Pizza Pizza!

Last Saturday night, we had friends over for a "make your own pizza" party. All Alex's idea! Avari and Evan made their masterpieces below!!This is a perfect thing to do for kids and grown ups!! We had so much fun seeing what everyone put on their pies! We had staples like pepperoni, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, onions and more unique items like anchovies & sardines, chicken, alfredo sauce, etc. The best topping however was the mini pepperonis! Our friend Holly created them at Hormel and they aren't even available in stores yet!But, they are perfect size for kids, salads and dips!! So buy them up when you see them at your local grocer!

Watchout Papa John...

ALOHA!!!!

Wow! What a fabulous trip we had in Maui, Hawaii. We've been home now for a week, and trying to recover and get back into routine of real life! Alex was so deserving of this trip and we had a great time. We left a day and half early than the rest of the group...just so we could get a head start and extra time in the sun! We stayed our first night at Maui Coast Hotel in Kihei. It was perfect and was walking distance to the beach and shops. We ate dinner at Moose McGillicuddy's, watched the sunset from the beach and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. Two other couples joined us and we tried to make it to 10pm Hawaii time...but just couldn't! After some souvenir shopping in Kihei, we left for the Grand Wailea! And, whoa...what a resort it is!! It's the same resort that John & Kate Plus 8 filmed their vow renewal.

On Monday morning we went deep sea fishing on individual charter boats. Two couples each plus two captains. It was a four hour trip and we had no luck fishing. But saw ton of whales. It's is mating/birthing season (Dec-May) and Maui is home to the Maui Humpback Whale. Blowholes and water spouts were everywhere. Schools of spinner dolphins escorted us on the fishing trip. We must of had 40 on each side of the boat. It was great experience...however, one that I personally will not take part in. Chantal + small fishing boat + big blue sea = disaster. I was sick from the moment we left the harbor...but focused on the whales and was able to enjoy some of the trip...however, didn't take pictures. I felt much better when he hit dry land and we pooled it the rest of the day. We got prescription patches to deal with motion sickness, but I suggest Dramamine or Bonine. The resort has at least 7 pools that connect, slides, water elevator, zero entry beach pool, and the mother of all Grotto Bars!!

Tuesday we left around 9am for the 45 minute helicopter tour. We flew in an EcoStar and Alex & I sat up front. It was such an awesome experience to fly over Haleakala National Park (home to volcanoes, waterfalls and wild boars!) We briefly flew over the Hana Coast aka Jaws (disappointingly didn't realize it to ask to fly over the big waves). Another group got to see the surfers and 30 foot waves. I suppose the three helis split the tour. Either way it was amazing. The major volcano erupts every 800 years on average, but is about 200 years past due. The history of the Hawaiian Islands is spectacular. Back to the pool and beach we went!! Dinner was on our own and we gathered a group to eat at the hotel's Humuhumunukunukuaapa' Restaurant. It is named for the state fish. The restaurant floated in a lagoon with huge koi. One part of the lagoon was strictly for the Spiney Lobster which was on the menu and you got to pick your lobster for dinner. Alex and I enjoyed Surf and Turf instead.

Wednesday was an all day sail on a catamaran to Lanai. Lanai was once owned by Dole and known for its pineapple plantation. It has since been preserved as a conservation and home to two resorts--one the Four Seasons. We again saw whales and learned the history of Maui and the islands. Once we got to the island, we beached it and snorkeled and played beach volleyball. We ate dinner at the pavilion and sailed back to Maui. (On the way to Lanai we motored). Watching the sunset, enjoying cocktails and listening to live music on the catamaran was any one's paradise!! I didn't get sick this time!!!! After a long day on the water, we relaxed with room service and watched a movie!

Alex played golf Thursday and I enjoyed the spa in the morning and pool/beach in the afternoon. It was unreal!!!! The weather was perfect all week in Maui, but the forecasters were expecting a major storm that involved South Swells and North Swells...apparently it is very rare and produces 100 foot waves! I'm sure every surfer was headed to the North Shore! Schools on the island were cancelled for fear of flooding and hurricane strength winds. Our beach party was moved indoors and we had just as much fun. We had a Beach Boy cover band that kept everyone dancing and tons of great food. Everyone met up at the hotel lobby bar (seen in photos in the slide show). It rained that evening but no storms...what a great day to have off from school!! It was partly cloudy on Friday, but most people had afternoon departures....we did not!

Some of us had late departures...our flight left at 11:40pm!! So, we enjoyed shopping, laying out at the pool, walking the beach and dinner at the Shops at Wailea.

This trip was any one's dream vacation and completely well deserved by everyone who earned it. We are so grateful that Alex works for a great company and rewards their employee's hard work. Many weeks travelling, weekends worked, early meetings and late nights were sacrificed...but I'm so proud of Alex!!! Thanks hon!

While we were gone, Evan and Grandma stayed indoors to battle the 30 below weather! Schools were closed for 2 1/2 days due to the frigid air. I'm glad we escaped it! Thanks again Mom for taking care of Mr. Evan. We love and miss you!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

HAPPY 2009!

We had a wonderful start to the new year and Evan went sledding for the first time this season! We celebrated with friends at our house for New Year's Eve and carried on our traditional NYE meal---spicy bbq shrimp and crab legs.  On New Year's Day we went sledding---all of us!  We have a popular hill (Knob Hill) in our neighborhood and we met the neighbors there. Luckily, it was a "warmer" day to start off 2009. 

Here are some pictures from the day!