Our first day in Maui was on a Sunday. After church we were all famished. We hadn't gone grocery shopping yet and we were all getting a little hangry. Luckily we didn't have to search for too long before stumbling on this cute breakfast cafe in Lahaina. I of course ordered what I always get for breakfast, the Eggs Benedict, with a chocolate shake and fresh fruit served in a pineapple. It was delicious.
Snorkeling was a highlight of the trip for sure. We road a catamaran to a snorkeling site, an hour away from the beach we were staying at. The boat ride was relaxing and fun but I especially loved the snorkeling because we saw a whale and a sea turtle.
This is a picture was taken during one of our daily morning walks. Walking the beach each morning was a perfect way to start out the day.
Stacey and I loved our ritual of walking along the beach as the sun was setting. I think sunsets are beautiful everywhere but it's my favorite to watch the sunset on the ocean.
Lazy days spent on the cabana
Lahaina
Every time we are in Maui we go eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise, in Lahaina. This year when we ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise we discovered a Gelato shop next store. It had the best flavors of gelato that were unique to Hawaii. They had coconut, macadamia nut, pineapple, chocolate etc. the gelato was creamy and delicious.
It was pretty much a given that every day we went to the beach. It didn't take much to entertain us. We were all just happy to be laying out on the beach, swimming in the ocean, playing paddle ball and occasionally paddle boarding. It was so nice to just relax and not worry which day of the week it was.
Acai Bowels
Stace and I were obsessed with the Acai Bowles at the coffee shop down the street from our hotel. We went almost every morning to get one even though we had to wait in the longest line each time. It was totally worth the wait because the Acai Bowles were sooooooo yummmmmmy! :)
This could possibly be the most pictures I have uploaded to my blog at one time, but I couldn't help it. There are so many cute photos from our vacation. I look forward to this trip all year long and it is depressing that it comes and goes so quickly.
This year we had a cute new addition to our family. My brother's girlfriend Andy came with us and she is the sweetest. Andy filled the spot of our missing sister Jen, who is currently serving in the Carlsbad, California mission. I am not going to lie, I get nervous when we have guests come on family vacations. My family can be a bit loco.... I get a little embarrassed when friends see my family's crazy side. It doesn't matter who's around, my family members don't hold anything back, so props to Andy for surviving an entire week with us. It could not have been easy for her.
Going to Hawaii after Christmas has become a recent Thatcher family tradition. This is the third year in a row we have gone. The first year we went to Honolulu and the last two years we have spent in Maui, on Kaanapali Beach. You can tell by the pictures we all had a really good time. I mean how can you not? Hawaii is the best and we are fortunate to be able to go each year. There is something about the beach, ocean, palm trees and sunshine that makes me so unbelievably happy. I think after I live in New York for a few years it would be nice to move to California. I just love that beach life. Hopefully my wishful thinking can become a reality someday....
