Maui 2014

I still haven't blogged about Christmas but I want to keep up as much as I can with my blog.

We decided that before we leave this wonderful place, we need to do as much as we can to enjoy it.  Last weekend we went to Maui and had a great time.

We arrived early on Sat morning after the shortest and best flight ever.

We decided because we could not check into the hotel that we would do the Road to Hana.  Gorgeous.  But I did get a little car sick because there is not one straight road along the way.  We had to do it, but I think we will never do it again.

Black Sand Beach

Later that day we stopped for some yummy fresh fish and then a shave ice.

One determined little boy.  He almost finished it.

I also picked up a new bag. A Hawaii Life Real Estate Agent owned the little shop and had one of their real estate offices above it.  The owner has been on the show Hawaii Life on HGTV.

We then headed to our hotel.  We stayed at the Westin at Kanapali Beach.  I just have to share that I love, love this hotel.  We got a great Kamaaina (local) rate and then we were upgraded.  I actually had to go down to the front desk and make sure they gave us the right room.  It was top floor, perfect view...amazing!

Our dining/living room

Views

JJ & Daddy having pool time.  Rain or shine

JJ also loved the flamingos and the birds at the hotel. 

I was able to relax at the spa...it was wonderful.  A massage and a little steam room.  Loved it.

We also shopped a little in Lahaina.  There were two things on our list that we didn't do.  The aquarium and sunrise on Haleakala.  The weather wasn't the greatest but we still enjoyed the trip.  I could have sat in that hotel room and watched the rain all day.  It was gorgeous. 

Some other pictures of our trip

 Lahaina

At the hotel

I actually kind of look like I could be his mom in the picture below.

The last thing we did before we headed on the short journey home was a ride on the Sugar Cane Train.  This had JJ written all over it. I will be shocked if JJ doesn't become and engineer some day. He loves trains but not so much the ride, he likes to pay attention to how they work.  It is amazing as a mom to watch it.

 Some videos of the trains

 We will be back :)

love the mind of a 3 yr old

I was just getting JJ dressed...red shorts and a gray top.  I always ask him about the colors he is wearing.

JJ-"These are my red shorts"
Me-"Yes, what color is your shirt"
He thought about it for a second -
JJ-"Gray"
Then he looks at me and smiles
JJ-"And you are my little twin"

I am wearing a gray shirt too.

Love it!

Back to Hawaii

We made it home from a holiday trip to Wisconsin.  I still have to blog about the holidays but I am waiting on some pictures...

It was a wonderful trip and got to see so many wonderful friends and family. Lots of things happened on the trip.

-First flight out of Honolulu got cancelled at 2 am
-JJ went to the Ladowski home for cookie day
-Big Trip for Miss T-got to meet all her grandparents, first Christmas            baptism, rolled over for the first time
-Christmas Day with Grandma DeMuth
-Meeting baby Reece--just 3 weeks old
-JJ saw his first movie-Frozen-lasted 20 mins (was too excited for the New Year's Eve Party at Auntie Sarah's)
-Celebrated Christmas with family at my mom's house (not sure we have ever done that since high school)
-Saw the lights at the Botanical Garden's in Green Bay-JJ asks to go back through the caterpillar all the time
-JJ went sledding in FDL and loved it
-Baby shower for Baby Cole (can't wait to meet and love this little one)
-JJ showed his love to Bella (the cat) and Ramsey and Sadie (the dogs)
-Football game for Joe & his Dad
-Visiting with good friends--a lot, we were so lucky!
Plus so much more, I can't wait to go through all of the pictures!

Heading Home-
Our day started by leaving at 4:30 am for the airport.  Also have to mention it was at least -30 degrees with windchill, maybe even colder...we were ready to go back to Hawaii! Our kids were amazing. We were stopped after both flights by people on the plane to tell us how wonderful our children were.  The flight attendant actually told me that JJ should teach a class for all toddlers who travel.  We didn't pull out any electronics either, not sure why but I didn't even think about it.  JJ slept, ate, sang songs, looked out the window, counted and was just happy.  I am not sure we will be this lucky every time.

I started to take some pictures this week--enjoying my new iPhone from the hubs :)

Taylor is 4 months and is so similar to JJ it is scary. She loves to smile,  laugh and make noises for anyone who will listen.  She is a very happy baby.

 Sucking her thumb, just like her brother.

 

JJ is also growing so fast. He makes me laugh every day!

Not sure how this is comfortable

 

He took the back of his sticker from Target and put it on his eye and said "I am Captain Hook"...just a coincidence that he is wearing his Capt. Adorable shirt :)

 

 

Best quote of the week comes from JJ-
I was flipping through the channels on the TV and JJ saw CNN. There was a panel discussion going on. 
JJ-"Mommy, there are grandpas on TV"
Me-"What?"
JJ-" Two grandpas and a mommy"
It was a show with two older men with white hair and a younger woman.  Funny how his brain works.


Hope everyone is enjoying the New Year!

Lights of the season

Last Friday we met up with our friends, The Adams, to take a stroll through our neighborhood to look at lights.  Some homes are amazing and really get into the holiday spirit.  Joe pulled the kids in the wagon, just like last year. 

Below are some picture of the lights

One of our favorite houses has the light synchronized to music and they have someone at the window. Watch closely and can see movement in the window (it is Santa!). JJ loves it.

Nothing is better than watching the excitement of children during the holidays.  I love it!