Good bye Maui

Before we tuck away our memories and photos of our recent vacation I wanted to post a few pic's of the beautiful scenary in Hawaii. What a place...the ocean, the beach, lush tropics, and mountainsides-around every corner was another breathtaking view. Enjoy the sights.

The blow hole, north of Napili

This is a quaint and remote town. We drove on a very narrow one lane road through the mountains on our way to the airport- an incrediably beautiful drive.

seascape on the northwest side of Maui past Kapalua

A rainbow to greet us on our arrival to the hotel. This picture was taken looking out our window the first night.

This is the life

We loved our pool at the Marriott. It was beautifully landscaped with flowers, plants, rocks and waterfalls The kids loved the waterslides and pirate ship. I could spend all day relaxing by the poolside. Bring on the poolside fruit drinks...this is the life!

we're off to Molokini for some snorkeling

Aboard the "Maui Pride" for an afternoon boat and snorkeling trip

I was most looking forward to our boat trip out to Molokini crater to go snorkeling! I wanted the kids to see the whales out in the middle of the ocean. As a child, I have vivid memories of going to Hawaii and seeing the whales. I wanted the same for my children. Our boat ride didn't disappoint...we saw so many. Infact, we saw a baby whale jump out right in front of the boat. They were so big, & close that even Zach could see them. Truly spectacular! It was hard to capture them on film but I manage to get a few pic's. Enjoy the whales.

Ellie was the first one ready with her snorkel gear on. She surprised us when she eagerly jumped right in the ocean and started snorkeling. She and Bruce went way out to a reef to see all the different kinds of fish. Not as much luck with Zachary and Avery. They both inhaled water right away and came back to the boat. It's hard for the kids to coordinate the mask, and snorkel and especially with the ocean waves knocking into them. I thought my last experience (face to face a giant eel) snorkeling would be my last. But, I tried again and really enjoyed it this time. We saw some beautiful fish, schools of them and a few very large fish. It's so calm and peaceful underwater.
Back on board, we had a BBQ lunch. It was mighty tasty... yummy!

After a full day on the water and in the sun... our little angel fell asleep on the way back to shore.

Hula Grill

We went to a fun restarurant on the beach. I mean literally on the beach- you can feel the sand between your toes! We sat the kids at one table and the grown-ups at another...we love that set up!

Ellie and Brighton joined in with the band, and gave us all some Hawaiiann entertainment...Hula dancing. Zachary took baby Brooklyn's hand to dance...the softer side of Zach.

More in Maui

Maui Lava Flows

We really wanted the kids to experience and understand the nature of the volcano in Maui. We took a trip to the lava flows. Wow. It is here that lava poured out into the ocean. As you look around, everywhere is covered in black rock. Also, we spent time looking in the tidal pools. We saw a baby eel. This was the only day that was cold and cloudy, so this was a perfect outing for the morning.

To My Favorite Valentine!

Happy Valentines Day to Jeff!



The top 10 reasons I am lucky to have Jeff as my Valentine
10. He brings a smile to my face each and every day.

9. He helps me when I need him with a caring and patient heart.

8. He calls me everyday from work, to let me know he is thinking about me.

7. He appreciates my efforts when making dinner, even if the meal is a can of soup.

6. Just being near him, cheers me up!

5.He is hands down, without a doubt the best dad for our children, he loves them with all his heart. Jeff is happiest when his children are around.

4. He provides well for our family. He works hard everyday. He succeeds and excels in his professional career inorder to give to his family.


3. He makes me laugh! Yes, Jeff you still make me laugh everyday. Nothing is ever as much fun as it is with you beside me.

2. He truly is an example of Christ-like characteristics. He is so loving, kind, patient and serving towards others. I learn from him daily. And feel blessed to have him in my life.

1. He is my husband, my best friend and forever companion! Jeff," my heart loves your heart" Thank you for your example of love! Happy Valentines Day. I love you dearly, Laurie

Aloha

Maui is paradise! We had a wonderful trip. Each and every moment was well spent and thoroughly enjoyed. It was very hard to leave such a beautiful island. Yesterday morning back in Omaha, Zachary grunted ..."Ug, I want to go back to Maui." Our vacation to Maui was exactly what it was meant to be... relaxing, and rejuvinating. Jeff described it as " good for the soul!" Our accomodations were perfect. Thanks to the Bischoff's for inviting us to their time- share condo. The Marriott Ocean View is spectacular. We spent each day soaking up the island beauty by the beaches, pools or seeing the sights.

Here are a few pictures by the beach. Avery enjoyed playing in the sand, Ellie loved the ocean and learned to bodysurf, and Zachary searched high and low for seashells. Both Zachary and Avery were sidetracked and tempted by the birds, they spent much time chasing them on the sand. Memories I will never forget.

This post is "to be continued" stay tuned for many more pictures of our excursions in hawaii and also, Disneyland.

Here today...gone to Maui

After an action packed, family- filled fun weekend at DisneyLand we are off to Hawaii. Thank you to Dianne and Newell for our awesome layover here in L.A.

A freezing but fun afternoon for all

Last Saturday we went sledding, as the result of a promise Jeff made to the kids. They didn't seem to mind that it was 20 degrees outside and we couldn't convince them to change plans. A promise is a promise. So, we bundled up with coats, hats, scarfs, boots, snowpants, and mittens. The hill was perfect... steep and icy. "Icy" is never a bonus to me , however when talking about a sledding hill , icy = fast! Avery was the first one down the hill. Her smile said it all. She loved it. Anxiously awaiting her turn...Ellie ran and jumped on her sled & down she went. Zachary was more timid so, Jeff started him off. But, quickly he discovered the thrill and didn't want anyone to stand in his way. The smiles and giggles were priceless. Since there was a street(a dead-end street) at the end of the hill, Jeff had to "catch" the kids before they flew off. Thanks daddy, we had a safe and fun day!I did my best to withstand the frigid windchill but I found myself warming up in the car more than once. Soon the time came that even the kids were to cold to continue, so we packed 'em up. As we drove off, I looked in the back seat and saw happy faces and rosy cheeks. What a "freezing" but fun memory!

Note to the peanut gallery:

Yes, Zachary is wearing lavender boots and, yes they are Ellie's.
No, Zachary doesn't have to wear them ever again and, no he wasn't seen in public. It seems Zachary's feet had a growth spurt that we were unaware of until Saturday morning. Looks like I have some shopping to do.

Look out Kansas, The boys are back in town!

Hunting is not my thing, but Jeff sure loves it! This past weekend Jeff and several buddies went on their annual pheasant hunting trip. For the last 11 years Jeff has gone to Kansas for the ultimate male bonding trip! And, for the last 2 years Bruce has joined them. I can't really write much about it since I wasn't there. However, in light of the fact that this is a family journal, the hunting trip deserves a post. I have heard and can report some of the details. The "dudes" had a great time- you know, all that laughing, eating, walking the fields, and( gasp)...shooting, was just what they needed. I guess. I do know that this trip is a much deserved "break" and fun outing that Jeff looks forward to each and every year.


I don't want to ignore posting on the outstanding behavior of the 3 Anderson children while Jeff was gone. Now, surely you know, this is not always the case. But, most definitely this weekend I was impressed. They behaved like champs! It was so enjoyable spending my time with them. We played, snuggled, went to the movie with the Bischoffs, went out to eat, and they even helped me prepare sharing time. Kinkos can really keep 3 kiddos occupied for quite some time. My favorite thing is ...shhhh, don't tell Jeff, letting the kids sleep in our bed. I love hearing them breath through the night. Truthfully, it helps me sleep also. I don't have to worry and check in on them all night. But, more than that I love having Jeff home. So, we are thankful he made it home safe and sound and is back right where he belongs.