Helena was so happy on our first flight (that was only about 2 hours). I didn't take any pictures of her around hour 6.5 of the 8 hour flight...it wasn't pretty!
Our first Hawaiian family picture...baby 'Lena is all covered up so she won't get sun-burned.
The beach wore her out the first morning...taking a snooze with Gma Diane.
Helena had breakfast on the lanai with Daddy the first morning. She loved being at the ocean. She's definitely a nature girl.
We stopped at the sugar cane juice stand for the boys on our first day. It made everyone's tummy feel funny so we didn't stop there again.
Helena loved spending time with all her grandparents. Here she is with MarMar...not taking a nap like she was supposed to. We kind of threw our schedule out the window...I think I had the hardest time being flexible. Helena just went with it!
Diane taught me how to make leis on our last trip to Maui. I made Erica her first lei out of plumeria and Diane made me one (very difficult to make, she said) out of a really pretty orange flower.
We spent our 4th wedding anniversary in Maui...man, it's rough. We're smoochin' on the sea wall at Papakea (the condos where we stay).
I didn't eat dessert for 3 weeks before we left so I could enjoy Kimo's hula pie...we went there 3 times this trip--a record! The restaurant is right on the ocean in Lahaina and is a must-do when on Maui.
Erica, fortunately, enjoys pictures as much as I do! With Michael's dad, John, nearby we had plenty of opportunities for LOTS of pictures of us!!!
This was the first time that Helena got to meet her Uncle Dillon...they got along famously!
Michael is at his happiest in Maui...we always get at least one happy Michael on the couch picture. Here's our happy little family.
Grandpa John was helping with feeding Helena her dinner...those 2 are so cute with Helena. They'll do anything to get her to smile or giggle!
Helena enjoyed the sand so much!!! She got it everywhere...it was totally worth it!
Erica and I found the 2nd largest aloha shirt in the world!! We definitely could make entire outfits for both of us and have plenty left over!!
Another Kimo's trip...Daddy lovin' on baby 'Lena. She was undoubtedly laughing at Grandpa John.
Helena was very close to crawling in Hawaii...she didn't get too much floor time, but when she did she was so happy!
Grandpa John asked if Helena could touch the sand...it turned into sand everywhere!!!
The beach and the fresh air just wore her out!!! She's such a cutie when she's sleeping...her cheeks gets so fat!
The road to Hana turned into an all-day trip...I think we were in the car for over 8 hours!! This is the fam in front of the rainbow eucalyptus--MaryAnn, Michael, Cindy, Jeff, Diane, John, and Helena.
cheesing it up...a self-portrait
My Momma and me
Here's Erica at the scenic view where we always stop to buy banana bread...I'm telling you, John LOVES to take pictures! We ate it up!!!
We stopped at a state park for a potty break and there were kittens and chickens everywhere!! Helena is very interested in animals and was mesmerized.
Erica was pretty impressed by the chickens and roosters too!!!
Still on the road to Hana...we stopped at Waianapanapa Park. This is John, Diane, Helena, Michael, and me.
Erica and me...the scenery is unreal!!!
The next day we headed back into Lahaina for another Kimo's stop. You can kind of see the stroller behind my right shoulder--I don't think Helena sat in it more than once the whole trip, but we used it to schlep all our stuff!!!
John and Diane...this is a great picture of them!!!
Helena seemed to enjoy Kimo's also, but why wouldn't she? She got to taste whipped cream for the first time!!
The sunsets in Maui are gorgeous! Helena didn't really want to stay up for this one, but we didn't want to watch it without her!
Erica and I enjoying the sunset and the way it made us look super tan!
Michael was taking pictures of Erica and I on our last morning and some lady grabbed the camera from Michael and said, "now this is the real picture."
Our last night in Maui...baby Helena with Grandma and Grandpa.
Family fun gymnastics on our last night in Maui. =(
It was so hard to put Helena to bed at night because she was so happy to play with everyone! Few moments passed when someone wasn't waiting for their turn to hold baby 'Lena.
Saying good-bye to Grandma Diane...I'll see you in July Grandma Diane!!!
We'll miss you Lahaina!!
Traveling over night with an infant who refuses to sleep makes for a loopy Michael and Cindy.
