Thursday, April 23, 2009

Ahh Wailea...

One of the perks of a sluggish economy is a hotel industry that is willing to offer fantastic prices.  The Grand Wailea is one of the most luxurious hotels on Maui.  Folks like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton stay there.  (I know, impressive huh) ;)  Not usually folks like me.  In fact, my only contact with this resort has been sneaking into their hot tubs.  There is one at the top of the "volcano," which is cool because of the ocean view, but is more vulnerable to security guards.  I've been kicked out several times.  The better hot tub to sneak into is the one in the "cave."  The security guard would actually have to swim through a pool to kick you out-something they are highly unlikely to do.  (A little tip for anyone planning a trip to Maui)

Anyway, to get back to the story.  Ryan's Marine Mammal conference was being held at the Grand Wailea, so for the first time in my life I was able to swim and play in any and all of the pools (including the water slide) that I wanted to and nobody even gave me a suspicious glance--go figure! (How do they know?)
Here is a self shot taken at the beach in front of the hotel.  Beckett and I would take a walk each morning while Ry went of to work.  One of my favorite pass times would have to be strolling along on the sand listening to the waves crash down early in the morning.  It is so very peaceful and beautiful.  Beckett slept soundly in his sling the whole time.  

The sunsets are just as remarkable as the mornings.  This photo was taken from the pool which was directly outside our room.  We had a ground floor unit which led right out to the pools.  

This photos is titled, "Lounging Ladies with Babies."  Robyn and Alison came down to keep us company at the pool.  We've all got our babies in tow.  Robyn's was the easiest to take care of. Her baby didn't make a peep and even went swimming with Robyn.  Beck and Travis were much more reluctant to get in the pool.  

Beckett did however enjoy napping on the beach.  He was so content outside there.  In the evenings when he was fussy all we had to do was walk outside with him and he would stop crying and stare at the torches that lit up the pathways and listen to the ocean.  

Proud Papa with Beckett at the beach for the first time.  I think it was actually his first Hawaiian sunset too.  Although, he actually might have slept through it.  He fell asleep shortly after this picture was taken.  

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

First Whale Watch

Ryan had a work trip to Maui last month and I figured I'd join him since Beckett was old enough to fly and I was still on maternity leave.  Plus, Beckett needed to meet his auntie and uncle and get to know his "roots".  Ryan and I met on Maui while we were working together at Pacific Whale Foundation way back in 1998.  We worked on a LOT of whale watches together over the years so it seemed appropriate to have a whale watch be our first activity on Maui with Beckett.    
Ahh, the fascinating whales of Maui......
Here is Alison with their little cutie Travis in tow.  You can see that Ryan and Brian are captivated by the whales.  :)
Our friends on Maui are still the same, but our activities are a little different.  Here is Robyn (with Sassy in her belly), Alison & Travis, and me with Mr. Beckett.  You can see that he is thoroughly enjoying his first whale watch.  (He slept the whole time.)

He didn't seem to get too excited about the whales, but he loved sitting with Auntie Robyn!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Hangin' with the Wulff Clan





We had a full house of Wulffs in March.  Grandma and Papa Wulff came to play with baby Beckett along with Uncle & Auntie Wulff.  We spent lots of time staring at the baby and talking and laughing with each other.  They made us lots of delicious meals and were even willing to watch the baby to give each of us some time away from the house.   We were so happy to have them come out and stay for a while.  We need to live closer to our families!  

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Rock n Roll

Beckett is a pretty strong little guy.  He's wiry and likes to move a lot.  I decided to start doing "tummy time" when he was about 5 weeks old and was very surprised when I put him on his tummy for the first time....he rolled over right away!