Maui #5- TSUNAMI!!!*

(*warning)

There's nothing like spending your last beautiful day in Maui on the top of a hill for 7 hours looking at the ocean, waiting for something to happen.
We were woken up at 5:30 AM by Lauren's mom, which although was not fun, was better than being woken up by the Tsunami alarms that started at 6 AM. After packing up all the food/clothes/diapers we could fit in the rental car, we headed to the local airport, located on the closest hill to our hotel. At first, Gabe though it was a great adventure, Dora-style (Where are we going? Tallest Mountain! Where are we going? Tallest Mountain!) But the fun did wear off after about the first 4 hours.
By the way, Hawaiians sure know how to throw a Tsunami Party. I saw more than one van packed to the roof with what I though were their household belongings, only to see them unpack: Portable BBQs, chairs, umbrellas, stereos, and several coolers full of meat and beer. Apparently, I was listening to the wrong news broadcast. Here are some photos of the mayhem.




PS- there was no tsunami.
PPS- I should have packed less diapers and more (some) Rum.

Maui #4- Maui Ocean Center

Travis and I took the boys to the local Aquarium and had a great time, even if it was slightly under-whelming (think Sea World prices meets Oregon Coast Aquarium attractions).
But Hey, a February Day in Maui beats one in Oregon!

Maui #3- Chillaxin' in Lahina

This vacation is where Gabe officially learned his newest word: Chillaxin' ( FYI- Chillin' + Relaxin' = Chillaxin').
He can even conjugate it correctly as in "Gabe, it's time for bed," "Mom, I just want to sit here and chillax with you." Awesome.
Here are some photos of our chillaxin' day.

Maui #2- Beach Bums

One of the first things we did after arriving was to hit the ocean. Although, I packed very cute, bright, and fun swim trunks, Gabe wanted nothing to do with them. He'd wear them for about 5 minutes, them insisted on taking them off as soon as they got "wet." Here are a selection of photos, from a selection of beaches, without a stitch of clothing (save the hat).

Maui #1- Heading out & Checking in

For those of you who didn't know, Gabe, Alex and I spent the last week in February in Maui with Mom, Travis, Ryan & Lauren. Unfortunately, Chris wasn't able to join us, but at least he got a nice break relaxing at home. Here are the boys on the plane, getting ready to take off.



During the course of this flight & day, I was vomited on, peed on, and pooped on (yes, the trifecta!), so you'll forgive me if there are no pictures of our arrival. However, Travis did take this one, as I wasn't in the mood for pictures. As soon as we arrived at the condo, Travis and I were checking in a speaking to the other residents. When we turned around, this is what we saw.
(Yes, that is the sidewalk right in front of the rental car. Tired?)

Here are some photos of the view from our beautiful Lanai, which was just a few feet from the ocean (depending on the tide).



Gabe, exploring some of the "locals"


Alex, enjoying a little snack on our Lanai.


And learning to climb. (Funny how I think to grab the camera first, then rescue him- With Gabe, it used to be the other way around)

Dorsey, Andrew and Jack are dead

I don't know why, or what happened. But if Gabe asks, they got too big for the tank and joined the Circus.
In the meantime, I have cleaned out the tank, bought a heater, pH balanced, and make a cozy home for our new "tenants." Wish us luck.
Gabe did request, however, that we pick out fish that will stay small. How cute that he believes every word out of my mouth.

The Fishes

Meet Dorsey, Andrew, and Jack; Gabe's 3rd birthday present from Uncle Ryan and Lauren. I wasn't sure the fish were actually going to make it. Because, really, how log do you expect a $.23 fish to live? But these boys have powered through a month, so they get a spot on the blog.


Although, I don't know where Gabe got the name "Dorsey", Andrew and Jack are buddies of his from daycare. Gabe loves the fish so much, I am starting to get over the fact that the tank is huge, the filter needs replaced every couple of months, and that their food stinks. (Seriously, why does fish food smell like fish?) Anyway we'll see if they survive while we're out of town!

Gabe's Birthday Festivities

Gabe's Birthday started with an lunch outing with Uncle Ryan and Lauren. They had a fun trip to the pet store (more on that later). Followed by a nutritious lunch at McDonald's. Really, I think that he just wanted the toy.



There was a Birthday celebration at Daycare with cupcakes and friends. Mmm...french fries and cupcakes, must be heaven for a 3 year old.




Hold on Alex...Just 6 more weeks, and you can have cake too!

The week ended with a Birthday Party on Saturday at the Children's Museum with 13 of Gabe's closest buddies. There was pizza, cake, and play, play, play! For anyone who has never hosted a birthday party at the Children's museum, I highly recommend it! They have tons of activities on-hand and even do the clean-up!

Look...

Uncle Ryan can make paper hats!

Winter Wonderland

Just when we thought we weren't going to get any December snow...It came. Gabe and Chris had a fun time, bundled up in jackets, hats, gloves and boots. Alex and I stayed inside, keeping warm by the fire.