Maui 2015

 A few weeks ago our school was out for Fall Break.  We left town and went to Maui!  We weren't the only family in Almaden with the same idea-- we saw 7 other families on the same plane that we knew!  And a few more at the airport heading to other places as well.

We usually stay in Kaanapali, but since the place we usually stay was closed for renovations, we decided to try something new.  We stayed in Wailea at a resort called the Wailea Beach Villas.  The place was amazing!  I didn't take very many ipctures of it, but the pic of the kitchen above gives you a sense of how nice it was.

The beach was also beautiful (is there a beach in Hawaii that isn't gorgeous?)

Vinny and Ewan, being goofs

Our friends the Landines were staying at a place just a mile down the road from us.  The kids had a blast hanging with their friends most days on the beach.

Pete walking down to the water in flippers was much more entertaining live than in a still pic.  You will just have to trust me on that one.

We went to a Luau at the Grand Wailea, which was the resort right next to ours.  It was nice being able to walk back to our room after the show.

The Landine, Contini and Christensen kids, ready to snorkle!

We also did a snorkel trip to Molokini and Turtle Town.  The Landines came, along with the Christensen family, other friends of ours who were also there.

Joey wore the gopro and got a few fun shots underwater.

Including, of course, a selfie.

Pete and Vinny

For the first time, Christopher was finally big enough to go ziplining!  He was still too small for most of the companies, but we did fine one that he could do.

The boys have all done some ziplining while at camp.  I have even done it many years ago at some residency bonding thing.  While Pete was the only newbie, the extent and height of this course was nothing like any of us had done.  It was a blast!!

Zach

Vinny

walking the bridge to another tree

Family picture time!

More realistic family time...

Zach

Pete

Joey

Chris

Vinny, who was just as big a spaz in the air as on the ground!

Chris

Joey

Me!

 After ziplining, which was located upcountry, we went to a pizze place that came recommended to us by so many people it was ridiculous.  FlatBread Pizza Company in Paia.  I highly receommend if you are ever there--it was delicious!

After pizza we went for shave ice,

 and gelato.

Overall, a fun day spent exploring a different part of the island.  Our trip was a fun combination of days spent doing activities, and days spent just hanging out at the beach alld ay.  The weather was perfect- not one day of rain (despite the dreary predictions I was obsessing over on Weather Underground)

 The resort we stayed at had a pool table that the kids enjoyed.

 The best thing though was the guys that would set you up with chairs and umbrellas every day!

We were even able to get good snorkeling in right on Wailea beach itself.

The picture above just made me laugh-- Erika (the Landines daughter) had Zach pulling her around the sand on the boogie board.

Pete and I even got a few workouts in.  We went to Crossfit Kihei, a small and friendly box that had some great workouts and nice people.

Does this picture even  need a caption?

And then, sadly, the week was over.  Countless family memories made and some much needed relaxation was had by all.  Already looking forward to our next trip.