Grandma Aloha

Our granddaughter, Rose, entered the room and announced to her grandma, "'Say Yes to the Dress' is on!"  That means one thing:  The television comes on and the two of them (and often the three--Iris, Rose and Grandma) snuggle and watch the show together. Besides sharing thoughts on the beautiful wedding dresses on the show, we discuss the family dynamics and how despite different opinions, each are together in love.  

Our daughter, Allison, and her husband, Brent, and our 2 Colorado flowers, Iris (12) and Rose (8) got on a flight back home last night after 8 days here on Maui with us.  We so enjoyed this time with them as they experienced Hawaii, Maui and the Ka'anapali area for the first time.  Memories include a gecko, feeding pigeons under the banyan tree, befriending "beach cats," sea turtles and urchins in the coral reef, hula/sosumi (So Sue Me!) pie, Castaway's coconut shrimp "pupu" and the HUGE "kids" burger, "Jumanji:  Welcome to the Jungle," early morning whale watching, the hot tub on a stormy day, a luau and sand castles.

During this time with the Cricks, Grandma Brenda was also texting communication with her youngest granddaughter, Astri (7), in Minnesota. Their conversation over the course of several days went something like this:  

Astri:  When can we come to Hawaii, Grandma?" 

Grandma:  "You'll need to talk to your mom and dad...when can you all come?" 

Astri:  "When are you gonna leave Hawaii?  My parents don't know when to come. " 

Grandma:  "You and your parents will need to plan for Hawaii.  Aunt Allison and Uncle Brent planned for two years."  

Astri:  "Really?  For two years?"  

Grandma:  "Yes.  They had to save money for the airplane rides, renting a car, eating and buying tickets to see or do stuff.  It is expensive in Hawaii."  

Astri:  "Oh my gosh!  How much money do they have left?"  

Grandma:  "Not much!  Just enough to get back home!" 

Allison, Brent, Iris and Rose arrived on Feb 8th.  Because their Delta Flight was delayed in DEN for SLC then onto OGG, they were rebooked on a United Flight from DEN direct to OGG and arrived on Maui earlier than expected.  The bonus was they arrived in daylight to take in the views on the drive to Ka'anapali.

Much of the beach on West Maui has been eaten away in the past 3 years.
Despite this, we found places to appreciate the sand and water.

The girls found fun everywhere.

February is the height of the humpback whale season in Hawaii.  When the waters were calm, we were able to spot spouting and breaching and slapping by the gentle giants.

The largest banyan tree in the United States is located in Lahaina.  

The Crick Family spent a day on the "Road to Hana" and stopped by Hookipa State Park, a favorite place to find sea turtles basking in the sun.

Using sand and coral, Rose enhanced the deadwood on the beach while the rest of her family snorkeled.

The Crick Family on the beach of MM14.

Us girls.

Grandpa and granddaughter, Iris, after snorkel time.

Aboard the Whale Foundation's vessel on an early, cloudy, rainy morning.

The emergence of a humpback whale.

Mike, Brent and Allison, Iris and Rose--all enjoyed the pool on our last day together.

Back at the airport, the Crick Family is prepared for their late-night flight back home.  We miss them already!

We went to the Old Lahaina Luau one evening and this photo was taken of our group.  The Hawaiian food was wonderful.  The dancing spectacular.  A fun evening for all.

This photo was taken at Castaway's, our favorite beach restaurant along the boardwalk.  Despite the fact that we're on Maui, work must be attended to where ever we might be.  Here, Mike is working with a PSMW customer for rescheduling a fleet wash.  Seattle was under a blanket of snow when we left for Maui and has continued to experience cold temps and more snow.  This weekend, milder temps will return and our truck washing services will resume.