reading or relaxing in the chairs with very little swimming.

The afternoon was spent with more reading and relaxing and TV time. A much as I was enjoying time to read I was eager to enjoy our last few days outside! Cammie and Brooklyn are definitely coming down with colds though and they needed the extra sleep.

We woke up Cammie shortly after 5 as I wanted to get the kids together and get them outside for some family pictures by the beach. There is a great tree across the street that I though would make a great picture spot. W had fun getting them all up in there and then I snapped a few pics with the help of the tripod and self timer. The kids stayed to play on the swing set. A local boy showed Brooklyn and Maddie how to climb up the poles and they had altos of fun trying that out. Sydney was a little less successful at it and Bobby was happy to sit and watch. The kids played there, each taking turns pushing Cammie or each other on the swings while the sun started to set. W watched until it went down before heading back across to the condo.

Of course we went back to the pool for an evening swim before heading out to Blockbuster to change out our movie selection and settling in to watch.

Day 24 Sept 28

Friday Sept 28

The days until we go home are starting to go by pretty fast. The smell of the air and the sounds of waves are needing to be ingrained on my being so I can remember them when we get home. The kids have decided that we need a pool at home, they are getting way to used to being able to swim every day. The people here are so amazing. The feeling of Aloha and the relaxed atmosphere really does bring out the best in people.

We had our pictures taken with the "bird man" in Lahaina when we were here 6 years ago. When we were in Lahaina last, we saw him on the street again and I let him know we would be back before our trip was up for more. We visited for a few minutes and I mentioned how we had our pics taken last time but never had them mailed out or got back to pick them up. He let us know he kept most of his pictures and if we could give him the dates and year he could dig it out and get it for us. He called and let us know that he spent time going through boxes and found it. We were completely amazed.

The beach is still flying flags and dangerous shore break signs so we knew it was a pool day again. Brooklyn continued with her book,the kids made new friends, I got slightly farther in my book. The kids all trickled back to the condo and we started getting ready for an afternoon in Lahaina.

I wanted to take the kids in for more pictures with the birds on front street. It was a great time. The kids all looked so cute posing with the birds and we created quite a traffic stop. Many people stopped to watching our cute little kids and the birds. Cammie was so cute holding her Red headed parrot. The photographer was trying to get her to smile and look at the camera but the only time she would smile was when she was looking at the parrots. I'm looking forward to seeing the pics when we pic up the CD.

Home from Lahaina and back to the pool. Cammie was enjoying the time in the hot tub when she saw "the bad lady" coming up to the tub to clean the filter and take her water tests. Cammie sat on the edge next to the filter and pulled her toes out of the water. The lady bent over next to her andI engaged her in conversation. Cammie looked up at her with big sad eyes and said to her "I'm sorry" then again a couple minutes later. As Grant put it, you could see her heart melt and she continued to chat with us and not say anything about Cammie being in the hot tub. This made her very happy and she jumped back in.

Back at the condo I made the kids their favorite meal of homemade hamburger helper. Something we haven't had in so long since we cut so much meat out of our diet. We have cheated lots on this trip and so we picked up some organic grass fed Maui beef and enjoyed a great dinner with the kids. Then back to visiting and then curling up together in bed to watch some movies.

Day 23 Sept 27

Thursday Sept 27

Maddie's birthday day 2. She seemed to have got her wish for some big boogie boarding swells has really come true. The shorebreak is so high and dangerous today that they are flying flags and have posted signs to stay out of the water. It's definitely not a beach day and instead we head to the pool.

Brooklyn has started to do a grade two level curriculum book every day at the pool, working through phonics to start with and learning digraphs and vowel and blended sounds. She jumps in the pool to cool off and then is right back to doing her school work. Maddie and Bobby love to sit in the sun and use the iPad and I need to kick them off of it and into the water routinely. They also love being able to play ping pong and spend a lot of time out of the water playing that. I spend a lot of time doing the dip and then drip routine...reading my book or working online on the iPad during the drip part. We are still working on which programs we are ordering so we can start homeschooling when we get home.

Maddie was eager to have a quiet day at home and so that is how we spent the day. The kids watched movies and TV, Maddie read her books and did origami, the kids enjoyed time in the bath tub and then back to the pool. We spent the time just relaxing together in the condo. Something we rarely ever do together at home. It seemed almost a waste of Hawaiian time but it was great for the family dynamic.

Grant and I decided we wanted to head to Coconuts tonight for supper of fish tacos. We went up the road to pick up some new blockbuster movies and order some supper for us all. We were sitting out front of the restaurant waiting for our order when a couple of police cruisers pulled up. A few cops came running up to the area and motioned for us all to move and get away. They were pretty intimidating looking, not carrying the smaller handguns we are used to seeing but big machine guns hanging down past their hips. We moved. As did the other people sitting outside, some in a very big hurry. The cops went into the restaurant next door did a sweep and then came out again. We were told we could come back and sit. We learned as we ate our tacos that someone had called in a robbery at the restaurant next door. When they got there all was fine but they checked her back rooms and kitchen to make sure there was no one hiding out. Pretty freaky. Makes you wonder who would try doing a robbery when the officers are packing weapons like that.

The rest of the night at home was pretty quiet. We cuddled and watched our movies and fell asleep pretty early.

Day 22 Sept 26

Wednesday Sept 26

Today is the anniversary of the first time we became parents and we celebrated Maddie's birthday! The one that started it all and we love her so much.

The morning started out pretty slow. She had the idea of heading back to big beach and big waves but figured boarding at Kamaole 3 might be a better option. I needed to get in touch with our home school board and talk programs and that took some time. I was close to 11:00 by the time we were ready for the beach.

We walked across the road to Kam 3 beach and made the mistake we told the kids to not make. We have been to this beach so many times before that we all just went into the water. The older three kids and I got out past the break point really easy. The waves were a little bigger but considering it was a little later in the day, that seemed pretty normal. I saw Grant walking in with the younger two kids and I went back out to the beach to help him get them past the break water. I nabbed Cammie and started walking back out to where the other three kids were....and got whacked by a shorebreak about ten feet high. Cam and I got rolled in it pretty good and I let her go so she would float up and not be under water for very long. She was not impressed at all that we got a face full of salt water. I picked her up again and turned around to face the next wave that was even bigger and knocked us off our feet again. I picked up Cmmie again and was still feeling like if we just got beyond this shore break to where the other kids would be, we would be great. I turned to face the kids again and saw them float over a massive swell that towered over us before it rocked us again....that was it for Cammie and I and we stumbled out of the water and onto the beach to build sand castles. Grant waits for a break in the large swells before joining the other kids but Cammie and I were happy to just stay out of the ocean for the day.

After a very short time at the beach, we packed up and headed back to the condo for lunch and then to the pool. It being a Wednesday, we were looking forward to the live entertainment and sunshine. Cammie and Brooklyn love the maraschino cherries and would get a whole cup of them to munch on while Maddie end Sydney enjoyed the pineapple juice. We avoided the Mai Tais today as we have lots of rum to drink at home. The kids stayed and played for hours at the pool before we packed up and headed back to the condo for movie night.

I love watching the kids play and help each other out. Most of the time they are so considerate to each other and take care of each other. Cammie and Brooklyn walking hand and hand just fills my soul. Sydney giving Cammie piggy back rides and playing with her younger sisters is the sweetest thing. Bobby watching out for his sisters and making sure they aren't doing anything dangerous is wonderful to watch. All of them are so precious and it's great to be able to reconnect and spend time with them on this level. It would have been great to leave them behind and have a adult vacation but it is so easy to get wrapped up in all there is to do at home that it is so nice to be able to spend this time with them almost as much as adult time would have been. We are looking forward to our last week here being together.

Day 21 Sept 25

Tuesday Sept 25

It's Sydney's birthday day 2 so she got to pick the order of the day. Being a beach bum already she chose Ulua beach for our morning adventure. We attempted a short snorkel but the water was murky and visibility was low. We still saw a pretty turtle and a group of conch shells making their way across the sandy floor as well as a star fish.

Back on shore the kids and their dad decided it was time to make a sand sculpture. It took them almost an hour to complete their life size tiger shark prowling the beach. The kids were very proud of their achievement.

Back home we had time to lunch and a rest before heading out to the pool. The kids enjoy so much being there. Cammie has slowly been getting up the nerve to jump in, taking baby steps towards it, first crawling e cleaint, then jumping to Syds arms and finally today she mastered the run and jump. She was so proud of herself she had to keep gettin four attention so we could watch her take the leap. The dragon lady must have had a day off and the other pool attendants are great, so Cammie got a nice long soak in the hot tub as well.

Back home Grant and I whipped a liter of whipping cream into a frothy whipped cream...by hand. With our tired arms we carried Sydney's choice of pumpkin pie to her and sang Happy Birthday.

We brought her along with us to pick out a couple new movies from Blockbuster and stopped at Taco Bell for supper. She loved the individual time with mom and dad and bringing Tacos home to the rest of the kids. The day wasn't very busy but it was still bed time.

=

Day 20 Sept 24

Monday Sept 24

Happy Birthday to Sydney! My little squid is turning 8 years old today. It's amazing how much life has changed and grown since we brought her home to our little apartment in rundle.

Top of my mind this morning was my iPhone. I was hoping now that it was fully changed my home button would miraculously be working again and life would be good. Not that I would mind having to upgrade to the new iphone 5 that came out this week, but it's a little sooner than I would want to do that. I picked up my phone and almost burned my hands on the bottom of it. It was so hot. Not a good sign at all. I looked at the plug in cord and it was even melted a bit on the top. I pulled out the cord, gingerly as it was very hot, and looked at my docking station at the bottom of my phone. Black. This is not looking good. I switched cords and plugged it in hoping it will still charge....

It being a birthday day here, I ran up the street to Foodland to pick up some more syrup so we could make pancakes this morning for my birthday girl. When I came back, my phone was still dead. It did turn on to show me the "charge me" screen so I am hoping there is some hope that it can be repaired. I'm thinking of all those pictures on the phone that I have taken and really don't want them lost. A call into and back from an apple advisor says the only thing I can do is to put it away until we are home, try connecting it to a computer and hope that it works. At this pointmiam having my doubts. :(

We had plans to run in to Lahaina and meet up with our neice for a visit. It was great to see her again and we enjoyed a lovely visit learning all about h ow the first couple weeks she has been settling in have gone. The kids met their next door neighbor that had two kids Brooklyn and Cammie's age and they colored and played while we chatted. They suggested we try Sure Thing Burger just up the road and so we went there for supper. The burgers were excellent and the kids asked us to place a second order to fill them up.

                

We left Lahaina with plans to head back to the condo but ended up detouring to Costco in Kahului instead. Grant offered to pick up another beach camera since our fuji camera and now the iPhone camera have both bit the biscuit. I don't want to use my dslr on the beach because the sand gets in the lens and wrecks the fine focus. The new camera will hopefully allow us to pick. Up some good beach sh it's before it is time to go.

At home again the kids were eager to hit the pool for a swim in the dark. It gives me a chance to check emails and Facebook as well so we headed in that direction. Brooklyn picked up a grade two activity book from Brain Quest at Costco and was determined she was going to do some pages at the pool. When we got home she did a couple more. She was pretty impressed with her self and eye 100% score she got on the work she did.

We tucked the kids into bed and put on a movie. It happened to be a Jm Carrey flick called I love you Phillip Morris. Now it's bed time as tomorrow I'm sure will be busy once again.

Day 19 Sept 23

Sunday Sept 23

Ana would love to see another turtle on Maui before they leave tonight, so we took our gear across the street to spend the morning at Kamaole beach 3. W saw several turtles there on our previous adventures and we haven't snorkeled yet without seeing at least one, so we put the masks on and hit the water.

And didn't encounter a single turtle.

The tradewinds came in a little earlier than usual today so the kids enjoyed the prime boogie boarding and we all enjoyed a long swim in the ocean...minus the taste of the salt water... Even Cammie has started to enjoy going up and down on the swells and isn't complaining about the water in her mouth anymore. W even heard her say a couple times today how much she loved the waves. Ana enjoyed some sun on the beach while we all floated in the water...where a turtle surfaced near Grant and Bobby to take I m some air before swimming away. Nature can be so cruel some days.

We walked back to the condo when our stomachs started telling us it was time. The kids wanted hot dogs and Shan wanted to try some Maui Taco's before she left. She had enjoyed a great fish taco at a restaurant her first night and was eager to relive the experience...so the kids stayed at the condo while the four of us went out for tacos. We walked into a Maui Taco location and perused the menu. We joking said to the cook behind the counter "We heard you guys are the best fish taco on Maui.". He looked back at us and said "No, we aren't" and that he didn't actually eat them at all anymore. We told him he wasn't very encouraging and so a lady from the back came out to help him. W asked both of them what was good on the menu....silence. We tried again...nothing. They suggested that people just like the fish taco. So we ordered a few of them and wish we hadn't. Shannan had talked up the taco she had that first night so much that we decided to head over to Coconut's and try theirs. What a diffence. The owner was there to chat us up and tell us wonderful things. The fish was a daily catch actually cut up and cooked in the back. The coleslaw and mango salsa delicious and considering I hate mangos, this is saying a lot. We will probably be back there...but never again to a Maui taco location.

The girls dropped us off, we said our good byes and they headed off toward Kahului for some last minute shopping and then to catch their flight home.

The kids were ready for another trip to the pool, so we headed in that direction while dad and Cammie napped. It was there that I discovered the bottom home screen button on my iPhone was no longer working. I messed around with the phone for a bit but it was very low on charge and it eventually died and I pulled out the iPad to finish catching up on emails and messages.

We went home for supper after a few hours of swimming and ping pong. The kids turned the TV on and I laid down to watch with them and never made it to the movies we rented. The air mattress with all the pillows on it was just a little too comfy and I was out for the night.

Day 18 Sept 22

Saturday Sept 22

Today is summit day! Finally I am getting to head up to the top of Haleakala for the the sun rise. The kids and Grant have opted to stay at home in bed but Shan, Ana and I will go watch the sun rise.

It was tough to sleep last night, thinking I was going to miss the alarm and therefore the sun rise. It seemed like a long night and I was feeling well rested and ready to hit the road at 11:30, 1:39, 2:45....right up until 3:00am when my body wanted me to sleep in but I managed to get out, dressed and into the parking lot by 3:40 so we can get on the road.

We Trenched it up on the way there and Introduced the girls to the Ever After album. The thermometer on the car read a chilly 40 degrees up at the summit so we stayed in the car until the first rays showed on the horizon. The chilly air kept us bundled up as we waited for the suns rays. The low laying clouds were gorgeous as the orange touched them. I hiked up to the top of a lava crag to get a better more unobstructed view and definitely felt the thinner air up at 10 000 feet above sea level. The drive back down the volcana was also amazing, seeing both sides of the valley aisle and the four islands of the Maui county. A beautiful site and a great way to start the morning.

We stopped at Shan's condo and packed up their stuff. They don't leave until tomorrow but they are spending the last night in a hotel before heading out. Back to our condo for breakfast and pool time with relaxing. The sun is beating down now and sitting at the pool in it is heaven. The kids are enjoying playing while Shan and Ana enjoy a nap.

Some last little souvenir shopping is in order though and so we pack up and head to a shopping locations in kihei. A few treasures are found at a craft sale on south kihei road and Grant and I even picked up some quality Crazy Shirts before checking out the discount outlet store that was actually more money then regular retail. A trip to blockbuster (I can't believe it still is open here!) to rent a movie and Safeway for a few supplies rounded out our shopping trip.

Shish Ka Bobs and a movie are the agenda tonight. A calm, relaxing, almost depressing atmosphere before the girls leave tomorrow. The food was great, the movie average and the girls went back to their hotel for their final evening on Maui.

Day 17 Sept 21

Friday Sept 21

A week of go, go, going has taken its toll on my children. We got to wake up to kids playing together with fighting stuffies...and the bickering and and fighting didn't stop there. All day we all were him pretty cantankerous. A little too tired and worn out. It's a good thing Shan and Arriana were out zip lining and sailing on their own and we decided to relax with a quiet morning.

We decided to take a drive up the west side of the island towards the kaniao coast towards La Peruse Bay.  We had heard Several years ago that dolphins liked to come play in that bay at sun rise and we are hoping to do a sunrise hike out there later in the month to see what we can see. The latest lava flow happened on that side of the Island and it was neat to see the jagged lava rocks on each side. It was enlightening to see the prickly pear cactus and what would probably be the actual Maui landscape if not for the resort bringing in their tropical oasis.

We stopped in at the Makena Cove beach that Grant and I were Married on and took some family photos. It was neat to be standing back in the spot where I pledged my life away with my family. We set the timer and had some fun making both serious and funny pictures.

Back along the road towards Wailea we stopped in at Big Beach to try the boogie boarding. We could see right away by the crashing waves why it was nicknamed Broken Back beach. The crash on the shoreline was large and the kids were excited to get in the water. Brooklyn got rolled in the break so fast and We called them out and educated them to watching the ocean and evaluating their surroundings before running right in. The older three loved the larger waves but the younger two wanted to just play in the sand. Maddie declared it her new favorite beach.

Back at home we ate a quick lunch of corn dogs and popped in a movie for our tired kids. We all enjoyed cuddling on the couch before daddy fell asleep and I took some of the kids out to the pool.

Shan and Ana stopped in for a drink and to update us on their day and plan for tomorrow. The summit is on the agenda so a quiet early night all around was decided on. My bed is looking very welcoming and off to it I will go.

=

Day 16 Sept 20

Thursday Sept 20

Today we have our dolphin Watch and snorkel at the island of Lana'i and we couldn't be more excited! Brooklyn's birthday wish is too see dolphins and Maddie's is a snorkel cruise. Even though Brooklyn's birthday is in December, we are taking time to celebrate it here as well. So we have combined their treat into today, while Shan and Ana are here so they can enjoy both as well and we have the added value of the kids going free.

We sail out from Lahaina harbor, so it's another trek up the highway and around a different part of the island. It is so different being on the d ry side. The road to Hana has lush forests and rain and is green, the road to Lahaina is dry and desert like.

We get to the slip to be told that it is delayed more then an hour because a cruise ship will be coming into town today and 60 of today's passengers are on that boat but haven't disembarked yet to get on ours. So while the kids waited with Shan and Ana we walked over to Bad Ass coffee for some morning refreshments.

The cruise passengers were very friendly and because it was a full boat we got to make some new friends from Salmon Arm BC. We were just nearing to coast of Lana'i when our first pod of spinner dolphins was spotted playing near the shore. As we got closer they came to play at the ships bow and swim nearer us. The kids were delighted to watch the babies jump from the water and were very excited. It truly was the best. Our first trip to the islands where we got to see wild dolphins and we are feeling pretty blessed.

We pulled into a little harbor and bay at Lana'i for our snorkel part of the trip and some dolphins followed us and skirted around the limits of the bay while we hopped in the water. Cammie did not like the water slide down into the water and it set the tone for her snorkel. She was Whiney and crying and riding on my back blocking my snorkel. We hung out near the outer side of our dictated region of snorkeling for awhile hoping the dolphins would join us. Then headed towards the coral formation near the shoreline. The kids were told that due to the colder waters surrounding the island it's rare to see sea turtles, they were over the moon when they saw one. He didn't hang around long though. I was having issue with my underwater camera and by the time I solved that, he was gone. Ana was getting sick From the journey and water, so swam back to the boat offering to take a squirmy Cam with her. Cam wanted to stick with me and after another 20 minutes of listening to her misery, daddy peeled her off of me and swam her back to the boat where a nauseous Ana graciously watched her.

Maddie joined auntie Shannan and followed one of the marine biologists on board for a snorkel reef tour, learning about different fish and coral formations. Sydney became a fish and learned to dive down beneath the surface for closer looks at the things she wanted to see.

I am always amazed by the people on these trips. Almost everyone jumps in to snorkel at the offset, by 20 minutes in half have gone back on boat. By 45 minutes in 80% are back on the boat and at the point we got the 10 minute warning, 80 minutes into the snorkel, only Grant and I and a couple others of the 110 passengers were still in the water. I told Grant there was some nice coral formations over closer to the harbor. I found them at the point he had taken Cam back and thought he would like to see them too. We swam in that direction and discovered several hundred fish had schooled around them. They were a greenish yellow tinge with black stripes, but I haven't discovered their name yet, as well as quite a few of another kind. We swam with them until we figured we were testing the boundary of our ten minutes and the swimming area.

We swam back to the swim aboard platform and I sat there taking off my mask and fins and looking back towards where Grant was still coming in. There I saw them. A pod of dolphins, swimming within our allowed snorkel range. I pointed them out to Grant and he stopped swimming in. Our guide in the kayak told us we really didn't have time left to go see them, but I was already putting my fins and mask back on and swimming off the platform. Then there they were, all around us. A pod of fifty or more. Circling us, coming out an in at the edges of our visibility range and around us, checking us out. We were both completely wowed out that we had this experience and at the point we got on the boat, we were both on cloud nine.

The meal on the boat was great, although we were both eating more out of adrenaline then hunger at that point. The boat returned to harbor with us just buzzing. The kids sat in on the biologists nature talk and surprised all the other passengers and the biologist alike by answering all their questions about the types of fish, habit, etc right. Making them learn all that through an iPad app really worked.

We walked front street for awhile and bout some t-shirts and souvenirs before picking up our tickets to head to thee Royal Lahaina luau. The kids enjoyed the show. They all got up on stage to learn how to hula before it all began. The food was very average but they were happy. The dancers were magnificent. Both the girls and the boys ;). Cammie fell asleep part way through and we headed home after it twas finished for the warmth of our beds.

Day 15 Sept 19

Wednesday Sept 19

Yesterday was a full day. Today we were thinking beach, but not until after we all slept in and had a quiet morning. I can't seem to understand the sleep in part and was still up before 7 but the quiet morning gave us time for some laundry and clean up.

The plan was for Shan and Ana to join us around 10 so we took the kids to the pool for a swim and enjoyed the time there without the strict pool supervisor in the evenings. We were soaking in the hot tub when Bobby asked what timeShan would be coming. We answered 10, so bobby squinted across the pool at the clock hung way on the other side and said "oh, it's 10:10, she should be here soon". I let him know it was actually 11:10, but I was sure she would be here soon anyway. It's a vacation, who needs a clock, we are all having fun.

About half an hour later they did arrive. Very refreshed from sleeping in and having a soak in the pool back at their condo. We spent a little more time enjoying the pool before heading back to the condo for pizza and drinks. Grant makes an amazing piña colada, chi chi or just about anything, so we enjoyed an afternoon watching some rain fall and visiting.

Wednesday is supposed to be the day for Mai Tais and entertainment at the pool. So we headed back there only to find out it was cancelled because of the rain. :( We enjoyed a swim anyway.

Many activities down here offer child free, one for each paying adult, so we asked what other options we had for that entertainment avenue and found that U'lalena, a colorful live theater, gymnastic story telling history of Hawaii was one of them. We almost booked through our local Expedia local h out but found the tickets about $15 less per adult online, so printed tickets to this evenings show and headed into Lahaina.

The show was very visual and neat. A little loose in the telling of the history but the authentic Hawaiian songs, language and Dane was very neat to see. Cammie did get a little squirmy and Brooklyn fell asleep by the end but there were some neat areal acrobatics that kept our interest and it was a great way to spend the evening.

We took a quick walk back to our van and Ana and Shan stopped to shop at some of the stores on front street. Our wee ones were wiped from another busy day and were all crashed by the time we got back to the condo. Tomorrow is another busy day....

Day 14 Sept 18

Tuesday Sept 18

Today we decided was the perfect day to test our stomachs on the road to Hana. This road Is a winding,turning, narrow, seaside road with no less than 617 hairpin turns, 56 one lane bridges (many on hair pin curves), with the average speed limit of about 10 mph. It's only 32 miles from where it starts into Hana, but we expect it to take most of the day.

There really is something to the saying, "it's not the destination but the journey.". Hana itself is a podunk little cattle town, not so different from home but along the way There are fabulous waterfalls, hiking locations, and spectacular views.

For us the first stop at the heulo look out point where we purchased delicious yummy apple bananas and enjoyed the view beyond the trees and out over the coast the the prestine blue waters beyond. We took some pictures with the few and enjoyed a quick snack at the stand. The kids were making friends with the cashiers dog but he got scared and skittered into her display of coconut bras and toppled the entire lot with a great clatter.

The next stop was about 8.5 miles along at a break in the fence that leads deep into a spectacular bamboo forest. The towering bamboo amazed the kids and us alike. The way the sun danced through it was beauty beyond measure. The hike was muddy and average for us but a little more difficult for our wee ones. Some places we're just a narrow 4 ft plank to cross a creek running 10 feet below. Others were scaled only with the help of a rope or for the more adventuresome of us, a rickety wooden ladder halfway up a rock face before continuing to hike up to the top of the water fall at the end. The waterfalls and the hike were incredible. We swam in the pools and took pictures and just rejoiced.

Along we continued down the road. The amount of beauty and views was overwhelming. Everywhere you looked different sites popped out and continued to amaze. Whether it was the red flowers on a tree against the green back drop, the sea cliffs, or the ocean peninsulas. W stopped just past the halfway mark and took a detour down into Ke'ane, one of those ocean peninsula with jagged lava rock coasts and a green picnic area with public washrooms. It was a great stop for lunch and to purchase some fresh out of the oven island banana bread. We visited a farmers ponies, relaxed in the sun and cleared the curves from our heads.

There were so many places along the road that we could have stopped and taken more pictures of waterfalls or enjoyed more hikes but it was already getting later and later in the day and we forged on until we got to Wa'inapa State Park and the black sand beach located there. The kids loved seeing the mongoose playing there. We didn't see the blow hole but we were amazed by the craggy lava rock view points and the blue water against the black. The ocean had high swell and breaking waves but it didn't stop us all from traveling down the water polished and smooth black rocks into the churning waves for a swim. The sounds of the waves over the clattering beach was so different from the sound it makes when breaking on the fine sand of south Maui. The rocks that had broken down to a fine powdery sand were very cool. The kids enjoyed a visit to some sea caves the lava created so many years ago. Cammie liked throwing the rocks into the waves. Brooklyn tried stopping a big one with her hands but had no luck and. Instead was rolled around in it and emerged with her suit filled with little black rocks...even in her ears.

The road travelled beyond Hana. Only another 10 miles but at a pace of 10mph. Again it was filled with breath taking views, amazing trees that hung over the highway, and waterfalls that bridges brought us by. I frantically snapped pictures and tried to encase the beauty for years to come. We finally arrived at Oheo Gulch, or the seven sacred pools. It was already after 5 and the park guy who you'd normally pay for park access was gone which was a score! We walked along a trail over to the water fall that flows down and fills more than 7 pools before it finally pours out into the ocean. The access to swim in the pools was locked as the theat of rain caused a flash flood warning and more than one person had lost their life there. The water fall and hike was still gorgeous and time really was running out for another swim anyway. We took advantage of the photo ops before getting into the car and heading back the way we had come.

Travelling the Hana road at night is no less windy then the trip in but the tourists have pretty much all disappeared and it is less busy. The way in you often have to pull over and yield to oncoming traffic because of the narrow roads and one lane bridges. The way home in the dark gives you a near empty road, the added benefit of seeing a cars head lights coming around the hair pin curves, and locals to follow who drive the road on a daily basis. As such, the drive back over the 50 miles was only 2 hours and we made it into kahului just before Costco closed so we could grab supper there.

It was a full and amazing day but it couldn't end just yet. We tucked the kids into bed at home and Shan, Ana, Grant and I headed out to the hot tub to rest our aching heads and bones. Lovely people from Washington there, or southern BC as we called it, and it was a nice visit until the pool closed and we headed home to bed. Grant almost lost his keys and sandals to the ladies there who had had a fair amount to drink, but it was all good.