when the kids are away....

I am so far behind in blogging--and thinking I would never catch up--
so I decided to just start NOW--
and if, and when I have the time,
I will go back and "remember"--
I wanted to start with our own Maxfield family reunion--
but with over 800 photos to choose from,
I was a bit overwhelmed
and decided that I would just have to make a book of the event!
But I can tell you what happened after all the children left....

Below is our wonderful, newly christened cabin called
"Max Inn"
a tribute to our fathers
(my dad's family Scalleywag cabin at Macks Inn, Idaho and
Ron's dad who was often called "Max")

Here's our family--
what was once only 5
has now grown to 11 and 1/3!!

the view really is this amazing!

now, here's when all the children have left...
the hammock is empty...the cabin is oh, so quiet...

so we decided we needed to take on another project...
we wanted to be able to use our
"private beach boat launch"
but fallen trees and old stumps blocked our access..
but that didn't stop Ron and I
OH, NO
we tied a tow rope to our old Suburban with over 125,000 miles on it
and turned it into a TOWING MACHINE!!

Here are some of the logs and stumps we moved out of the way--
you can see the drag marks in the dirt.

a closer view of the stump,
(which just might find a new home up with us!)

Here is He-Man Ron!

the logs were so water-logged that we had to rock them back and forth
in order to get the tow rope and hook around them!

another view,
you can see our trusty suburban in the distance....panting!

After the hard work--now play time..
We put the sea-doos in the glass-like water,

The lake is incredible-- the views are amazing--
and very few others we have to share it with...
ok, it is a bit cold, hence the attractive form-fitting wet suit,
but not much colder than the Columbia!

I had Ron take photos,
because I have such little proof that I actually do anything,
besides take photos of everyone else!!

And I realize that I do like to go FAST,
still learning how to take those tight circles
(but this was only my 3rd time on jet skis by myself
so give me a few more months and I'll have those circles mastered!)

AFTER church on Sunday,
we had to check out the farmer's market in Roslyn.
Live music, shaved ice, fresh produce...
what more could you want?

Monday we put on our hiking boots and set out to conquer
the Cooper River trail.

the scenery right by the trailhead was spectacular...

a group of kayakers were getting ready to go up the river to
kayak down--
looks like a fun, if but, a rough ride!

The trail was in the old growth forest --
beautiful

a little bit of nature to share with you..

another river shot--

we climbed out on some of the boulders hanging over the river

ok, so I think my husband loves me,
because he always takes the best photos of me!!

Ron was so tempted to jump in this amazing clear pool,
if there had been any other testosterone in the area I'm sure he would have!!

The water was so crystal clear...

Here I am, just can't stop working and clearing these dang, fallen trees out of the way.

ok, I thought I was funny!

This is where Cooper river leaves Cooper lake..
incredible looking especially with the mist over the mountains!

here's Cooper lake--
I want to return with kayaks
(drive them in--not hike)
beautiful campground near by--
a bit of paradise.

Oh, and just to keep it real,
a snake on our path as we returned to our car...
doesn't every paradise have a serpent?

A week of WHALES

Moved from Waliea to Lahina--
more relaxed--more families!
Westin properties are very nice--
they have extended their boardwalk to Dukes--
and the whales are OUT!!

Sunset in Lahina

dinner at Bubba Gumps--
crowds were non-existent,
travel down due to economy--
had no problems getting into ANY restaurants,
even the ones that use to require a weeks notice.

Went on a whale watch with Pacific Whale Foundation--
It was like "Whale Soup"
they were everywhere!!
We had to stop our engines for over an hour and half
as a mother and her baby used our boat to shield
herself from 5- 6 males who were circling around her.

Our captain even radioed another boat over to try
and get the whales to move away from us.
Our tour was suppose to end at 11--
we didn't get back to the dock until 12:30--
the day was magical!!

Had reservations at the Plantation House.
Love this restaurant--the views and the food.
The only restaurant we were disappointed in
was Mama's Fishhouse--
usually one of our favorites--
but they had raised their prices and the
food was just so-so.

the incredible views from our table

staff was so good--
helped with selections, relaxed, no rush

sunset says it all--

life is good!

another night--
another dinner--
this one at Gerards--
amazing....

This vacation we explored the other side of the island--
headed to Makawao and their famous bakery--
Komoda Bakery
(the building does NOT reflect the wonderful smells and taste inside!)

We visited the Hot Island Glass store and they told us about
the Worcester Family
We found their glass studio
and were "WOWED"
by their talents:

Here is the mom, Sally we purchased one of her
incredible "gourds

Their son, Mike,
who blew two pieces for us that resembled shells
(similar to the one in the photo, but with red inside)

The father, Bill
who spent hours talking and demonstrating their
technique to us.
We are definitely "glass-junkies"--
in fact we found out that our first pieces that came from
Cannon Beach came from their first studio
Fire and Ice!!
small world!

very simple and humble studio
but loaded with talent and skill

We then continued our tour and headed up
Haleakala Crater

Picture perfect day!

this overlook had the coolest views!

Decided to try another restaurant in the area
the Kula Lodge--

Their grounds are amazing....

We shared a salad and loved it so much I hurriedly
wrote down all the ingredients!!
then had a small pizza cooked in their outdoor ovens.

After our long car drive we had a late dinner that night at
the Lahina Grill

the food was great, and the owner made the
rounds of the tables,
thanking each for supporting the restaurant.
(there is a bit of controversy as the former namesake
of the restaurant "David Paul"
has opened another restaurant down the street
called "David Paul's Island Grill"

Leaving Maui is always hard--
especially with sunsets like like these...
but we have an adventure waiting for us in Seattle...
so off we go---

red-eyes flights are miserable,
but the island is worth it!!