Maui 2013 - Pt. 1

We got back from Maui last weekend. It was most definitely one of the best vacations of my life. Just my husband and daughter. Ten days. No work phone/email. No schedule. Enough time to disconnect in a place designed for relaxation. It isn't just about getting away from work. It is everything: home, work, parenting, bill paying, drop-offs, pick-ups, schedules, shopping, appointments, a to-do list that never ends - all of that went away. It was fantastic. I either have never successfully disconnected, or I was never quite so heavily involved in life that i noticed such a welcome transition in pace.

We stayed in Ka'anapali the last time and this go around, we chose Kihei. Kihei is known to be a little more laid back, less expensive, but still plenty to do and easy to get to wherever you want to head. I would absolutely choose this area again, rather than Ka'anapali or Lahaina. We went through VRBO.com once again and selected a one-bedroom condo at the Maui Kamaole. It is centrally located in Kihei, 20 minutes to Costco/Walmart, five minutes from Wailea, just steps to the pool, a few minutes from the beach and a short walk or drive to great places to eat.The condo had a king-sized bed, a couch that made into a hide-a-bed, a washer and dryer and fully stocked supplies, like sand pails, chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards. We were set!

Here is a look at our condo. This was one morning out on our lanai while we were eating breakfast.

I bought window markers and this kept Elyse happily entertained decorating the sliding glass doors.

And in downtime, the iPad was always helpful.

I didn't take many pictures inside, but here is our kitchen. Fully stocked with things like utensils, blender, bowls, cups, you name it.

Bananas growing on a tree just outside our door.

We would walk across this bridge to get to the pool. Ferile cats lived down below the bridge and this proved heavily interesting to Elyse.

Bill is entering the gate to one of their two pools.

Much, much more to come.