huh-WAH-ee! Maui (Part I: Sunsets, Stuffing ourselves silly and Snorkeling)

So Nate and I decided to go wild and crazy for our 15th wedding anniversary and took a trip to Hawaii. For eight days. Without kids! Some people had a hard time understanding why we would want to vacation on a tropical island paradise without our entire family. And to them I say, "Pbbbbttthhh". Just kidding. But Nate and I had never spent more than two nights away from our children before. And it was our anniversary. (Our 15th anniversary!) And also that pbbbbttthhh thing again.

We took gobs of photos on our vacation. Literally, gobs. (Yes, there are literal gobs of photos scattered across our hard drive. GOBS.) With so many gobs, gobs of beauty and wonder, it's difficult to choose what to share with you all. I've decided to give you a day by day rundown of our activities, throwing in a picture now and then to make sure you are sufficiently jealous. I mean, so you can share in the beauty and wonder.

Saturday, June 20

We flew into Maui, and based on recommendations from a couple of friends, headed straight to Mama's Fish House for lunch. At Mama's the food is good--really good--and you pay a few pretty pennies for it, but you're not just paying for the food, you're paying for the experience. And it's worth it. We could not have dreamed up a more perfect setting for our introduction to Maui.

The view from our table:

Outside the restaurant:

Happy to be in Hawaii:

After picking up a few provisions at the local Walmart (note: Maui Walmarts are no fancier than regular mainland Walmarts, just more expensive), we checked into our B&B in Lahaina, the Wai Ola Vacation Paradise. Wai Ola had great reviews on Trip Advisor, and we were not disappointed. We had a little cottage off the main house to ourselves and never saw another guest there (there were other guests, we just never saw them). Our hosts, Jim and Kim were very welcoming, gracious, funny and helpful, and had a knack for popping up whenever we happened to need something.

That evening we decided to head down to Ka'anapali Beach to watch the sunset. It was gorgeous.

See?

While we were there, we also saw the sunset cliff diver, which was also very cool. After sunset, we walked around Whaler's Village, a collection of shops and restaurants. They happened to have a hula show that night with singing and dancing. It was the perfect first day.

Sunday, June 21

Our B&B happened to be just three blocks away from the local ward building. We had a great time attending church with the locals, though, it seemed the visitors almost outnumbered the locals. It was a cool, old building--very open with large windows and a lot of ceiling fans. One of the ward families was leaving, so we got treated to the tradition of the Aloha song complete with the bestowing of the leis. I'm glad we didn't miss the opportunity to attend church there.

Later, we headed to downtown Lahaina for lunch and to take in the sights. We had lunch at a place called Kimo's, famous for it's Hula Pie. What is Hula Pie, you ask?

This is Hula Pie (and also one of the many reasons Nate had six more pounds of Laurzia to love at the end of the week):

Downtown Lahaina is beautiful. There are lots of fun shops and restaurants all along the coastline. Everywhere you looked there was an amazing view.

Later that day, Nate somehow managed to talk me into snorkeling. Now, snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of a tropical island paradise sounds just peachy in theory, but the reality of a possible close encounter with wild marine life was not particularly appealing to me. Plus, I'm not exactly the strongest swimmer, so I had my worries. But Nate insisted that I would not drown and that I would have a great time, so I gave it a shot.

We went to Kahekili. Nate went out first to check out the conditions and the scenery. He didn't go more than 10-15 feet offshore before turning around and waving me in. So I put on a brave face and in I went. And wow! There were fish! Beautiful tropical fish, like right there! And better yet, they were minding their own business and not touching me at all! I was really surprised that I had absolutely no trouble getting used to the snorkel and mask. Oh! And the very best part! We saw a sea turtle! A freakin' sea turtle (as Nate said). Nate could hardly believe I saw a sea turtle on my first ever snorkling run. In all the years he lived and snorkeled in Hawaii, he only ever saw a sea turtle one other time. We took some pictures with a cheapy underwater camera we picked up, but we haven't developed the film yet.

After Kahekili, we went to check out the snorkeling at Kapalua. Kapalua is a beautiful resort area, but the snorkeling conditions were not so hot that day. Nate went out for awhile, but said the water was pretty cloudy, so I decided to just watch and enjoy the beach. I even got to see a wedding while I waited, complete with conch-blowing officiator!

Kapalua:

That night we had dinner at Mala, a small local place, where I had one of the most delicious dining experiences of my life. So, so yummy.


Speaking of food, it's dinner time (actually past) and the natives are getting restless. Stay tuned for Part II: Road to Hana and Big Beach.

McKenzie feels the love. Or not.

Bedtime.

Kenzie: Can I have a hug?

Mom: I gave you a hug.

Kenzie: No, you didn't.

Mom: Yes, I did.

Kenzie: But I don't feel the love from it.

Mom gives her the look.

Kenzie: I'm serious!

Mom gives her the hug.

Kenzie: One more, one more!

Mom: No.

Kenzie: But I still don't feel the love.

Mom: I have no more love to give. Goodnight.

It's not that I have a maximum capacity for love, it's just that I have a minimum tolerance for stall tactics.

Sydney Speak

Before swimming lessons.

Sydney, to Elise: You smell like a bathing suit.

Well, duh.



Waiting to open her birthday gifts. And whining.

Mom: You just have to learn to be patient.

Sydney: But it takes too long for me to be a patient.

That's a true statement.

Tyler Talk

McKenzie's under the dinner table.

Mom: What are you doing, McKenzie?

Tyler: She's hiding away from all her fears and sorrows. She's emo.

Kenzie grabs Tyler's leg.

Tyler: She's got my leg!



Breakfast time.

Mom: You guys already drank all the OJ?

McKenzie: Tyler finished it off last night.

Tyler: There was only a little bit left. It's not like I drank the whole thing. I will not be blamed for this crime.




Back from scout camp.

Tyler: Seriously, I think I have some kind of butt rash.

Mom: That is not information that I need to know.

Tyler: But you're my mother. You're supposed to know everything about me. Eeevveryyythiiiing.

I used to think so.

School days: first and last

Another one of our Sumsion family traditions is to take pictures of the kids on the first and last day of school. It was a little trickier getting Tyler to cooperate now that he was in 7th grade, but I played the "please, for your mom" card and promised to make sure the coast was clear so no one would witness his embarrassment.

Here's Tyler on the first day of 7th grade (September 2008):

And the last day of 7th grade (June 2009):

Notice the absence of the glasses? Tyler finally got his wish of contacts, and has had no problem making the adjustment. I kind of miss the glasses sometimes. After seeing him in the glasses for 5 years, the sans glasses Tyler took a little getting used to. Plus, I think he looks older without the glasses. My little baby's growing up! (That was just for Tyler's benefit. heh. heh.)

McKenzie was in 3rd grade last year. She and Elise started at a brand new elementary school, Grove Elementary, built just a few blocks down the road from us, which meant goodbye buses and hello feet (as in walking--we walked to and from school when weather permitted). This year was a bit of an adjustment for McKenzie because she left most of her friends behind at Pinewood. She did manage to make some new friends (like I knew she would--we're talking McKenzie here!) and ended up having a good year, I think. Her teacher, Mrs. VanDuren, could not say enough good things about her. That's always great for a parent to hear.

McKenzie's first day of 3rd grade:

And last day of 3rd grade:

Elise started first grade last fall. She was excited to finally be going to school all day. (Wait, maybe that was me.) The beginning of the year had a bit of a rocky start--her class was one of a few who started the school year without a permanent teacher. I guess that's all part of starting at a brand new school. But within three weeks she got her teacher, whom she loved (Mrs. Franco), and ended up having a great first grade year.

Elise's first day of first grade:

And last day of first grade:

Notice the addition of the glasses? I thought maybe one of our children might escape the Sumsion vision genes. I suppose there's still Sydney, but I don't hold out much hope. Elise sure looks adorable in her glasses, though.

All of the kids did very well in school this past year, as usual. Only one more month until school starts again!

Don't be shy

During our last trip to Utah, it came to my attention that there are certain family members who actually read this blog. Really, that knowledge is what inspired me to try to bring it up to date. I just wanted all of you lurkers to know, you are more than welcome to post a comment. Come on, don't be shy. Tell us how you really feel. Give me a reason to face another blogging day.

Easter 2009

This past Easter was a little different for us with Nate being out of town on a business trip. It always feels a little strange to celebrate anything with one of the family missing. Nate tries his best to schedule his trips around important events, even occasionally turning them down, but in this case there was no getting around it.


Easter traditions in the family household include: Easter dresses for the girls (usually worn for 2-3 years--if it still fits, they don't get a new one and mom may or may not intentionally buy dresses two sizes too big--shhhhh...), bunny Easter baskets waiting on the dining table Easter morning, an indoor egg hunt (hey, we live in Seattle, you know), and mom begging for the kids to pose for just one more picture.


Over the years, I've tried to include a gift in their Easter baskets that is in keeping with the true spirit of the holiday. Last year they all received a journal. This year they each got a pocket hymnal, with the exception of Sydney, who got a picture book. It's fun to see the kids pull out their own hymnals in church. I'm hoping they'll always willingly sing along.


Elise, missing Dad (then putting on a brave face):







Tyler getting silly with the putty:



McKenzie just being her sweet self:



Syd basking in the joy of her chocolate bunny:




Everyone humoring mom with the obligatory holiday photo op:

I'm so thankful for these small opportunities to make family memories together, and most especially for the blessing of my family and the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ that makes it possible for us to be together always.

Note to Dad: We're expecting you to make an appearance for Easter 2010.

Becca and Bryan get married!

This past March we had the pleasure of attending the wedding of one of Nate's younger sisters, Becca. We were so grateful that we were able to make the trip to Utah to be part of her special day.

The happy couple (Becca and Bryan Biggs--awesome matrimonial alliteration!):

Pre-nuptial sister bonding (my sister-in-laws, Adria and Becca, and me):

Post-nuptial cousin goofing-offing (McKenzie, Ashlyn, Seren, Natalie, Taylor, Tyler, Justin and Ryan):

Becca and Bryan with all of the nieces and nephews:

The Sumsion siblings:

And my dream of the perfect family pic...

...continues...

...to elude me.

But still a fantastic day spent with some of our most favorite people, the Sumsion clan. We often regret living so far from the family, and are grateful for any excuse to make the trip to be with everyone. Thanks to Becca and Bryan for including us. We wouldn't have missed it for the world, and look forward to watching their family grow in the coming years! (No pressure--we can wait!)

Happy 2009!

Man, it's pretty pathetic when you're posting about New Year's in August. Not quite as pathetic as posting about last year's Christmas, I guess. So...

Sumsion family New Year's Eve traditions include: games, silly hats, noise makers, confetti, letting the kids (no matter what their age) stay up until midnight if they can (and they usually can), games to pass the time, watching the Space Needle countdown and fireworks on TV, Nate recording the Space Needle and fireworks on TV with his video camera, and Martinelli's (in a variety of flavors). Yes, folks, we are party animals. Animals!

New Year's 2009 was extra special because we got to share it with Sam and his girlfriend, Kari.

They were good sports about wearing the hats. (Not that they had a choice!)

Elise and Kenzie make some noise:

Tyler tosses back the sparkling cider (we like to celebrate at home, so we don't have to worry about the designated driver thing):

Sydney's all ready to go (for hours) with hat, noisemaker and confetti:

Then promptly passes out when the big moment is over:

Nate catches the whole thing on film (doesn't even pause for the celebratory toast!):

And I resolve to spend another year posing ridiculously for pictures (it's important to have attainable goals):

2009 is disappearing just as fast as 2008 did! Time flies when you're getting old.

Christmas 2008

Christmas snuck up on me last year, much like it does every year. I think it was all that snow and three snow days the kids got leading into their regularly scheduled winter break. That plus iffy roads do not make the best conditions for holiday preparations for moms who procrastinate as much as I do. I'll never learn.

Thanks goodness for having family nearby. My sister, Kim, offered to take the kids for an afternoon while I wrapped presents, which was awesome. Even having McKenzie lose a lens* out of her glasses while sledding down their hill was worth the few extra hours I had to get some things done.

Our Christmas traditions are pretty simple. We get a tree and decorate it together as a family after mom puts on the lights. We set up the nativity sets and a few other decorations (I'm in the less is more camp, but the kids are firmly in the MORE is more camp). Christmas Eve the kids each get a new pair of pajamas and set their stockings out in a special corner of the living room. Christmas morning the kids open their stockings and then take turns opening gifts one at a time, from youngest to oldest. Most years we get together with our Lohberg cousins to play games and eat chex mix and candy (usually homemade by Kim--yum!), and some years, like this past year, we're lucky enough to have my brother Sam (Uncle Sam) celebrate with us, too.

Christmas morning (in the new PJs):

Usually, each kid gets one main gift and a few other fun things on their Christmas lists.

Tyler got an electric guitar:

McKenzie got an ipod shuffle:

Elise got a Nintendo DS (as she would say, finally!):



And Sydney got some playhouse accessories so she could have proper tea parties with all of her stuffed animal friends:



The Lohberg's also gave us a fun game table:



Playing games with the Lohbergs:

We were so grateful to be able to celebrate the holiday with our family. Another great Christmas!


*My poor sister and her kids spent forever trying to find that darn lens out in the snow. They finally did a few days later when the snow had started to melt. Unfortunately, snow, plus road, plus sanding trucks and snow plows = one thoroughly messed up lens. Fortunately, they were still under warranty so we had the lenses replaced for free! We kept the old ones for keepsakes, especially after how hard Kim had looked for it!)

Let it SNOW!

Last winter brought more snow than we had seen here in years, and it was the first year we had a white Christmas.

It was beautiful to see the neighborhood covered in a fresh, white blanket of powder:

And the kids had a blast building snowmen:

And snowduck:

But it was also cold:

And three snow days leading into Christmas break meant a longer winter break, a longer school year, and less time for a procrastinating mother to finish up last minute holiday preparations without four pairs of curious eyes watching her every move.

We were grateful for the roof over our head and warm beds and all of the things we take for granted that so many others must do without. And we were grateful for the snow. But I think I would be just as grateful if this year we saw a little less of it. I'm perfectly content with one good snowy day where the kids can get their fill of snowmen and snowball fights and I can get my fill of bundling up children and cleaning up their wet messes afterwards. Yeah, one day ought to do it.