our little angel

our little angel

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Family Vacation!

On April 30th we left for Maui HI! This is Hailey's first big vacation. We flew with United on the way down transferring in San Francisco. Our flight was at 6 am which meant a 3 am wake up time, which Hailey handled really well! The first flight she slept through and we thought we had it made but she had a complete melt down on the 2nd flight. It might have been the combination of pressure and confinement, I'm not quite sure, but whatever it was caused her to first get really fussy, followed by vomiting on me and herself and ending with a hyperventilating cry right at the very end of the flight. She was fine as soon as we got off and waited for our luggage!

The time change made it a bit difficult for the first couple of days (waking throughout the night and just general fussiness). By the third night she was great and adjusted, it was a blast! She loved the beach, the parks and the pool especially when there were other kids playing, she got a real kick out of them splashing and jumping around. Also she loved seeing the roosters hanging around and the birds, I think she tried to chase every bird there !


We visited around a lot and she seemed to handle that well and enjoyed some of the activities. We went to Mount Haleakela which was a bit of a drive but so worth it! Hailey didn't really understand where we were nor did she care but she was ALL about getting around. She didn't want to be in her carrier or in my arms she just wanted down. Which is fine..but need I remind you this is on top of a Mountain! Not to mention full of red dirt that doesn't come off in the wash!  On our way back we stopped at Makawao, a small historic town which was so cute! It was all western looking, so we went into a few shops there and watched some glass blowing. This is also the location where she had her first drink of coke haha. Not on purpose, but she immediately grabbed my glass and the straw and took some sips then dipped the straw in for more! OH boy lol. Oh well, one little sip won't hurt. 

                                       

We visited the Aquarium (Maui Ocean Centre). She had fun here. She touched some starfish, clapped at water features, walked along the glass of aquariums watching the fishes and really enjoyed the gift shop lol.

We took a tour for the road to Hana. It was a van that sat 8 people so we were with two other couples (also from Canada) and they were so sweet and tolerant of a few little crying episodes by Hailey. Over all for the length of the tour she did fantastic. It was pretty scenic but long near the end. She really enjoyed all the snacks that were included. Actually she enjoyed any food we had this whole trip. Any time we ate out she was a pleasure and a great eater!



We checked out the Iao Valley which was beautiful, the west side (Kanapali beach/black rock, Flemming park beach and Lahaina). I love love loved Lahaina, especially in the evening. We also had a nice little dinner at a restaurant one evening where she started "flirting" with a little boy around the same age sitting at the table next to us, only he didn't notice. It was a funny little sight.
Hailey changed a little bit on this trip too. She became a little more "testy" with us, will now pick up any glass with straw and drink and bottled water too, copies a lot of our movements, will act foolish to get a laugh, and even learned to jump into the pool (from sitting position, but still!). 
Sunrise
Juice box skills
Banyan tree at Lahaina

The flight back was much better than the way there. It was over night but she just slept on the seat between Rob and I. We miss it and it was nice to spend 2 weeks just us, our small family of 3 before it soon turns into 4.  That is correct, Hailey will be a big sister soon and she shared the news to friends and family during this vacation!

I'm going to be a big sister!