Thursday, October 31, 2013

Trick-r-Treat

Boys in Blue playing in October...we had to show our love!

Time to take the nephews Trick-R-Treating with the family!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Maui Vacation

View from Papa & Tutu's Condo
My grandparents own a penthouse condo with a picturesque view in Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii. As a kid, we were appreciative of the opportunity this afforded us to visit the beautiful island of Maui fairly frequently. This island has also become a special part of my adult life as well, and I have grown even more appreciative of being able to spend time here.  We got engaged in Maui six years ago and spent our honeymoon here the year after that.  Because Maui was part of this happy & memorable time in our life, it makes it even sweeter to visit.   We just recently spent 10 days on the island with my grandparents and had a really nice and relaxing trip.  Although Jerry & I have stayed in my grandparents place before, we have never been on the island at the same time as them, so it was great to be able to spend 10 days with them.   Tutu (grandma) always has fun stories to tell about the island and how it use to be back in the 60's or 70's; when tourism was very low and the island was less developed.  She has the best stories!  We also reminisced on past visits, scouted for turtles from the balcony, played cards, had Papus at sunset and visited with neighbors.  Times like these make me appreciate the culture and opportunities that my grandparents have provided.  They are great!

Scouting Snorkeling

Aside from spending most days snorkeling and sitting on the shore, we also really enjoyed:

~ Dinner as Sensai with Papa & Tutu - We arrived 30 minutes prior to opening to get a table, and waited with 30 other people...we had our fingers crossed that we would get a seat...and we did.  We enjoyed some of the freshest sushi and most beautiful presentation of food.  It was fancy and we loved it!

~ Dinner at the Yacht House with Papa, Tutu & Shirley (Maui neighbor) - the Yacht House has a Thursday Lobster special for members.  Papa had reserved two lobsters for Jerry & I prior to arrival.  We had fun trying to eat every inch of the lobster while sitting directly on the harbor during sunset.  It was a evening of great food and conversation. 

~ Lunch at Star Noodle in Lahaina - Jerry & I really wanted to eat here if we had the chance.  We heard so many great reviews on the food and I was obsessed with going to a restaurant opened by a Top Chef winner, Sheldon Simeon.  This place was so amazingly delicious that I am going to post a separate entry about the food and experience.


Maui Brewing Company OktoberFest
~ Maui Brewing Company OcktoberFEST - This event took place on Jerry's birthday, featured a Hawaiian singer that we really admire (Paula Fuga) and raised money for a good cause...all while beer was served over looking the ocean at sunset.  It was so fitting for Jerry's birthday!  We have celebrated his birthday at Oktoberfest's in the past, but never in Hawaii.  This was a very memorable experience!  Click here to see a video of the events...we appear a few times :)

~ Playing Cards with Papa & Tutu - Time spent playing cards meant time spent talking "story" (slang to chitchat, talking, etc in Hawaiian).  Talking story made me feel closer to my grandparents because I got the chance to know them that much more.  My Papa is so patient and humble.  I just laugh when seeing him stir in thought at my Tutu, but doesn't say a word.  It was awesome to see this couple, my grandparents, married 60+ years, how they interacted was pure love!  Jerry & I really admire their relationship and enjoyed seeing their fun side, flirtatious side and bantering side.  That's what life is all about!

Makena Beach: Breathtaking! Even on a gloomy day.
~ Drive around the northwest side of Maui - This end of the island is not very populated and has a road similar to Hana.  This was a side of the island that we hadn't explored before, and we are sure glad we took the drive.  At one point we were stuck on the one lane road as oncoming traffic was not able to merge or pull over.  It was quite the experience and a beautiful way to see the northwest shore.

~ Makena Beach - our favorite place in the entire world.  Maybe it's the memories, the friends we have made here, or just the simple beauty.  Nothing is between you and nature when here.  When I think of pure bliss I think of this beach and the rawness of Makena.

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church
~ Church - I really enjoy attending Mass while on vacation.  Seeing different Catholic Churches and experiencing a local congregation allows me to give thanks and feel grateful during my trip.  We went to Mari Lanakila Church with my grandparents twice while visiting.  We grew up going to this church and my grandparents are part of the regular congregation.  It was a nice way to stay grounded while traveling and time enjoying time with Papa & Tutu.  

~ Late night chats with a German friend - we met a tourist from Germany that was staying in the complex and really enjoyed the late night chat sessions.  We spent hours talking about life, politics,history, love...you name it!  We love getting perspective from worldly people, especially this brilliant man.  He was great fun to talk to after a day in the sun as we sipped our beverages and contemplated our lives back home in the rat race. 



For my grandparents, they have worked hard to make Maui their home away from home.  I someday would love to do the same.  Maui isn't only one of the most beautiful places that I've visited, but it holds deep and special family memories.  I am always grateful to travel, but am really grateful to have my grandparents to travel with. Without them, I wouldn't know the beautiful wonders of Maui, nor have the warming memories of this island that shape Me! 

Here are some pictures from our trip:
Pool area at Papa & Tutu's complex

Church on North West side of Maui

Relaxing at Makena Beach
Enjoying Maui!
Dinner at The Yacht Club
Sunset from Papa & Tutu's
Jerry waving good bye to Maui...until next time! Mahalo.