Whew. We are home. Didja read that? HOME sweet home in dear ol’ muggy TN. The trip back was stressful. A lot more stressful than going. 3 flights back. A total of 13 hours in the air. Our first layover was made up of 45 minutes off the plane in which time we did a bathroom run, diaper change and bought some breakfast then it was back on the plane again from San Francisco to Houston TX. Our plane arrived in Houston 40 minutes late. Which was most unfortunate since we had all of 7 minutes from the time it was scheduled to land until boarding started for our next flight. Fearing the worst we ran as fast as two adults carrying 3 pieces of heavy carry on + 4 year old + a 6 month old baby can run to the gate. Turns out the held the plane for us. We were the LAST ones on board. Really thought we were gonna miss that flight but  super grateful we didn’t. Felt gooooood to land in our home airport of Nashville.

It was an epic family vacation. Not sure if we’ll ever top that one. At least not within the next few years. Thanks to the trauma, er, I mean, newly gained experience of taking a trip like that with an infant we won’t be doing anything that adventurous for quite some time. At least not until I’ve developed a healthy dose of amnesia.

As usual the best way for me to remember wonderful experiences is visually. So, I bring you Maui! As seen through the lens of our camera and or iphone. Whichever was on call at the moment.

First, there was packing. I tried to be efficient. I really did. But, I still overpacked. Just.can’t.help.it.

Suitcases packed for Maui

A sweet card created by the daughter of our host family was laid out in the room we stayed in. ❤

Welcome to Maui Card!

After arriving our wee man decided that 4:30 AM was a perfectly acceptable time to wake up. After all, that was 9:30 AM Central time and you should have seen the proud look on his face. “I so totally slept in today Mom. Aren’t you proud??” Me: <mooooooan> Since the rest of the house, Doodles, Steve and our host family included was asleep we spent a couple hours in the bathroom where he found this incredibly attractive and friendly baby to wave at. Of all the places to keep a fun baby. In the bathroom trapped in a mirror.

Caleb playing with the baby in the mirror our first morning in Maui

I found this picture amusing. It was from our first trek down to the beach. Please note the glow in the dark whiteness of our child compared to the Maui native kids of our host family.

Doodles spent her first evening relaxing in the hammock with her United Flight wings still attached.

Doodles in the Hammock

We had some pretty great views in our hosts back yard.

Sunset from backyard

The sunsets were spectacular.

Maui sunset as seen from hosts Lanai