Home Again.
We landed back home safe & sound late last night from a spring break adventure in Maui.
It was our first big trip with two kids (and our first visit to Maui). The flying part was pretty much all good except for our final leg from San Francisco last night. Anna was seriously done with all this travel business and let us and everyone else on the plane know just how she felt about it. I kinda felt like crying right along with her. (Note to self: remember to always send a kind look towards any mom flying with little ones, especially when they are crying.)
Simon was sick for a couple of days right in the middle of our trip with a fever which was a pretty big bummer. We thought at first it might have been some sort of sun-sickness after a big first full day swimming in the pool and ocean but it ended up it was likely that we have just been passing around this fever-cold for the last month or so.
Overall Maui was beautiful. We were together. When he was feeling well Simon loved the pool and he also loved playing in the surf and crashing around in the waves. Anna wanted to do everything that Simon was doing which was a bit of a challenge but also really cool. Sometimes I think she thinks she's eight too.
Chris took Simon on a whale-watching boat on our second-to-last morning. They got to see quite a few whales, even a few swimming under the boat.
There was not a lot of relaxation with two active kids (see part about adjusting expectations below). I found myself always on the lookout for shade for Anna and I especially, constantly reapplying sunscreen, and always making sure the next meal/snack was in the works.
The technology break was much needed. I did actually stay away from the internet, email, and work for the duration (quick email checks on my phone to delete the junk but that was it). It's awesome that we have so much access to information and the ability to work anywhere, but it was so nice to just turn it off for a week (and now I'm ready to be back).
We learned a lot about the ups & downs of traveling with two kids and about once again adjusting our expectations in a variety of different areas. Where to push and when to pull and when to just let go and look up at the sky and be thankful wherever I was at that very moment.
A big thank you to my guest posters this past week. I really appreciate your willingness to share your creativity and projects and thoughts.
I am tackling email today and getting back down to business. I'm also thinking of ways to document this latest family adventure.
It feels good to be home.
Yeah for Maui. That is my favourite place on earth... always feels so sad to leave and still so good to be home. ESPECIALLY traveling with small people.
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Welcome home! Excellent observations and glad you had a great together time!
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It looks like yall had a blast. the picture of Anna with the book is precious!
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Welcome home! Looking forward to seeing what you do with your trip photos. Love the pictures.
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Welcome back...and that picture of Anna in the hat is just to die for...
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Welcome home! I can't wait to see what you do with your fabulous photos from the trip. No pressure or anything.
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I love the photos showing your two children, especially Simon with his arms around Anna. What wonderful moments to preserve. Thanks for sharing!
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what wonderful pictures. i think your on your way to documenting this great time.
welcome back.
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welcome home!! wow Maui, what a great trip and one of those places that I want to go to soon! and i so understand about the traveling with 2 kids. we go to Costa Rica every year to see family since my oldest was 6 months and now they are 7 and 4! it is hectic and exhausting!! glad you had fun! love the pics!
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Yay! Glad you're back :) It's pretty great to take a complete break from work/being online! Tried that once and everything seemed more fresh and inspiring.
Can't wait to see how you put these photos together too!
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How wonderful for you to get away with your family to beautiful Maui!!! Nice to see you back blogging, though. :)
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Welcome home! I'm looking forward to my technology vacation in June. Going with my college girlfriends to the mountains -- no WiFi there! Possibly no cell signals either...
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Awesome. Yay for your little family; a nice break from it all. Love the pic of Simon and Anna looking at one another. And your description of little Anna makes me think of my little one who idolizes her 4 year old brother and forgets that she's only just turned 2! Oh and thank goodness for that iPhone, huh? Mine has pulled through for me at times too. Nice guest posts. Cheers.
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Welcome back. Love that photo of Anna peeking up the bed at Simon. Looks like a good time and much needed break for all.
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Glad you're back. Enjoyed your guests as well. Glad you had a great time. Thanks for sharing your pictures. Looks like a wonderful break.
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Welcome home! Great pictures. I love the one of Simon with Anna in his arms. I hope their relationship is always this close. It is just beautiful. can't wait to see what you do with all those pictures. Glad you had a good vacation even if there were hitches.
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welcome back! so glad your lil family had some much needed time together, but i am really glad your back...im so look forword to your blog :)
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thanks for sharing about your trip! hawaii is bliss! great photos.
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Welcome home Ali! I've travelled frequently and long distances with 2 small kiddos. I remember flying Japan to Germany with Ella at a similar age to Anna, and she screamed 10 hours of that 12 hour flight. I totally know what you're talking about.
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Welcome home Ali! I've travelled frequently and long distances with 2 small kiddos. I remember flying Japan to Germany with Ella at a similar age to Anna, and she screamed 10 hours of that 12 hour flight. I totally know what you're talking about.
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Welcome home Ali! I've travelled frequently and long distances with 2 small kiddos. I remember flying Japan to Germany with Ella at a similar age to Anna, and she screamed 10 hours of that 12 hour flight. I totally know what you're talking about.
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I know how you feel about traveling with kids can be challenge! I love Maui. My son was 8 months old We went to Oahu for family reunion for christmas. I was so exhausting entire of the trip but had a good time! Right now my son who is 9 we went to Seattle and Vancouver BC last summer. It was super easy and relax than smallar children! Glad that you enjoy your trip to Maui. Great pictures!
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So glad you had a wonderful time. the first time I ever went to the beach I was with my 1 yr old twins.. they kept eating the sand.... after a few days we got into a good groove and had a wonderful time... like you said it's all about adjusting your expectations....
I was wondering if it's okay to link to your project from my blog, with just one photo and a link back for the tutorial... I'm want to do a scrap booking, as you go "on vacation" post and was wondering if I could feature some of your tutorials...
if not.. no big deal, just thought I'd ask.
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Welcome back! Travelling with two little ones is less like a vacation and more like a play date...but a very important, interesting one!~ Great to learn lessons on how to do it next time! Because there has to be next times!!!!
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beautiful photos - thanks for sharing! and welcome back!
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