Maui 2026 Part One

Our travel journal begins early on Thursday October 1st as we picked up our Colville family for our ride together to the Spokane Airport at 6am. The ride to the airport is about 2 hours from our homes. Our son dropped us off at the Alaska terminal with all our luggage that he tetrised into the back of our vehicle masterfully. I should have taken a photo!

We established our base camp and waited for the first leg of our flight to Maui which included a change of airplanes in Seattle.

Our kids from the Seattle side of the state were on a flight from Seattle earlier than our flight would be.

They arrived at our resort before us and paved the way for our easy entry.

We had the last two rows on the short ride from Spokane to Seattle. The flight attendants gave us some good laughs before we took off.

Mount Rainier was visible on our flight into Seattle.

The Puget Sound on our descent. We had enough time at Seatac airport for a quick bite before we boarded our next flight that would be approximately five and a half hours to Maui.

All aboard and ready to go on our final leg to Maui.

We saw a lot of the Pacific ocean before we finally saw land!

What a welcomed sight!

I took this photo above from the airport in Maui. Our Seattle crew of four secured two vehicles for our time in Maui. Our vehicle was waiting for us in the parking lot just across from our terminal exit. Another tetris job by our son and we had luggage for 8 and seating for 8 all set and ready for our hour+ trip to our resort.

Our daughter and daughter-in-law met us as we drove up to the resort with our room codes and to show us the lay of the land. Our first glimpse of our view from the condo was jaw dropping. The twelve of us enjoyed two condos side by side for the duration of our stay.

After we settled into our rooms, a walk down to the beach was on the agenda.

Looking back at our lodgings, Honua Kai Resort and Spa.

Looking north.

Looking South…

One of our side by side decks with some of our crew.

Our Seattle crew of four had already made the trip to Costco to stock up on water, snacks, breakfast and lunch items for the week. Our dinners would be eaten out at restaurants or the nearby food truck court.

Thursday was done and we were all looking forward to a relaxing Friday with nothing on the agenda.

Mahalo for stopping by today. More adventures coming tomorrow.

Happy Columbus Day here in the U.S.A. and a very Happy Thanksgiving Day to our friends in Canada!

Scary Angels

Uncle Joshie had a conversation with JJ that was too good not to document for the sake of my failing memory skills and for the joy it brought. Here is how it came over the family group text:

Josh: Fun JJ story from today. I was chatting with Daniel and JJ on the phone.

JJ: I learned about what the Bible says angels looks like and it’s actually pretty scary sounding.

Josh: I agree. Do you remember what every angel says when a person encounters them in the Bible?

JJ: yes, “Do not be afraid”.

Josh: That’s right, so it makes sense they’re probably pretty scary looking. It’s funny how cute and cuddly most cherubs look in paintings.

JJ: well, if a little cute cherub appeared out of nowhere, I think it would probably still be a little scary.

We all were sending back the laugh till we cry emojis. Love the thoughts our 7 year old grandson shares! Also pleased that Uncle Joshie makes the effort to have intelligent conversations with his nephews and niece.

Back to School Hodgepodge

From years ago, our sons heading off to the first day of school in Ventura, California and several years later our daughter waiting for the school bus on the first day of school in Bothell, Washington.

Hello to September and another Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce From This Side of the Pond.

1. What’s something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing?

With fires and smoke filled skies we never got around to our short summer road trips.

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be?

When seats weren’t assigned, I’d tend to sit closer to the front than the back. We don’t sit in back at church, either.

If I was going to choose a class to go back to, I would choose English, especially literature.

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)?

Listening to and knowing those whom you are teaching would be good.

I get weary of teachers who talk too much or ramble on.

The teachers that I remember fondly are those who treated me as if they liked me, understood me, and were kind. Teachers I remember fondly are my 1st and 2nd grade teacher, my 6th grade teacher who was my first male teacher, a high school English teacher, and my social studies teachers in high school. I had 3 older siblings ahead of me who were good students (my sister Vera was Valedictorian and a math whizz). I got tired of hearing, “you aren’t like your sisters”.

4. September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as ‘having grit’?

Growing up in Southern California and now living in the Northwest, Grits are not a common thing. I might have tried grits when we were in the Carolina’s but I don’t remember. I can’t say that I’m a fan.

Yes, I think some would agree that I have grit.

5. What’s something you’re never too old or too young to enjoy?

The Zoo! 🙂

If you are a Born Again follower of Jesus gathering on Sunday to worship Jesus is something you are never to young or old to enjoy!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

These two started 2nd and 4th grade last week. Each year they answer the question, What do you want to be when you grow up? At the beginning of this Homeschool year Addy wants to be a Daycare provider and JJ wants to be a Hunter.

Northeast Washington Fair Parade

This is Main Street Colville and in just a few minutes the street will be lined with people for the Northeast Washington Fair Parade. This year it will be different as it will start with a somber walk and ride in honor of a fallen Police officer from the city of Colville.

First the color guard and then the rider less horse and many many first responder vehicles from Colville, the county, State patrol, Border Patrol and surrounding cities to honor Officer Aaron Davis who leaves behind a wife and 5 children. Officer Davis died in a motorcycle v. deer tragic accident on one of our local roads.

After the somber start the parade continued with many of the usual suspects and always lots of candy being thrown out to the kids along the parade path.

Colville High School Crimson Hawks

One last shot of the Grands on our way to our cars when the parade was over.

I don’t want to leave without saying hello to September. I’m so happy to be in the ‘ber’ months!

Youth Soccer Season 2026

Tonight will be the final game for our short summer soccer season. There were fewer practices and games this season because of all the wildfires in our area which caused unhealthy air quality. Congratulations to our Grands for a well played season and to our son who coaches well.

This week the air was clear and we had games Monday through Thursday. Two games each for our ‘Grands’.

While at the game on Wednesday night, the water bucket helicopters were still hard at work helping with the fires that are not contained yet.

The Wednesday game was later than usual so we got the bonus of seeing the sunset on our way home.

After the game tonight, our folding chairs will be back in storage until the next season.

Good Things

I started another thrift store puzzle and it’s a tough one.

I’m making slow but good progress.

Josh and Laura surprised me with this puzzle in the mail. They chose this one because our VBS theme this year was centered around Psalm 23. I’m looking forward to starting it soon. Thank you, Laura and Josh for your thoughtfulness!

On Thursday Addy and JJ were over in the afternoon so we made Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with walnuts. They are at an age where all I have to do is watch while they mix and load the cookie sheets. They are experienced in the kitchen. We threw caution to the wind and enjoyed a little cookie dough, too.

The big news is that the skies were not smoky on Thursday because of our rain. That meant that soccer games were not cancelled and we could finally watch Addy and JJ play soccer. There games were on adjoining fields. It was a cool evening on the soccer fields.

The skies continue to be glorious and the air is good to breath. We are over the top grateful. It is exhilarating to say the least to have our clear skies again.

Have a great Saturday!

Tiny Tiger Grand Champion

On Saturday, August 1st, there was a Taekwondo tournament and JJ was awarded three first places making him the Tiny Tiger Grand Champion. It was fun to watch each event especially the sparring. Well done, JJ!

Eye of Tigger Hodgepodge

It’s time for the last Wednesday Hodgepodge of July. Thank you, Joyce!

1. What was the last thing you celebrated?

The 4th of July and the 250th Birthday of the U.S.A.

2. July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what’s the first person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind?

I think of Tigger the Tiger. If there was a Tiger in my life I wouldn’t want to expose the fact here because they might just come after me! (Seriously) I’m happy to avoid tigers.

Our niece Hope and Grand Nephew Jackson with Tigger at Disneyland in 2009! Hope is headed to college in August and Jack is done with college and getting married in October.

3. The expression ‘eye of the tiger’ describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?

These are the lazy days of summer and I’m not bringing that kind of energy to anything. I am considering a special quiet project that is going to take all my quiet energy, digging and sorting and putting it together. When it materializes, I’ll share.

4. What was the last meal you cooked?

I’ve been following Drew Cooks on Facebook lately and he shared a recipe that I made and my company really enjoyed. If you haven’t seen this guy cook a meal yet you might be entertained…or not. Go ahead…click on the link. 🙂

5. Describe your July using exactly five words.

World Cup Soccer Ole Ole!

Soccer camp started up on the hottest week of the summer and next week soccer season will start. My evenings will be full. Time to put the folding chairs in the back of our vehicle!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

More lazy day achievements at our country bungalow.

I completed this jigsaw puzzle on Monday. Another thrift store puzzle that had all the pieces! Woohoo!

Vacation Bible School starts on this coming Monday. I’ll be selling the t-shirts and other accessories each evening. We are hoping for cooler days and for more progress on our area fires so our air is not smoky. Praying for that end.

Happy Birthday to my youngest brother and sister, twins! We love you dearly.

A Lemony Hodgepodge

Our lemony day lilies in their glory.

Joyce has some fresh squeezed questions for Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate.

If I had unrealistic goals or dreams, I would probably be exhausted. These days I have simple goals and dreams and they energize me. I like to plan and I love a good plan. Truthfully, I get a little melancholy if I don’t have anything to plan.

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor?

I am a fan of lemon flavor.

What’s a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons?

I really enjoy this salad dressing that calls for fresh lemon juice.

Lemon curd is a favorite to enjoy on scones or in pastries.

3. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade“…is this something you’re pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it.

Yes, I’d say I do pretty good at managing but that is because of knowing who holds the world together and who is the author of life. I’m in His hands.

Recently when our heat pump stopped pumping out cold air we managed with other tricks of the trade by cooling our house down overnight into the morning. We also bought a tower fan that moved the air for us quietly.

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color?

I like the lemony border on these plates. We don’t have a lot of lemony things in our home. I love the lemon colored day lilies that pop up in early summer in our yard.