Weeks #20 & #21 @ The Dahlhouse Travels to Maui

For our family vacation this year, we decided to go to Maui.  It had been almost three years since we last visited, and we were thrilled to go back.  The last time we were in Maui, I was pregnant with Man Cub (seems like a lifetime ago).  

The trip started at PDX and we were thrilled (ok BEYOND thrilled) that Hawaiian Airlines had brought back their non-stop flight to Kahului, Maui.  What used to be a whole travel day, from PDX-HNL-OGG (getting to the condo around 5pm Hawaiian time), became a much shorter travel day (arriving at 10:45am Hawaiian time).  

Traveling as a family of six, I always make sure to book seats in the back of the airplane, as not to disturb others around us.  I figure, if we are in the back of the plane, and Man Cub throws a fit or cries, then we are at least in the back (what more can you do)? 

This was not Matthew's first time flying; however, it was his first time really aware of what was going on.  He was very excited to see all the "airpane" as he calls them, but was not so thrilled at take off, protesting, "all-done, all done."  I think it was some sensory overload.  He quickly transitioned into becoming ok, and played musical seats between our two rows.

After landing in Maui, grabbing a bite to eat, we headed to stock up on food for the condo.  Costco is literally right next to the airport, and then a short trip to Foodland.  I forgot how expensive some things are (hello $11 watermelon), but then some things are inexpensive (1.97 pineapple).  I had never seen so many boxes of pineapples. Neither had B.

We stayed at our favorite place ever!  It's called the Hale Hui Kai.  It is literally 20 steps to the beach (which has the softest sand you ever felt).  The kiddos play for hours in the sand and water.  Boogie boarding, snorkeling, wave jumping, sand castle making...it really is the best.  Our condo unit is on the right on the bottom.  We were also close to the pool.  The Hale Hui Kai is located off S. Kihei Rd. in Kihei, Maui.  Look them up.  I can personally give a review of units #109 and #112.  

Grace enjoyed hours of reading.  She has sure turned into a little book worm.  I love that!!  She also was an incredible help with Matthew.

Having never traveled the road to Hana we were up for an adventure this trip.  It was amazing being in a rainforest and seeing the waterfalls.  We stopped at the iconic Halfway to Hana stop and bought their famous banana bread.  It was yummy.  We also stopped at a black sand beach.  It was on my bucket list!  It was truly black sand! I had never seen anything like it before.  

(Three of my kids on a black sand beach)

We traveled up north to Lahaina, to eat at Mark's favorite restaurant...Duke's.  Everyone enjoys it. 

I visited my dad's resting place and laid flowers in the water in honor of him.

After that, we got Hawaiian Shaved iced for all and ate it under the Banyan tree.

There were a lot of beautiful sunsets.  Many have asked if we had VOG or were effected by the Volcano erupting on the Big Island, but the answer was no.  We saw no effects of the volcano on the island of Maui.  

We spent a lot of time on the beach, enjoying the sun.

Or at the pool, which Matthew has named the "cuppy" after his sippy cups that hold water.  Silly kid.

I am happy to report Matthew got his "OWN" ukulele, so now he can stop screaming over Bella's.

Before we knew it, our trip had come to an end.  It always goes by too quickly.  

It was crazy going through TSA in Maui.  We had to remove just about everything from our carry ons.  It literally took 15 minutes to make it all the way through with our stuff.  They ended up checking and opening three of our bags too.  Sheesh.  We barely made it to our flight.

Heading back to the mainland was an adventure in itself. Little help and a lot of stares greeted us on the aircraft.  But we made it and Man Cub even slept through half the flight.  YES!

Before we knew it, we were back where we started and waiting for our ride to come and pick us up. I feel I am still readjusting to life post vacation, and the jet lag was pretty bad this time (as there was a three hour difference).  But we continue to move forward with end of the year activities for school, and getting ready for summer.  

Week #14 @ The Dahlhouse: Spring Break Edition

It was a slow spring break for us Dahls.  It was perhaps just what we needed.  Allergies, colds, and sore throats hung out with us too, for the week long break.  And that was ok.  We all needed a respite from the comings and goings of pick ups and drop offs, ortho appointments, therapy appointments, doctor appts and IEP evaluation test.  So we rested and watched TV like it was our.full.time.job.

Popcorn is gold!  The littlest Dahl proved he is one of the pack by announcing that he is indeed a popcorn fan!!! Mark was proud!

I found this saying and I am hoping to remember how much this is truth!  Especially when I received difficult news of a child's grades.

"To us it's Spring cleaning...to Dad its Christmas."  Bella never ceases to amaze me with her sayings.  I laughed a long time over that one!

Sister helping brother with his brushing therapy.  This helps him with sensory needs.

I have firmly got across the point that the oven and stove are HOT.

Spring flowers.

Spring haircuts.

Spring Disney leggings.

I certainly adore all these little people!

Week #13 @ The Dahlhouse

Week #13 had us volunteering on Sunday morning in nursery.  I adore this picture of Luke.  He is surrounded by the babes, and reading them stories.  To watch Luke in this role is emotional for me.  So much of the world is so difficult for him, but here...on the floor in nursery...the babes don't care about personal space, ability and focus.  They care that he is paying attention to them and they.eat.it.up!  Luke really has an amazing heart for others.  Most Sunday mornings you will find him here, in the nursery.  It is an area that he excels at.  And Luke needs more of that in his life.

She loves her some Disney dolls.

I visited B at school to have lunch with her in honor of her turning 8!  How is she that old???

I was able to escape to downtown Portland one last time to have lunch with mother before she retires.  We ate at the Portland City Grill overlooking downtown.  I can hardly believe her career at the law firm is over.  I started thinking about all the lunches we have had over the years.  Many, many lunches.  After we were finished, we took a walk to Pioneer Courthouse square and found my dad's brick that mom had made as a kind of memorial to him.  As a child, I have to say, it is very difficult not to have a final resting place to visit dad.  I guess in someway we do...it is just not super convenient to get there.  We spread his ashes in Maui.  You can read about my struggle missing my dad here.  Many I really, really miss him.

After a very long time of searching, I finally found a milk product that Matthew can drink without it upsetting his stomach.  I am happy to report he is finally off all soy milk.  This ultra-filtered milk has been just thing.

Easter didn't end up being the celebration I had hoped.  I was happy that we did get to go to my mom's house on Saturday afternoon; however, Sunday the weather was awful and I had 2 sick kids and a sick husband.  His allergies were awful.  So we cancelled our plans for Sunday afternoon and stayed inside.  It wasn't the kick off to spring break that I had hoped for, but sometimes you just have to be flexible.