August Album: There’s treasure everywhere

In addition to a tremendous growth spurt by Leo, our August was awesome!  The highlight included spending our eleventh wedding anniversary on Whidbey Island with my brother JP, Meghan and "cousin Carlos".  We met several members of Meg’s extended family, basked in the sun, and boarded along the beach in a quaint cabin affectionately called “the Peanut”.  It was relaxing and joyful!

During hikes along the beach, Dean scouted for treasures.  Our finds: uniquely colored rocks (he seemed to gravitate toward the reddish ones - must be his Oklahoma roots?), shells, and small abandoned beach toys.  It was such a lovely time - great weather, great company, the best of food and music.  There’s treasure everywhere.

My brother has me convinced that crabbing is the best way to catch your meal:  leave a trap in the water, forget about it all day while basking in the sun and looking for treasures, and then return to find your meal waiting for you.  The intimidating part is reaching in the trap to fetch your crabs (throwing out the females and small males per licensing requirement) without being pinched.  And the crabs are feisty!  They draw blood with their claws and they don’t let go.  I watched him do it successfully several times (the day before he had had one unlucky pinch), and finally I took a deep swallow and fetched one out myself!  It was frightening but oh-so-rewarding.  Crabs make such a delicious meal.

Between crabbing and hiking, our agenda was filled with serious beach-time.

    

The last day on the island, we headed into town for a delicious meal and said good bye.

On the ferry ride over and back, Dean and Fiona were fascinated with the fact that our van could be on top of a boat!  There was giggling and clapping.  Such wonder!

We also were fortunate to spend some time in Seattle before our trip with dear friends, Aunt Terri and Uncle Lou and Erin, Ellis and Camille.  Our summer has been filled with exciting adventures, and we are so grateful for the friends and family that fill our lives with joy and give it meaning. 

Some of August was also spent in quiet (well, never really quiet) moments at home and typical days at the park. 

Monkey in fancy shoes!

Brothers enjoying their treasures.

November Album: Maui

Some time ago, I received a divination from my favorite Vietnamese pho place.  I actually forgot about the fortune, but I guess I kept the hope alive because I found this little piece of paper a few days ago. 

And we did.

Matthew and I celebrated 10 years of marriage with a trip to Maui, leaving 40 degree, rainy Portland for this beautiful tropical island.  Oma and Papa watched the kids back home, and we were on our own!  The entire experience is highly recommended.
Our resort’s lobby was an oasis,
 
and the beach was right at our doorstep.
 
We drove the beautiful highway to Hana:
   
Stopover at the Ke'anae Peninsula:

We visited the old Banyan Tree in Lahaina, which was planted in 1873.  It was only 8 feet tall at the time, but now has 12 trunks and covers 200 square feet, at least.  This tree is a-maz-ing.  Can you see Matt? 
 
Me, in downtown Lahaina.  My entire wardrobe was provided by my sister, Rita, by the way – I had no reason until this trip to own summer maternity clothes.  Rita, your clothes had a wonderful time.

We lazed around at this fabulous Napili Beach – reading, swimming, and watching these paddle surfers – something I’d love to try when I’m not so equilibrium-challenged.  Look at this incredible scenery!

One evening, we dined on Makena Beach at sunset to celebrate our 10 years – it was a beautiful evening, and the restaurant sent our table a platter of happy anniversary chocolates at the end of our meal.

Of course, no trip is complete without the luau, which was also in Lahaina, and very tasty!  Open bar, so lots of smoothies garnished with pineapples and orchids for me.   My new favorite: the lava flow, a pina colada with blended strawberry on top, which I guess resembles a volcano or something.  Mmmmm.  Wonder what it’s like with rum?
before the show, we had an opportunity to gaze at the sunset and get our photos taken
 
hula!

 
A small day trip to La Perouse Bay to see the last lava outflow, some 200 years ago.

Shuffle boarding at the resort on our last morning – we were more evenly matched here than at putt-putt.  I’m guessing that the forward vs. sideways stance and my baby bump has something to do with it.  Plus, Matt’s just better at putt-putt.

our happy second honeymoon – a refreshing and romantic getaway! 

Hawaii dreaming

Have I mentioned that we’ve been married for ten years as of August 12?  To celebrate, we are hopping over to Maui for five nights after Thanksgiving – sans kiddos (well, except for peanut).  Thank you, Oma and Papa, for keeping watch over our little ones and giving us this chance to reconnect and get centered in our marriage!  I am so grateful for this time together – unplanned, just plane tickets, hotel and car reservations, travel book, and time.  Less than one week to go. 

   8.12.2000

    9.10.2010

41 years

Every year, I marvel that my parents are two people that have been happily married for so long.  It is such a reason to celebrate!

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for setting the bar so high for a healthy, happy, and long-lasting marriage.  Happy anniversary.