Hawaii

Our vacation to Maui with both my mom and Patrick's mother was planned a year in advance. When we were linked with this baby girl, we came very close to cancelling our trip since she was due two days before we were scheduled to depart. I am so grateful we didn't cancel prematurely. The timing turned out to be perfect, as I'd been feeling down after one and then another adoption link fell through. (The second I vaguely referred to here - we got the call while my mom was visiting - it was another girl - this one due...yesterday, actually, and from Kentucky - I'd have been close enough to visit Suzanne! But I digress).

So, my mother flew down here to stay with us in California for a while, and then we joined Patrick's mother and all flew together to Hawaii. The trip was lovely, only in many different ways than I'd expected. I thought the beauty of the island, the sunsets and beaches would have captivated me most - and yes, parts of Maui were beautiful indeed. But more than that I enjoyed seeing all the tropical birds, swimming in the warm water (I never swim in the ocean waters locally. Brrrr!), and eating the deliciously juicy local fruits - pineapple, mangos, papayas, coconut, raw sugar cane juice. We'd consume pineapple and not care that its sticky juice was pouring down our faces and all over our arms. Amazing. But my favorite part of the whole trip, the snorkeling, was the only one I couldn't capture in photos. I don't remember ever having snorkeled before, but wow, is that ocean floor and all it's inhabitants beautiful! So mysteriously fascinating. At long last I understand why someone would want to be a marine biologist.

Of course I have pictures for you - perhaps more than you care to see, but I couldn't decide which to leave out. They each tell a story about a particular moment.

arrival

looking out on kaanapali beach (I'm big into matching dresses these days, but why all of a sudden? I never liked them before. I think I must be dreading the days when my girls won't let me do this anymore.)

a ladies morning out

I love this picture of my mom with Gianna.

And this one of the girls with Grandma Carol.

romance in the jungle - on the road to Hana

My husband on the tarzan swing. Gianna did it too.

This was as far as I got. That water was cold!

gifts from Grandmas

This Polynesian dancer gave enamored Gianna a private hula lesson.

These guys were talkers. Madeleine developed a special relationship with the green one. :)

loved this crowned crane

a roadside fruitstand

hibiscus, the state flower

I took many scenic photos, but this was my favorite, along the road to Hana.

Hot man in snorkeling gear. Snorkeling is so fun to do as a couple. We held hands underwater while capturing glimpses of brilliant sea life together. The huge sea turtles came right up to us, seeming to want to share in the love. :)

Gianna saw tropical fish through a big window in her boogie board.

morning shadows

"Aloha!"

our last day on the island

It was good to be away, but it's good to be back...to cooking and laundry and school and everything else that gives me purpose. It's all a gift.

~