island time

We are enjoying the slow pace of Maui, although from the duration since my last post, you would think I've been on island time for all of May! I've been out almost every week of May, and the few days I've been in town have been devoted to catching up on life's chores, and spending good time with the kids and Steph.

There's lots to talk about, and plenty of pictures and clips to share, but I'll save that for a later post.

Unfortunately, I didn't bring a card reader to Hawaii, so I can't give any "live look-ins" but rest assured, I am doing my usual overkill of photos and video. Life's special moments aren't official unless they include me annoying all the participants by taking pictures and video. I'm sure I'll be thanked for it in 50 years.

So on to the update... we arrived in Maui on Sunday and are here for 9 days, 8 nights. The travel day was exhausting for the kids, and as typical, brought out different sides of the kids' personalities. When Jackson is sleep deprived, he gets sloppy and punchy. He says all kinds of funny things and his comedic timing is hilarious. Poor Kenzie on the other hand, gets incredibly cranky, everything upsets her, and she gets frustrated by anything.

So after getting them up 2 hours early, flying them 6 hours across the ocean, then dragging them to Costco and Safeway before getting to the condo, these kids were cooked. We allowed them the reward of going swimming before dinner and bedtime, however, which bought us a lot of goodwill.

Yesterday was day 2, and after our long travel day, the 200 yard rule was strictly enforced. This is my rule that we don't venture more than 200 yards from our front door, and it facilitates slowing things down from rat race to island time. This rule allowed us to get in 2 beach sessions, 2 pool sessions, shuffleboard, a viewing of Cars in the condo, plus a very much needed 3 hour nap for the kids.

After the nap, the kids were like new little people. The whining and crying are quickly turning into distant memories, and it officially feels like vacation now.

As one could probably guess, the kids' favorite activity seems to be pool time, although they love beach time as well. Jackson's swimming lessons this year are paying dividends. Whereas last year he wouldn't even put his head under water, this year he spends hours diving for these little rockets we bought, swimming on his own for 10 foot stretches, and "scooper-diving" (I think he means scuba diving). Kenzie loves pretending that she is putting Mom to bed in the pool, including singing songs, putting Vaseline on her lips, tucking her in, and shutting the door. Both kids love their water wings, and like swimming under the waterfalls.

In addition to enjoying the little smiles we continuously see on our kids faces, Mom and Dad are enjoying the warm weather and the tasty treats that I have been preparing. Never one to be too humble, I can sincerely say that I have mastered the perfect Mai Tai, the perfect Pina Colada, and last night I made some ridiculously tasty seared Ahi Tuna Steaks for dinner.

Today we're taking the Sugar Cane Train into town after we go for a morning swim, and the kids are excited to spend some of their allowance savings at the Sugar Cane Train gift shop. Tonight we'll eat at the Castaway Cafe at our condo, and play catch and watch the sunset.

that's my update... I'll look to post again on Saturday, with a report on the luau we are going to Friday night.

oh, and to answer the question I'm sure the grandparents have... yes we are religiously applying sunscreen to the kids (or sun-scream, as they like to call it), having them wear swimshirts, and keeping them from getting any sunburns :)

aloha,
Cooper