Journey to Hawaii

We just returned from an amazing family trip to Maui, Hawaii.  Well, ok, returned about three weeks ago, but we are a busy family and I wanted to put some thought into this long-winded post.  Anyway, we had the most wonderful time. The boys traveled better than we expected, but we were beyond thankful Nannie B made the trip with us because - without her there - Brian and I might have driven off a cliff on the infamous Road to Hana....more about that later.

We had the perfect reason for the trip in attending my Uncle Brent and his - now - wife's wedding on Mekena Beach. It just wouldn't have been right to decline...so, ever so reluctantly, we packed our bags, 12 pounds of snacks, 200 diapers, 3 car seats, 5 carry-ons, 3 checked bags, 3 boys and one giant stroller/cart and were on our way.

We popped out of bed at 4:30 in the morning to make our 6:18 am flight only to learn after we had cleared security that the flight was delayed and would be for nearly 3 hours. We managed to go approximately 15 miles in the first 3 hours of our trip. A very, very slow start.

Finally, we were on our way around 9:30 am CST and off we soared through the friendly skies all the way to Denver. Once, in Denver, we grabbed a bite to eat at McDo*alds before boarding our next flight to San Francisco. I shamelessly watched Brayden sit on the floor of the airport sticking French fries between his toes and eating them. I was just happy he was quiet and eating. But, really, where do kids come up with these things?

We made it to San Francisco and then boarded the last flight for Maui with Grayson chanting down the chute "I go to Hiiiiwaaii." After we strapped the boys in their seats and were in the air we whipped out the brand-spanking-new portable DVD player. It lasted all of 40 minutes of the 4 hour and 44 minute flight before the battery died. Money well spent. Nice!

Somehow we passed the time and by hour #3 everyone (sans Kennon) was getting a little restless. The poor people in front of Brayden and Grayson probably thought they were riding a wild bucking bronco for all the times their seats were kicked. No one slept even after waking up at 4:30 in the morning. Finally, as the pilot announced our descent peace fell over the plane and all three boys zonked out at the same time for the last 20 minutes.

 Little sleeping angels.

Just before we conked out. 

Refreshed and ready to roll we were on our way to our next big adventure. The drive was beautiful to Lahaina and we were super excited about our digs in Cottage B. The view was breathtaking.  More to come on our adventure soon.