(The best we could get after two attempts….)

I guess you know it was a good vacation when you may, or may not have, shed a few tears when it was over. This trip was one that had been planned almost a year ago, when my dad was recovering from surgery. It was originally planned as a long vacation for just my parents… and then TJ and I decided to join them a few days into their trip… with my sister and brother-in-law deciding to spend a few days with us too. It was a long time in the making… filled with great anticipation… and it didn’t disappoint.

We completely vacated life…. eating what we wanted, mild workouts, minimal focus on work, and lots of time spent with family. And while the last trip we took to Hawaii was much more challenging with Harper, for some reason, this time around, it felt easier. Maybe because we had more hands, or maybe because we felt better prepared to lower our expectations… there were bumps here and there (like, no sleeping in… little miss was up at 6:30am on the daily), but overall, it was a vacation for the books….

So, as we head into the week ahead, I do so with a grateful heart that I was given this time with the people that matter most to me… and with great anticipation for the coming holiday months. I hope you have a great week friends! xx

**Sharing all outfit details from the trip, as well as our Halloween costumes + a little weekend wish-list at the end of the post. I also shared a few favorite restaurants and hotels in Maui (per request)….. 

(We stayed out well past sunset every evening, so we could capture the post setting sun colors)

(The evenings were cool…. so a simple thermal + cut-offs were perfect for Mai Tai sipping….)

(The Fish House was recommended to us and didn’t disappoint….)

(Little miss could have stayed in the water alllll day….. (bathing suit, her suit)

(Nap-time bubbly… henley)

(Our first attempt at family photos, the day my sister + brother and law had to leave, was a rainy + cool one…. my dress, Harper’s romper)

(Cheeseburgers (In Paradise) + Mai Tais with the entire family…. red top)

(Woke up and walked about 4 miles along the boardwalk… iced tea in hand… every morning…. crops, lace up tank)

(How she felt when it was time to get out of the water…. floral suit)

(Spent the days in swimsuits, cover-ups, and without make-up….)

(Sunsets just too good to not snap photos in front of…. cardigan)

(Tipsy on Mai Tais love…)

(We bribed her to take these photos….)

(Spent the last day lounging by the ocean and pool….. little black dress)(All about comfort for the flight home…. joggers, tee, cardigan)

(Slow morning after a long day of traveling home… joggers, pullover, cardigan)

(And then entry into reality with a day full of errands…. leggings, hoodie, thermal)
__________

Back to life, back to reality… back to regular workouts + clean eating. Thinking about making this chili for Halloween,  and then following this “weeknight dinner” meal plan pretty closely.

We’re going as Rockstars for Halloween… I’ll be wearing these faux leather leggings, band tee, faux fur vest, over the knee boots (identical version), and this fake sleeve of tattoos…. while Harper will be wearing these faux leather leggings, gold bow, faux fur vest, and we made her tee since we couldn’t find a toddler band tee…. and TJ is wearing this wig, studded gloves, and this tee.

And, since fall has arrived, I have my eye on a few cute items. I’m loving this faux wrap sweater (in the pinot color), twist back sweater (in olive), mauve v-neck tunic, ruffle chenille sweater in burgundy, faux wrap velvet bodysuit, and this multi-stripe seater (love the colors).

It was requested that I share a few favorite spots in Maui…. For kid friendly hotels, we love Marriott Ocean Club + The Westin Kaanapali Villas (we have stayed at both of those). As far as restaurants go, we do a lot of BBQing (since both places have full kitchens) but I listed a few favorites below:

The Fish House (tacos, and amazing fresh fish)
Down The Hatch
Japengo (some of the best sushi I have ever had)
Prison Pizza (um, ah-mazing… we did take-out + watched the world series)
Cheeseburger In Paradise (it might scream tourist, but let me tell you, those burgers + Mai Tais are pretty DG)
Farmer’s Market (great organic foods… including acai bowls)
Brunch at The Westin (not the villas)
Monkey Pod (excellent Mai Tai with egg white froth… trust me, it’s good)
Hyatt Residence Club (excellent Happy Hour and sunset views)