Starting 2023 in Maui

 We've just returned from 8 beautiful days in Maui.  We left a very cold and snowy midwest for mid 80's, an abundance of sunshine and sand between our toes.  

This year we rang in the New Year in one of our favorite places, Maui.  We had an amazing time!!! It's also whale season on the island which made it even more special.  

We stayed at our favorite condominium complex.  It's the closest of any on the island and the floor to ceiling windows boast a view that is sun up to sun down amazing. The balcony is right at the foot of the ocean and out here to eat and watch the whales is as peaceful as it gets.

The hosts always leave a thoughtful arrival gift. 

That first morning sunrise from the balcony is breathtaking.  Looking out at Molokai is the perfect start to any day. 

A day on the beach with these two is heaven on earth.

Lily and I can't resist making fun of him.  He is notorious for falling asleep out here. 

We eat a lot of pineapple during our stay.  It is absolutely delicious!

Of course, no hot day in Maui is complete without popping over to Lahaina for some shaved ice.  

A picture can't do the number of stars in the night sky over the ocean justice.

Early morning arrival at the harbor for our first trip out to whale watch.

It really is one of the most exciting and amazing experiences ever.  And yes, we got this close.  There is a 100 yard law for approaching.  However, if the whales swim up to the boat, you stay still until they move on.  They will often swim up and breach right next to the boat.  To watch these gentle giants emerge and leap out of the water is just breathtaking and one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see.  

Whales give off a turquoise reflection in the water because of the white underside of their tails.  I love this picture as the whales breach was coming to an end. You can see the turquoise in the picture from his massive splash.

Our first trip out had a few whales come right up to and under the boat.  Matt was able to get some really cool underwater videos.  You can watch them breach and play from the shore but nothing compares to being out on the water with them.  You can even hear the males sing.  It truly is magical.

Some Christmas decorations around the island

Sunrises are rivaled only by sunsets

Rainbows are abundant.  You see at least one almost every day.

   

Matt and Lily Grace got in some golf on one of the beautiful courses along the ocean.  They played with a father and son team from Chicago.  On Matt's second trip he got to play with two guys who work for the PGA.  They were in town for the Sentry tournament. He had so much fun. 

Gracie and I got in some shopping while Matt played golf. 

There is no shortage of feral chicken and roosters on Maui.  You can even find them in the trees and the cockadoodle doos are all day.

Before our midnight sail to welcome in 2023, we stopped by the old Banyan tree that was lit up for Christmas. 

I like to kid Matt that this picture looks like some kind of lux ad. 

We met Ali and her family on our midnight sail to see the fireworks on New Years Eve.  Ali and her family are from San Fransisco and she and Gracie are the same age.  These girls danced the night away with the onboard DJ and had so much fun. Ali, Grace and Michael ended up joining us for another whale watching trip and breakfast one morning. 

Ringing in 2023 aboard a beautiful catamaran.  Matt and I got a laugh at realizing we were actually awake and alert at midnight.  ha! 

The day before we left we took one last whale watching trip.  We thought going at sunset this time would be the perfect end to our trip.  It certainly was!  You couldn't ask for a more beautiful ending.  

One last look before heading to the airport- Thank you Maui! Each visit gets better and better.  

Merry Christmas!

 We've had a wonderful Christmas.  It's been very cold with snow on the ground.  

We have a lot of exciting things happening over Christmas break.  

We are leaving the cold behind the day after Christmas for the 80's and sand between our toes.  

Once back from Maui, we will welcome a new furry family member.  

What a special time.  Lots of memories made and blessings counted. 

We did miss our Molly.  She loved the excitement of Christmas morning.  She will always be in our hearts. 

Lily Grace and I are constantly sneaking over to the tree changing out the light colors.  She likes colored lights and I like white.  This year, we came up with a compromise.  I got white tree lights and she got jewel toned colorful lights on the fireplace mantle. 

This year, Lily Grace said she'd like us to string popcorn for the tree.  We spent an evening popping and stringing only for her to decide that it was taking way too long to string enough to wrap the tree.  We ended up with three strings that only cover the front the tree and a bit of the sides.  It did provide a good laugh if you walked too far around and saw where it didn't make it.  We deemed it character and decided regardless it was going on because of the trouble.  I wouldn't have traded that time doing that with her for anything.

We fill each other's stockings and it's one of the first things we like to go through on Christmas morning. 

Every year, Lily Grace gives Matt personalized golf balls.  He looks forward to seeing what's on them each year.  She makes sure it's something to give a laugh, especially when he pulls them out with his league. This year they read: "Swiftie Dad- I got the tickets to prove it."

On a side note- look at Matt's side.  We love to make fun of him and how tidy he is about opening his gifts.  He's already opened several and it's neat as a pin over there.  Meanwhile, Lily and I have paper and boxes strewn all over the couch and the floor like an explosion took place.  

She also got him this t-shirt.  The large print says, I  Love My Wife but when you read between the lines it says, when she lets me play golf. 

Grace was thrilled to get some Taylor Swift midnights merch.

Matt also wraps his own gifts and Gracie and I always get a laugh out of the different bows he ties.  

We also visited a breeder over Christmas and there's a good chance you'll be seeing a lot of this super cute boy. 

Mele  Kalikimaka!  We're off to Maui for New Years! 🌴

National Honor Society

National Honor Society inductions take place Junior year at Bishop Dwenger.  Becoming a member begins with being invited to apply after meeting several criteria.  It requires a lot of hard work and a thoughtful application process. Today, Matt and I watched Lily Grace receive that honor at a beautiful ceremony and luncheon.  

Lily Grace, Daddy and I are so very proud of you.  You work so hard and it was so nice to see you recognized for that today. We love you so very much! You shine both inside and out!

Sweet friends

We love you Gracie!

Tickets to Taylor

Well, Ticketmaster certainly didn't make it easy, but Matt was up to the task.  We had no idea how chaotic and challenging it would be to get tickets, especially since we secured presale codes. Let me be honest, I was near tears with frustration and failed at my all day attempts. Matt however, was able to get us Taylor Swift tickets and even scored us floor seats by the stage.  We were truly feeling the pressure to pull this off.  Lily Grace, a HUGE Swiftie asked for tickets for her 17th birthday in April and according to her, any other special day she needed to call in.  It was a nerve-racking day and our family text thread confirms that, but boy did the tone change when Matt sent the news.  Matt you rock! Now comes the wait until June. 

 

Our sweet Molly

 This week has been a heartbreaking one at our house.  We had to say goodbye to our beloved Molly.  She died at home. We were with her, telling her what a good girl she was and how much she was loved as she took her last breaths.  

Losing Molly was one of the hardest things we've been through as a family.  Molly was just shy of 12 years. She and Lily have grown up together.  Lily was 5 when we welcomed Molly home.  

Molly was the absolute sweetest and most loyal girl.  She remained a puppy at heart, right up to her last day.  We will miss her greatly.

Molly, thank you for loving us unconditionally, making us laugh, causing chaos that made our house a home and for your loyal, big heart.  You meant so much to us and we loved you so very much!  

Pretty Projects

 Lily and I both completed big crochet projects.  I finished my Cobblestone Path blanket. Gracie finished a beautiful Granny Square blanket.  

She's completed several purses and totes as well.  She's even crocheted a top. 

I love the colors she used in this blanket.