Hawaii

Gage and dad taking a walk

We just returned from the most amazing family vacation we've ever taken. My little sister married her long-time sweet heart on the lovely island of Maui. This gave us the opportunity to go somewhere we probably would never have gone, and we loved every single moment of it. I think we'll probably be going back! It was amazing, eventhough it is Hawaii's winter. Highs in the mid-80's, lows in the 70's, a little breezy, a few amazing Hawaiian rains, great surfing waves to watch, and all the beauty we could imagine. Plus, about 60 family and friends on the island in various locations.

Aunt Sara, Uncle Kane, Grandma Joleena and Grandpa Shannon's hotel had great water slides and pools. We all enjoyed them!

Ash

Gunnar

Scuba diving lessons were given at our condo in the pool, then Ashtyn and her dad went on a scuba diving adventure in the ocean. What a great experience! They had a blast.

Ash, practicing in the pool.

Getting ready to hit the ocean!

We took a fantastic trip with Michael's family to the crater island of Molikini. While there we all had the chance to snorkel in the clearest water over a great reef filled with beautiful fish. We then got on the boat and went off the coast of Maui and were able to swim with very large sea turtles and see more beautiful fish on the reef. The day was beautiful and we all had an amazing time.

Austen, Myles and Gunnar

Our crew

Gunnar testing out his gear

Sisters

Of course, there was a wedding! It was the most amazing location located on the north side of the island near Haiku. It was at an old sugar mill which they've converted into a beautiful location for weddings and parties. The venue was undescribably beautiful. What a fun day! Welcome to the family...finally...Kane! We love you both.

Ash and Jill
Sara

Mom and her girls

Our family and Kaytlyn at rehearsal dinner

We played in the water a lot!!!

Ash boogie boarding

Gage and mom enjoying a beautiful evening

Gage wasn't a big fan of the sand or the ocean at first, but we worked on him and he was ok with it by the end.

Watching surfers on some huge waves on the North shore.

Sara, Grandpa and Gage

Aunt Sara making Abree into a mermaid

Grandma, Grandpa and Gage

Gage waiting patiently to get into the pool. Trying to get to his sisters and brother!

The favorite dancer at the luau!

Abree and Ash headed to hit the waves

Dad and Gunnar

Abree doing some water tricks

Taking in the luau

The wind loved to catch Gage's hair

Their favorite spot...the hot tub

More stunts

loved the water...both of them

Great aquarium!

watching the fish

This was a white shark. There were hammerheads, tigers and more sharks. Plus, baracuda, a few types of sting rays, and a bunch of jaks in this tank.

Love the jelly fish

Got to touch and feel

Abree with the most important accessory, the goggles. KK, too.

Sand sticking to his face, in his eyes, in his mouth...he hated it. Then I realized how much he had in his pants...poor guy!

Outside the door of our condo

Ash and Gunnar boardin'

Gunnar loved it until he got thrashed onto the beach and ate too much sand! Abree, too.

If you ask the kids, they'd probably say that the bumper boats were one of their favorites. Abree even got to drive her own! Oh, they giggled so much, including dad and Kaytlyn.

Abree this isn't a bull, it is a turtle. Oh, the farm girl!

There are about 300 more pictures I could share, but I would bore you. We are so blessed to have had this experience. If you are considering taking a family vacation, consider Maui! It was phenominal. Our kids were begging us to live there and enroll them in school as the saddness over took them leaving the island.

Congratulations, Sara and Kane!