Seriously though, if you ever get the opportunity I highly recommend the kid-free vacation after having kids (you need perspective in order to truly appreciate). My sister, Sally, and her fiance, Gino, decided to have a destination wedding in Maui. Gino is wonderful. The idea of celebrating them with my siblings and no kids was too tempting to pass up. We did not budget for an unplanned trip to Maui and we happen to already be going to Maui in July (thanks to the generosity of Dave's parents). Still, the opportunity was too perfect to pass up.
We rented a condo with my other sister, Beth, and her husband, on the beach in Kihei. They left behind their kids as well. My brother, Tim, stayed by himself up in Kaanapali. Upon arrival it all just seemed too good to be true. Beth was also excited for the fresh pineapple.
Despite having just spent the day on an airplane, we joined Sally and others on a 1.5 hour drive to the summit of the volcano Haleakala to watch the sundown on solstice. It was worth it.
I tried my first mate (did I mention Gino is from Argentina?). It has sort of a burn-y taste to it. I won points for drinking it without sugar, but failed on the correct cultural way of accepting and finishing the drink.
The rest of our days were filled with snorkeling (I went out twice for a brief minute as it's not really my thing) and getting sunburns despite lots of sunscreen. I read lots. Tim, Beth, and Dave lucked out and had a really cool (and safe) encounter with a sea turtle.
We ate yummy food and drank tropical drinks. The boys ate sushi for breakfast every day. Sushi from the grocery store rivals anything in a restaurant on the mainland. I recommend 808 Grindz Cafe for cheap, yummy, Hawaiian breakfast (Lahaina or Kihei) as well as the Three Bar and Grill in Kihei.
We made sure to get shaved ice multiple times.
Instead of rehearsal dinner, we all attended a luau at the Sheraton. I strongly recommend springing for VIP seating. Holy cow it is way cooler than sitting in the far back.
We all got matching temporary tribal tattoos at the luau.
While we were living island life, our friend, Beth, watched the kids. She did a great job. Robin may have almost done her in. He is in a not fun hitting, kicking, scratching when frustrated or tired phase. I promise we paid her.
Spending 5 days with my siblings as grownups was so magical and special. No one fought or got mad. We just joked, laughed, and had chill adventures. It was easy. It was relaxing. I am so eternally grateful for this experience. We spent our final night on the patio of our condo, eating wedding leftovers and running laundry. Chris isn't pictured because he was busy making Moscow Mules.
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