we are taking a family vacation!

The title of this post is actually the title of an annoying sing-a-long song that Carter has.  He loves it so we sing it all the time in the car.  But, as cheesy as this sounds, this was the best family vacation ever.  Sure, we had arguments, tantrums and annoyances throughout the week but we also made some really great memories, were able to just relax and really enjoyed each other in simple activities. My hope is to continue building these special memories with the kids year after year (well, okay, not in Hawaii every year!) so that they cherish them when they are older. 

Some  Many of my absolute favorite family pictures from the week!

Matt and I were blessed many times during the week with non-kid time (huge bonus to taking a vacation with the in-laws!) We were able to have a date night, go out for drinks (well, my 1/2 of a mai tai before I got tipsy!), an amazing sushi dinner and time to just walk around without chasing children.  It was wonderful!

 My favorite picture of the kids.  I just love how Lucy is adoring her brother and the sweetness of their hands. Let's be honest, they won't be like this forever so I might as well cherish it now.

 Lucy spending some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa to take a walk and visit the koi fish (one of her favorite things to do all week!)

 The kids eagerly running down the hall to get to the pool.

 The funniest picture of Matt!  I love how excited he is to go swimming.  Haha!

 Puka Dogs!  A hot dog with a Kauai twist that made for a yummy lunch one day.

 This looks deceiving.  She didn't really eat an entire hot dog,  just the bun!

 Playing at Lydgate state park (thank goodness for shade!)

 Sharing gelato!

 Some hammock time after swimming.

 My favorite boys.

 Feeding the koi fish!

 Out for shaved ice.  Next time we'll remember to just buy one for our family and share it.  They were huge and we ended up throwing away most of it.

 Cuteness!

 More koi fish.  She was kicking and screaming when I made her leave.  She probably would have stayed there all day watching those darn fish.

 Attempt #18 at a family picture.  This was the best we got!

 My wonderful in-laws...who without them this trip would have not been possible.  They were so generous with their time, money and space (2 bedroom condo with 6 people!) plus the kids just loved making memories with them.

 Searching high and low for more chickens.

 Noodles in the pool!

 Again, more koi fish.  She couldn't get enough!

 And a sleepy girl with her grandma.  Matt and I snuck away during nap time one day to run to Costco for some produce but when Carter woke up looking for me he ended up having a meltdown because I was gone.  30 minutes later, lots of tears, a phone call and some bribing of the IPad he finally fell back asleep only to have Lucy wake up and finish her nap on Grandma.  Whew!  Again, a huge thank you to Tom and Kathy!

 The next day Matt decided to just stick around during nap time to make sure Carter would be happy.

 And finally, a picture that shows it all.  Sleeping on the airplane after a wonderful week together, cuddling, sharing space and happy to all be together!

Happy Vacation!