Peace. Love. Maui.

Maui is here and gone, but we have memories to last a lifetime. Maybe I shouldn't say "lifetime", because I plan on talking my husband into taking me back soon! We have been to some great locations, so we weren't sure how Hawaii would rank. From the time we arrived, we both decided it was no contest. We fell in love with Maui immediately. To be honest, I had been dreading this trip from its inception.  My head told me we should go, but my heart told me not to leave my baby girl. I am so glad I listened to my head. Although we talked and thought about Great nonstop, we were so glad to enjoy Paradise, just the two of us.

Our room was right on the beach.  When they said ocean front, they meant it.  We fell asleep to the waves every night.  The lanai was a great place for reading, Skype-ing with Greta, catching up on all my shows, and watching sunsets.  

Since we had a full kitchen, we ate breakfast and lunch at the condo.  But for dinner we took turns picking a restaurant each night.  Every dining experience was great.  We became so spoiled that we were disappointed if our restaurant wasn't ocean front (which only happened once).  Here we are at Duke's (a legendary Hawaiian grill).  This was the only place we visited twice.

We took an amazing sailboat ride to the infamous Molokini snorkel spot.  My parents took this trip three years ago and it was their gift to us to take the same trip.  We had no idea how much we'd love it.  There is nothing better than sailing off the Maui coast without a care in the world.  Unfortunately, I only got pics of us on the back of the boat.  

Whenever we talked to a Hawaii veteran, the advice was always the same...go to a luau!  So we heeded their advice and attended the Old Lahaina Luau.  We weren't disappointed.  Exotic foods for Jace, fruity drinks for me, and a great hula show.  

We snorkeled at three different sites.  We found Honolua Bay by accident on a scenic drive.  So we made a pit stop to do some snorkeling.  Jace was bound and determined to find a sea turtle.  When I was getting ready for our farewell dinner, Jace came rushing in for his snorkel gear.  Every night around 6pm, a sea turtle would pop his head up near the shore.  Jace was determined to meet him before we bid our farewell, but fifteen minutes later he came sulking back to the room...no turtle.  Maybe next time (yes, next time).

Until we meet again...