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.
We were in the hotel vs. the villas (which I think is the vacation club part). It was really nice - we would stay there again. We looked at the villas one day when we were driving around and they were really nice - better baby pool area there vs. the hotel. We like Westin's in general.
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what great photos! i've traveled with my little ones and always have empathy for the moms with crying babies. they grow up and i miss those vacations. trips with teens and older kids are fun too!
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Welcome back Ali. I am thrilled that you made a trip to Maui. We will be making our 5th trip this summer (conference related). We have always stayed at Kaanapali Beach (Hyatt). I have such a passion for that place and I am always overjoyed when other get to experience it.
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Welcome back! Looks and sounds like it was a special week.
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I just spent the day with my daughter & 2 young grand-daughters(3 & 3 months) on a trip to a city 2 hours away. I empathize with you on the travel thing but it is nice to just get a break from the everyday, isn't it? Glad you are back though!
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Welcome back. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your technology break as well as the quality family time away from it all! Lovely photos...
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Welcome back! The pictures are incredible and especially love the one of Simon holding Anna his face shows so much love to her! Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Best!
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what great pictures ali! i love the first one of the whole family, it is just wonderful. glad your trip was great and so sorry to hear anna was sick of traveling last night...it is so hard with little ones...i totally understand that now.
welcome home!
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You deserved having a splendid vacation like that ... but take a nanny! LOL, that way 'she' can take care of getting all the necessities out of the way while you just all spend time and have fun. Yeah, I know, wishful thinking on my part, too. But thank you for sharing your pictures ... and you looked wonderfully relaxed! Good for you!
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The pictures are beautiful. Sounds like you had a great vacation.
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Wonderful vacation photos...I think the pic of Anna sitting with a book and her big blue sun hat may be the sweetest thing I've ever seen! TFS
-Sarah
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I love her little blue hat :)
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well back safe n sound...GREAT! 2 little ones is not easy...I remember :) ...but the memories are awesome! Hope your lil guy is all better and the bug was left in Maui! a grand place for sure! welcome home, we missed you.
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Missed your posts, loved your guests...best picture ever! The two at the table is so special!!
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Welcome home! I enjoyed the guest posts. Thanks for having something in this space in your absence! Great photos from the trip. The one with Anna and Simon together is precious. I look forward to seeing how you decide to document the trip!
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That picture of Simon holding Anna (the fourth top down) is so precious!!
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Matt always makes it a point to smile and offer help to mamas with screaming mimis when he is traveling, because oh, have we been there :) What a fun trip!
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Ali - You look beautiful! What a wonderful trip. Welcome back!
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Glad you had a nice time in Maui. I love it there. My husband and I went last September with our 3 kids (ages 6, 4, and 2). I learned alot about changing my expectations as well. But definitely worth it.
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Looks like heaven Ali!! Love the family photo.. you are a hottie!! and the photo of Anna reading the book.. precious!! can't wait to see what you do with these wonderful photo's.. Glad you all had a great time!! I am sure it was well deserved!!
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Welcome back Ali! Missed your daily posts.
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Looks like you all had a fabulous time. The photo of Simon and Anna cuddling each other is so precious!
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Gorgeous pictures! Thanks for sharing them with us.
A break from information and technology is so important as we have access to it 24/7. When I do it (not often enough!) I feel adjusted and somehow refreshed and it feels good.
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Just had to comment...I knew right away where you had stayed at because it is the only place we stay when we visit Maui and that is where I am at right now! I couldn't totally abandon my daily blog watch(yours) on this vacation! So important to have every moment with your kids, as it goes by way too quickly. I know I will cherish this vacation as it is our last big family one together because one of my stepdaughters is getting married and starting her own family traditions this summer. Cherish...is all I can say. ALOHA!!
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Your family photos are priceless. ;)
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