Aloha & Mahalo

Mom made this collage of the vow renewal ceremony at D.T. Fleming Beach on Maui. There are so many wonderful pictures and memories, but these represent the meaning of the trip

....Ohana....family....

I can honestly say I am still riding high from the trip. We have not had a true family vacation in SO many years, and this one was A.mazing! I could not imagine a better time. Maui was beyond words with beautiful beaches, perfect weather and amazing landscape. Recounting the trip would take many, many blogs....so I wanted to highlight some activities....

* USS Arizona/Pearl Harbor Memorial and Punchbowl Cemetary. Both extremely humbling places. It was awe inspiring to see both of these historical landmarks. I have long enjoyed cemetaries....don't ask why, I find a certain solace. I enjoy the history, the quiet and imagining the people who are represented by stone....I really got a lot from this, it was breathtaking.

* Waking up and going to sleep with all the family in one place. Seems simple, but it was very "Walton-ish"...."night Mom, night Dad, night Bubba & Linds".

* Running on Maui. Chris and I stuck with his marathon training plan and did 5 runs on Maui! What an interesting climate to run in....and the view....remarkable.

* Sunsets. The world stops on Maui when the sun is setting. Everyone scrambles to reach a place to watch the sun sink quietly into the ocean. Who would think a simple act, happening everyday is so ignored at home and so cherished on Maui....

* Overcoming fears. This trip carried a lot of excitement for me as well as a lot of anxiety. I am not great at flying and managed through the flights controlling my anxiety fairly well. PC helped a lot in distracting me the best he could. I also swam in the ocean with big waves, boogie boarded and tried snorkeling....things I never thought I would do. Thanks to having the help of Poppa and Momma Bear as well as Bubba and Linds to coach me and help comfort me.

* Renewal. Mom and Dad renewed their wedding vows after 31 years of marriage. The Hawaiian minister was fantastic. Hearing him talk about marriage was inspiring. A Facebook friend gave me an idea....she suggested PC and I renew our vows someday at that same beach.....as if we need an excuse to go back....but that is a good one!

I could go on forever about the trip. It was amazing. We had some fantastic times and many memories were made.