The Kiss...Best Part of the Wedding

Kiss with a conch.

We're Back But Let's Pick Up Where We Left Off

Cried all morning...even taking my last dip at Kamole Beach Park III. I felt like I was leaving a good friend. That's what Hawaii does to you and that's why people love it. So, we are back in CT. I am happy to have gotten 12 hours of sleep last night and am eating a good old fall harvest apple, overlooking Sleeping Giant.  

We left off on the day that we drove to the top of Haleakala which was wonderful! Uncle Brian, we would have done the sunrise ride, but the shoulders of the road were so tiny, I would have been nervous the entire way down. But have no fear. The adventures were plentiful.

On Friday, September 30th, we attended Christy's wedding. Beautiful bride and calm bride. The wedding was hosted at a private residence on the southwest shore of Maui right near Makena (my now favorite spot). Makena beaches are like transplanting Gilgo into Hawaii minus the people and radios. Even though it rained, the love shone through and it was a wonderful night. I was taking pictures for my mother-in-law as well as myself, so the best ones went to her. Here are some of my favorites.

Dad & Todd before the wedding...waiting out the rain

The set-up before the tent came.

At the ceremony.

 

Mum, Christy & Dad walking down the isle. Christy and Alan chose somewhere over the rainbow on the ukelele to be played by Alan's brother-in-law, Jim.

Alan & Christy

Lining up to sign the marriage document.

Todd and Chief Maui...the guy who married Christy and Alan. That's not his name, but you get my drift.

Me and my loving husband.

The sun was setting a bright orange color, we had to get it. Thanks to Uncle Patrick II.

Looking up.

I wish this wasn't blurry but you get it. Happy with my Broughies.

Sizzy

The cottage/house on the water.

Todd signing as Christy and Alan's witness.

Computer without a Charger

I have so many great pictures and adventures to share, but I forgot my charger so I am confined to the iPhone for blogging.
The wedding was nice. Yesterday we explored Lahaina, today we snorkeled off Molokini (submerged volcano), swam with some sea turtles!!!!!, and most importantly, had some shaved ice! Tomorrow is the boy's big fishing trip!
I will try and capture more with the phone and I can't wait to share it!

A Day On Haleakala

Yesterday, Todd and I took the zig zag, one hour ride up to the 10,023 ft summit of Haleakala. We went from 90 degrees to about 50 degrees. The air was thin! Haleakala is an inactive volcano and at the top is an observation deck as well as a science observatory/defense lab. Todd and I only spent about 30 minutes at the top until we jumped back in the car to zig zag back to Christy's Bridal Shower and the Rehearsal Dinner. All in all a great day. Today is the wedding and even more adventure.

Todd and I at the summit!

Looking down into the crater.

Todd and Mum at the wedding rehearsal.

Todd and I at dinner. Check out his Hawaiian shirt!

Sunset north.

The lower left is Molokini. We will be snorkeling there with the family Sunday!

Haleakala looking down on Maui. Yes, you drive through the clouds on your way up.

Sunrise Swim

The sunrises here are spectacular! This morning I took a dip around 6am just as the sun was coming up. The water is crystal clear and so warm.
Last night we had a delicious dinner with Cathy, Uncle Patrick, Christy and Alan. At a certain point in the evenings there are flowers that blossom and the smell fills the air. This place is truly wonderful.
Today is Christy's Bridal Shower and a special dinner for the wedding party and family! Exciting!!! We will also be exploring.

Waking up in Kihei

We got in late last night, and woke up to get our first real look at Maui. These are pics of our condo and the view out the door. The ocean is right across the street.

Our bodies have no idea if it's 6am or noon.

24 Hours and Counting

The pants are hemmed and the bags are sort of packed. I am snuffling around with a head cold today but with a little help from Advil Cold and Sinus, I should be ready to jet set tomorrow.

Todd getting his pants hemmed...hawaiian style.