10/22/10  We took a snorkel trip out of Lahaina to Lanai to go snorkeling and enjoy the waters.   We saw lots of fish - including our own children - they just love the water and didn't want to get out!  They are amazing swimmers....they must get that from their Dad!   We saw lots of colorful fish and turtles again.   We  were also very fortunate to see 2 separate pods of dolphins while we were heading to our coral reef to snorkel.  Fun day in the sun!  I only had to go to the back of the boat 2 times - just to get some fresh air but no worries - I was not the only sicky on board.  Once we hit land, I was a happy camper again and feeling back to myself.

10/21/10  We spent our morning on a private canoe ride with 2 of the hotel locals and went out to a reef and jumped in and snorkeled with turtles!  It was great!  We don't have any pictures of this portion so you'll just have to know that we had lots of fun.  We then took a drive in the afternoon to the North Shore to see if we could catch up with any surfers.   The waves weren't really too impressive so most of  them were boogey boarding and kite surfing...but that was still crazy!   It was a hot car ride back to our hotel, so once again, we headed down to the pool for some late afternoon/early evening swimming time!  And, we enjoyed another beautiful sunset.

10/20/10  We got boogey boards for the beach today!  Boy - did the kids have fun!  There were too many pictures to choose from so here's just a sampling.   Our dinner tonight was at Cheeseburger Paradise in Wailea.   Fun atmosphere but food wasn't too great - mostly because of the price!

We have arrived!  We are here in Maui for our vacation and the weather has been spectacular!  It was 96 degrees the day we landed.  We had jeans and tennis shoes on and it was super hot!  There is a 3 hour time difference so we are having some trouble adjusting.  Rough life I know! hee hee.  Kylie has been asleep before 8 pm Maui time and us shortly after.  Then we wake up before the sun comes up (Jeff has been waking up at 4 am),  and all of us by 6:30 am.  We are enjoying the scenery from our balcony and the beach has fine white sand!  Our room is amazing (the bathroom is huge), and the pool is great!  Zach and Tanya have gotten a little sunburn (surprise?) and Kylie and Jeff are already tan!  This morning as Jeff was drinking some coffee in the room, he and Kylie spotted a tiny gecko in our kitchenette area!  They don't know where he went though as  he used his cameleon like powers and got away!   So, we are checking our food carefully for our little friend!  As far as the fruity drinks go,  we chose a  nice pina colada to enjoy at the pool yesterday,  to the tune of $13!  Yikes!  We'll just stick to beer!  Off to the pool we go!  Check back for updates!

Exciting news to share!  Kylie was selected by her classmates today to be a part of  the student council.  She is so excited!  She wrote her speech all by herself and had to say it to the whole class.  Each classroom picks 2 representatives and an alternate.   An announcement was made at the end of  the day today.  Yay Kylie!

Thinking of my Dad today, and everyday.  Today is the 5 year anniversary of my Dad's passing.  I just want him to know how much I love and miss him still.  I carry his memory in my heart and will forever.  I Love you Dad!

We celebrated our niece Katie's birthday party with a nice family gathering at Greg and Linda's house.   Greg, the bbq master, made some great chicken and the cousins had a lot of fun playing together.  Papa Gary and Greg are showing off their hair extensions!  These are actually hats with hair sewn into them.....they are a riot!  We all got a good kick out of these!  Katie got some wonderful gifts, lots of girly things of course, and is showing off her cousin Ryan's cool sunglasses.  Not exactly sure what Andrea was doing in this picture but thought it was funny enough to share.

9/11/10  This fall Kylie is playing on her first all girls team!  They have combined the 9-12 year old players together so there is quite a height difference with some teams!  Their team name is the Hot Tamales!  The girls are having such a fun time.  We are still looking for our first goal of the season but we have been close on many occasions!  It's been fun to watch as well.

9/1/10  Zach has said goodbye to elementary school and is starting 7th grade and  joining the ranks of the bigger kids going to middle school this year!  He is now a Mattson Mustang!  Kylie is now in 4th grade at Crestwood Elementary and has the good fortune of having the same 4th grade teacher Zach had - Mrs. Ghag!  We love her!

9/25/10 - Kylie's girl scout troop went to Camp River Ranch for fall encampment this year.  We had great weather the first day we were there - sunny skies and warm sunshine!  The girls were able to participate in a rock climbing adventure which was amazing!  They all did so good.  The 2nd night of camping, it poured down rain!  Most of the night and that next day, we were wet and muddy up to our ears!  Yikes!  Our A frame cabins were quite cozy and kept the elements out, but you sure heard the rain on the rooftops!  All in all, it was another great camping trip with friends!