Friday, November 27, 2015

Maui September 2015

Ty's parents booked the same amazing house we'd previously stayed at, in Maui, for the first Leitz/Rallo family vacation since we've all had kids. Before we left I was rereading my blog post about taking Owen to Hawaii when he was 15 months. In that post I concluded that going to Maui was still a vacation, even when you have kids. Now that we have two I wasn't so sure that would continue to ring true. I was really looking forward to the trip but wasn't convinced I was going to do much sleeping or relaxing.

I was pleasantly surprised. Traveling in groups in the way to go when you have little kids. It was nice having multiple sets of hands and the toddlers entertained each other. Sleeping went much better than anticipated and despite Wes waking up around 5 am every morning, we all got rest. And the thing about vacationing with your kids is they make it so much fun. Seeing them experience things for the first time with childish wonder is magical. Owen was SO excited to ride on the airplane, play at the beach and to have a whole week with Grandpapa. The toddlers had ice cream cones every night, ran around naked and swam until we drug them out of the pool at dusk. I'm not sure if Owen is old enough to remember this trip into adulthood but he remembers it now and speaks of it often. Weston was just along for the ride, as always. He loved swimming in the pool, playing in the sand and partying with his Uncle Aaron. He was a lot of work because he can't be left alone and there was no where to put him. At home I just let him roll around on the floor or hang in his exersaucer and high chair, but that wasn't an option. There was a lot of lugging him around but I had plenty of time to relax while he was napping and he slept well so I was completely content. Being in Hawaii with no other agenda than the beach in the morning and the pool in the afternoon was dreamy.

Ty and I have always been big family people. I was pregnant the last time we traveled with this group and remember feeling incredibly grateful that I was bringing my baby into such an wonderful family. We continue to feel the same sentiments. I am thankful everyday for the love and support of our family (on both sides) and the wonderful memories our boys are making with them.

Grandpapa took most of the photos so I only have a few on my computer. The best ones are here:  http://www.aaronleitz.com/maui2015