We are leaving for Maui on Friday morning. That we will be ensconced in sun, warmth and balmy breezes for a week is a great thing. That I will not be alone with the kids for ten-or-so days is a fabulous thing. That my parents are joining us and we will revel in their company as well as their aptitude for caring for our kids is an outstanding thing.
The thing that is not so outstanding is that J. filled up three-quarters of our largest suitcase with snorkel gear and sand toys and is now insisting that we bring only that suitcase plus one other (the size of a Betty Crocker cookbook) on our trip.
He knows how I pack. He knows we need to bring a palette of Fruit Bat's alternative food so I don't have to spend our Hawaiian Holiday searching out health food stores. (As this is how I spend 80% of my real life and I have no need to replicate this experience when there are beaches and turtles to be had.) He knows, or he should, that I need fifteen swimsuits to choose from depending on my level of bloat each particular day.
But, as we are running out of hands to pull the various wheeled valises to and from the airports, he is only being practical. Fruit Bat, if he is feeling helpful, can handle one. One suitcase and one Kelty Minnow backpack that we will probably end up forgetting in security along with my carry-on and our massive collection of Epi-pens and Benadryl.
None of that matters though, because THIS, my friends, is what a Hawaiian getaway is all about:
The Electronics.
Missing from this photo is J.'s Blackberry, which will be hooked to his swim trunks the whole week anyway (Just kidding, J.! Mostly.)
Lest I come across as a thankless diva, I want to point out that the above is almost exclusively sarcastic hyperbole. J. and I are working together as a team–lovingly and encouragingly discussing how we can make this trip fun for all involved (while gazing into each other's eyes and tenderly stroking the other's knees with our fingertips).
This vacation is kind of a big deal because 1. It's Hawaii! 2. My parents are meeting us there and I'm hoping very badly to create a wonderful tropical memory for all involved and 3. J. is from Hawaii and returning always has special significance to him. And me. Because I'm his wife and I love him.
As you can see, if you squint closely enough at the tangle of 21st century trappings up there, I will be taking my iBook and updating All Adither from the tropics. I've devised a compromise, however, to prevent myself from sneaking off and tucking myself and my oh-so-lusty laptop under a palm tree. When I am there, I will post a quixotic photo of the day, a caption and not much else.
I hope you enjoy my little snapshots from paradise and I'll look forward to posting about all the Hawaiian meltdowns, illnesses and arguments when I return.
Maui is one of my favorite places on the planet. We went there on our honeymoon and it's the only time I went on vacation where I didn't want to leave when it was over. Have a safe and wonderful trip and give my love to the Maui sun and breeze!
Posted by: Janeen | April 24, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Ooh! I can't wait to see the photos. You should have US create the captions and then see how it compares with what you were going to post. Then we're doing half the work for you!
Posted by: Madame Queen | April 24, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Jealous and envious. But, so glad that you are going. I have never been to Hawaii, but I hear it is mahvelous, darling. Have a blast, but don't forget to post pics soon.
Posted by: kendra | April 24, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Oh my gosh, have a wonderful time. Ignore us. We'll miss you but will welcome you back with little bitterness.
Posted by: all things bd | April 24, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Have a wonderful trip--we will see you when you get back. Can't wait for those pix and of course, if a story or two sneaks in, I will read it with relish, as I am an addict.
XOXO
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | April 24, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Dip your toes in the ocean for me. Have a fantastic trip!
Posted by: Mrs. G. | April 24, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Am soooo jealous, have fun!
Posted by: Samantha | April 25, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I'm so jealous I'm sweating.
Posted by: meg | April 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by: Emily R | April 25, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Try not to watch any Brady Bunch Hawaiian vacation reruns, and have a groovy time.
Posted by: foolery | April 25, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Have a great time! We just got back from there last week. My husband lived there too so we always enjoy going back.
Too funny about the meltdowns and illnesses! That's EXACTLY what happened on our "supposed to be fun" Maui vacation!
Posted by: Jennie | April 25, 2008 at 03:14 PM
I am SOOOOOOOOOOO jealous!
Posted by: noble pig | April 25, 2008 at 03:41 PM