Hawaii Hoopla!

Apes and I are still in mourning and wishing our toes were in the warm, squishy Maui sand.

Sigh.

At least we have a bajillion photos to remind us of our amazing week.

Exploring our surroundings on Day 1:


The view from our room:


The view on the other side of our building:


Not a bad view ANYWHERE.

I carted my niece Cassie 'round everywhere. I don't get near enough time with her.


Cory still sits in shame that Jenny intercepted his pass to their 10-year old son, Gage. Competition runs rampant in my family....


Cassie. Being Cassie. Adorable.


Me and Apes with Cory, Jenny and their kids, Gage and Cassie. Technically, I'm not their aunt, but Cory and I have been like brother/sister since we were 13 years old. I even lived with his family my last two years of high school after my father got transferred by the military. We're family in our hearts.


Two of my favorite pictures from the entire trip:




Gage rarely came up for air all week. Like April, he's a total water dog.




I heart these kids.


I gladly accepted kid duty while Jenny, Cory and April (pictured with another student and their instructor) signed up to do an open water dive. They had to do a pool session first.


April and Cory - suited up and ready to roll.


She ain't afraid of no shark.


In she goes...


Out she comes...with a wound. Leave it to Apes to look for everything BUT sharp coral once under the water...


All she could think about was being shark bait...She came outta the water making the diver's sign for shark.


While they were diving, I had to come up with something to keep the kids busy.

I did what any good aunt would do.

Bury 'em.



I couldn't convince Cassie she didn't need her water wings...


Dinner at Longboards was amazing. I love pasta n' seafood. My favorite meal. (Me with Terri and Johnny, our hosts for the week).


One big, happy, smiley family:


Our turn:


This is why I love this kid. Here's what you get when you ask her to "smile big!"


...more tomorrow. Surfing photos and videos!!!!