Aloha

We vacationed in Hawaii last week with my best friend from college, Megan, and her family.  Megan and I have been friends for almost 14 years now.  We planned weddings together (Megan was married seven months before me) and had babies together (Megan's son Brody is two months older than Taylor and her daughter Mackenzie is two months older than Matthew).  Although some people may think we coordinated these things, we didn't, but it sure is convenient!  When we planned our trip to Hawaii several months ago, we knew we'd be in the same boat - chasing toddlers around while adhering to a demanding nursing schedule with the newborns.  At least we were in good company! 

Our vacation was awesome, but it was certainly different than my previous trips to Hawaii (pre-children!).  Matthew was so easy... much easier than he will be in a few months when we have to bring food and toys on trips for him.  Our days typically started around 5:45 AM when Brody and Taylor woke up (they never really adjusted to the time change).  We alternated making coffee runs with the toddlers before breakfast each day so that the adults left behind could relax at the house.  This task fell on Brian and Tommy more often so that Megan and I could nurse the little ones in peace and quiet. :)  The mornings were non-stop until the much-anticipated naptimes - lots of running in circles, pool time, beach time, bubbles, coloring books, DVDs, etc.  While the munchkins slept, the adults read, sat by the pool, slept, exercised, etc. After naptime, we were on the go again until all the babes went to bed between 7 and 7:30.  Then, the adults enjoyed lots of wine and Bailey's on the rocks (my new favorite drink) until we headed to bed.  I think the latest we stayed up the whole week was 10:45.  Sad, right?  Someone asked me after we got home if we went out for any nice dinners, and it dawned on me that we did not go out for dinner once.  Ha!   I suppose our two lunches out were enough "fun." 

Overall, it was a great trip, and I am so thankful we have friends with children the same ages!

Thank you, Megan and Brian, for sharing your family's awesome home in Maui with us.

 

Mackenzie (4 months), Megan, Ali, and Matty (8 weeks)

Family photo - we took many, many pictures and this is the best we got. I wonder when we'll finally get a good family picture with all four of us smiling at the camera?

Taylor and her BFF Brody. They were absolutely adorable together.  I must have a soft spot for little boys lately because Brody captured my heart.

My little pipsqueak living the good life.  Sunshine, a baby pool, and water toys... oh, and beautiful scenery!  What more could a girl want?

The munchkins having dinner together.

Matty and Mackenzie.
It made me so sad when I realized my 2-month old is bigger than Megan's 4.5 month old.

The daddies and toddlers on the way to the beach.  Cuteness.

Sunshine and popsicles.  Life is good.

Another view of the awesome scenery... and a flying Brody!

Morning pool time = Good afternoon naps for the kiddos

Tommy and his kiddos

Mommy's pride and joy