Day 1
Guess who was waiting for us when we arrived. That's right, the McGoughs again!
The first trip to the pool is always exciting--and this time we had half a day to play.
The first day started much like the first ended--hanging out poolside for some rays.
Why wait to have our first taco night? Here's Ryan digging into his fave island meal.
Then we took a trip up to Haleakala for a
sunset version of the sunrise experience.
We love it up here!
My sweet Zoe standing atop one of the highest points on earth.
It's like being in a plane up here--really awesome views as the sun heads down.
Then once the sun drops it gets INCREDIBLY cold and foggy. Fun drive back.
It was spectacular and terrifying at the same time. Not sure we'd do that again.
The view from the other end of the beach.
The view from the far end of Napili Bay--one of the calmest beaches you'll find.
We discovered a hidden treasure in Honokena Bay next to Napili.
Picture being in a Sea World exhibit for Sea Turtles. They're literally everywhere.
After a pretty rough water exit, Zoe is relieved to back on land.
Best buds forever!!
With the end of the trip approaching, the fever to perfect the boogie skills kicks in.
During the course of this trip, Ryan went from ok to good to great on his board.
Well-played my little friend. A waterfall and a bar with baseball on TV. Oh yeah.
And here we are getting into position for the sunset. It was about 40 degrees.
And then the kids watched closely for the psycho woman near the coffee shop.
Day 3 started with a trip to Paia and some tasty pizza.
Despite Flipper's severe dislike of boats, she always agrees to at least one cruise.
Craig's suddenly tan legs are stretched out and enjoying the awesome weather.
Zoe looking intently for anything with a dorsal fin or a shell. Ahoy maties!!
Then it was back to the condo for some pool time and aggressive shuffleboard action.
We tried out Sarento's in Kihei and liked it a lot. It's hard to beat the view here.
OMG, is that a sea serpent out there? Oh wait, it's just an overly dramatic pose.
The dude working his magic--a natural in the water now that he's getting a bit older.
Zoe contemplates life from the lanai with a steaming cup of Lappert's Coffee.
Craig looking a bit tired from the day's many attempts to catch some waves.
We tried out Da Kitchen for a change and it didn't disappoint. This burger rocked.
Back in the water by the condo for some epic boogie boarding action.
Bigs is finally getting really comfortable in the water. Ride it out, little man!!
I love these types of shots from the GoPro. We've had a lot of fun on this beach.
This is how Bigs looks when they don't bring bread out to the table within 4 seconds.
The ultimate diner, Zoe digs into her pork chop dinner.
Another epic shot of water, land and air all mixed together as an oil painting.
This year, we spent a lot of time tossing the ball around by the pool.
And there's never a bad time to cycle in a little boys vs girls shuffleboard action.
Bigs & Flip in the lobby of The Four Seasons for some pre-dinner refreshment.
Craig looks like he's definitely ready for his ribeye.
Surpise!! Duo serves complimentary cotton candy to kids.
Zoe and Bigs enjoying a nice view from our poolside table.
Day seven ushered in our first ever sand castle contest. Here is the girls' entry.
God decided to grant us a second
Ululani--this one much closer to
the condo. Probably the best
thing ever after a hot day on the
beach.
Ryan showing off his obviously lifeguard-worthy physique for the local ladies.
And the boys went for a bit more storytelling as this crab saves the village below.
One of about 8000 shots we have of Craig adjusting the GoPro camera.
But that little sucker is worth the trouble for awesome shots like this.
Dad, what do you mean I can't have any root beer for breakfast. Not funny!!
This little statue seems to be pointing us to The Grotto.
Zoe enjoys a virgin pina colada on the outskirts of The Grotto. So delicious.
The football preview edition and an ice cold Red Stripe.
With extra gift card money in tow, it was back to Duo.
The sun sets on our epic Fourth of July in Maui.
The funky art in the lobby of the Four Seasons.
Bigs thought it was awesome until the pig came over to get a sniff. Bacon anyone?
And this is the town's mascot--a very friendly pig who came up to greet the visitors.
Zoe enjoying a delicious shave ice next to a series of pink boulders.
But we did discover a very funky little town called Kahakuloa.
After our morning at Napili, we drove around the northern tip of the island.
Zoe and Craig before heading out for some surfing action.
The nice thing about a longboard is that it's a great place to lie down and rest.
Zoe gets up and rides her longboard toward the beach. Hang loose, baby!!
Bigsy decided to give the board a shot and rode that baby on his first try.
Craig tries to affix the GoPro to our umbrella at Sea House. Nice tongue work.
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11
Day 10
Fireworks on the beach at The Grand Wailea. Yeah America!!
Flip and the only bartender we've ever seen at The Grotto. Not a bad gig.
For dinner, we cruise over to Upcountry to try out Haliimaile General Store.
Apparently the locals are running amuck up here.
The pools here really rock and kids had a great time sliding around the place.
Our last day at the Grand included a little paddleboarding with Zoe.
Our last full day brought us this cool shot of Bigs--one of my all-time faves.
Two very tanned Jacobins enjoying the awesome water and sunshine.
And what would a final day be without some tasty bbq action at the condo pool?
One last round of catch before it's wheels up!
The closing dinner was held at the delicious Ferraro's at the Four Seasons. Yummy.
Bigs drawing some pictures to recap the latest chapter of his Maui summers.
Here's Britney Spears' twitter posting from her room in the hotel.
And here she is passing right by us in The Grotto pool. She looked pretty chubby.
A rare sighting of Flipster and a cocktail. Careful honey.
Newlyweds on the beach with it all in front of them. Not a bad way to kick it all off.
The final Lappert's pigout and pic for their disgusted mom.
One more trip to the pool for a dip. And we're out.
With the fourth approaching, we hit the Grand Wailea.
Zoe relaxing on her bed, catching up on her favorite Disney shows.
The view of the gardens from our room with a peak-a-boo of the ocean.
The sun sets on our first day right before our room service dinner arrived.
Airborne and ready for a mouthful of water.
Eyes closed and preparing for impact.
And he's in the water wondering what the heck just happened.
Zoe and Ryan have the beach to themselves.
Nobody knows what's wrong with this kid, but he gets fired-up for room service.
Bigs in mid-slidefest. Dude could really use a haircut.
Love being in Maui while the Angels are playing.
The awesome main lobby of the hotel and our favorite lucky mermaid.
The art at the Grand Wailea reminds me of Picasso's fat people era. Cool stuff.
The Tran clan was on Maui again, so hit a fish market near Napili for dinner.
We checked out of the hotel and visited some cousins.
A monster wave is about to shore-break right on top of our young hero.