Maui Fun in the Sun

Every year we pack up the family and visit our favorite Hawaiian island for some fun in the sun.  The week in Maui is always a wonderful time of exploration, relaxation and quality time.  My favorite part about our vacation is simply re-discovering my children’s amazing personalities.  Each one is uniquely different, quirky and full of personality.

I love Malia’s courage.  I loved watching her stare at the ocean, fearful of the crashing waves, but still moving her way slowly into the water letting the surf swirl up to her knees.  I loved sitting with her making up stories about her favorite Disney princesses or making up new games for us to play on the plane.  But even better was witnessing her independent spirit and still snuggling with her at the end of the day….still needing her mommy’s comfort before going to sleep.

Maxim is a year older than the last Maui visit.  Last time he was learning to walk. Now he’s learning to talk.  I can’t help but smile when I hear him say “Daddy, whereareyou”.  The words merging together in a long flow in his sweet little voice.  I loved how he’d squeal at the site of a fish or bird, and hug mommy or daddy’s legs as it came a little closer.  He loved pulling on his daddy’s hand to share his latest discovery or running on him with his wide smile, urging his daddy to chase him.  His smile shines brighter than any sunset I’ve seen.

My mommy-guilt intensifies in times like this because they remind me of how little time I really get to spend with them between work and the daily grind in life.  It’s hard to acknowledge how much I miss in the other weeks of the year and that this one week is all about rediscovering them all over again.  I love that they have one another and find joy in each others presence (most of the time).