Family Vacation to Paradise

We just returned from a wonderful vacation in Kauai. We visited Grandpa Pizz and Gram. The weather was warm, the beaches were beautiful, the avocados were plentiful, and we had a very successful family vacation.

The airplane rides were long but went pretty smoothly. The trip was a breeze. They struggled a bit more on the return flight, largely because we had so much turbulence that I couldn't give Sabien a break in the carrier. But, it went fine. Wesley absolutely loved the airport and "jumbo jet" experience. It was adorable how much he loved to talk about it. "I really love flying on this jumbo jet", etc. We were prepared with a bag full of new books and toys wrapped up as little gifts. He was content for most of the travel.

Though family vacations still require a lot of work, I found Kauai to be about as relaxing as it gets. I loved walking through the shallows of the beach as Sabien slept in the carrier, I loved snorkeling, I loved watching Wesley busy in the water and sand. I so enjoyed the breathtaking views and the lushness of the island.

I mean, this is the view from their patio...

Lynn and Linda were such gracious hosts as they just went with the flow as we took over their house for a week--toys every whichway, four hour naps in the middle of the day, all kinds of wildness. But most importantly, it was so sweet to see them with the boys. Though Sabien is in a bit of a clingy phase (serious understatement), he gave them many huge smiles and had some great playtime with Gram and Grandpa.

Wesley had some homesickness, but had such a good trip. He would miss home especially around bedtime, probably because that is when his routine and his bed and things are most closely missed. We all like our own beds, I suppose. Even his protests are adorable..."I don't want to be in this house with the fans (referring to ceiling fans), I want to be back in our frame house with the heater and no fans".

But, for the most part, he had a blast. He loved his front loader and roller that Gram got for him.

He loved the beach. He loved digging and pushing his trucks around in the sand. He loved wading in the water with his fishing net catching leaves and trying to catch fish.

He and Casey and Grandpa went on kayak rides two mornings (once in the river and once in the ocean). Wesley just looooves being on boats, so this was a smash hit.

We were able to settle in and find a bit of a rhythm. There is a convenient swim area only 5 minutes from the house with a kiddie pool blocked off. This was ideal (short car ride, shallow water with no waves, snorkeling larger area for adults). We went there most mornings and some afternoons. The two days we tried to go on longer trips weren't quite as successful--Wes got tired and had a hard time. But we still had great meals out and fun beach time during those trips, too.

I loved the vacation. I felt like I was able to get some distance from the minutia that sometimes takes over. Even though there were plenty of times when both boys needed me and were vying for my attention, it was wonderful to have an extra set or two or three of hands to help all day and night.

Also, the time difference was amazing. Sabien was in bed by 6:30 and Wes by 7:30 which left us with so much free adult time to hang out and enjoy relaxation together. Despite valiant efforts, I have never been able to get the kids in bed that early here. Sabien goes to sleep earlier than Wesley did at this age, but Wesley still has a later bedtime than many kids. It was a special treat to spend the extra time with Casey and Lynn and Linda.

There was so much cuteness and fun...