(At the beach, enjoying the sun, sand and surf. Somebody else made this sign and Jonas was really tempted to destroy it!)After wishing, dreaming and praying that we would go on a vacation before Jonas turned 2, it all came true when Cory won a trip through work. At first Cory was told he won a trip to Vegas, which we were half excited about since we have been there, done that. As it turned out, we got to choose where to go (within a budget) and so Hawaii it was!
Since we wanted a direct flight, we ended up flying out of Calgary which allowed us to visit with the Gooches before we flew out. We had a wonderful visit and little Zechy even wanted to come to the beach with us, awe!
We flew out on Monday (Jan. 25th). Our journey began with a rough start as the GPS directed us to the new Iron Mills Mall vs. the Park'n'Fly so we ended up taking the back roads to the airport. Then we were in a rush to get into the Park'n'Ride van that we misplaced our brand new ipod touch - we took a round-trip in the Park'n'Fly van to check our van for the ipod but it was no where to be seen. By this time we were running a bit behind, so we had to forget about the ipod and worry about catching a plane. Thankfully the airport was pretty quiet (perhaps because it was a Monday) so getting to the gates went really quickly.
And so our journey began. Jonas did really well on the plane ride - he slept for a good 3 hours, he watched his movies, and he had to burn some energy by walking up and down the aisles. After we arrived on the island, Jonas ended up getting a fever. We ended up taking Jonas to the doctor and we found out that he had an ear and throat infection. Even though he was sick (& whiny), Jonas still had a good time in Hawaii. We were supposed to fly back home on Monday (Feb.1) but Jonas' ear infection was not completely gone so we extended our vacation until Friday (Feb. 5). Here are a few highlights of the trip:
Our resort - The Westin Kaanapali on the west side of the island. 
Exploring the island - this was a beach north of the resort.
Jonas relaxing on the balcony.
At Wailea Beach (southwest side of the island)
Whale watching!
Mommy and Jonas on the whale-watching boat. Thankfully neither of us got sick but Jonas did fall asleep on the boat. 
After whale watching - Jonas playing (or chasing birds) under the huge Banyan Tree near Lahaina Harbor. 
At the Westin Maui waiting to go to a luau. Jonas almost made a splash!
At the resort beach - Jonas loved when Cory buried him in the sand!
Bath-time after a day at the beach.
At Maui Ocean Centre (in Maalaea - 20 min. south of our resort). 
Posing for a picture!
The cool Pirate ship at the resort for the kids (& Cory). Jonas liked the hot tub more though (this pool was too cold for him).
The 'fake' looking beach picture at the resort beach.
Having fun with daddy or killing some time before our dinner reservation.
When we needed a break from the sun, sand & surf (& free WiFi & coffee), we would hang out at the Barnes & Noble bookstore - Jonas loved to play with the train.
Family photo at the beach!
Cory had lots of fun playing in the sand & Jonas enjoyed destroying everything Cory made for him including his name!
We enjoyed hanging out at Big Beach (south of Makena on the southwest side of the island) on our last day in Maui before flying out at 8pm that night. The parking lot for this beach was packed full but the beach itself is so big that you don't notice all the people. 
Fully buried in the sand and loving it! Oh how we wish we were back on the beach.....
