INFINITY.

Wishing everyone a Mele Kalikimaka this holiday season. We are spending ours on the beautiful island of Maui with my sister and her family, and let’s just say that it’s a good thing that not only do we love each other, but we also enjoy each others company - a group of ten adults and children can get a bit crowded.

With list in hand, debit cards in wallet, Lilinoe and I were able to check the couple of dozen off of our Christmas list in one day! Yes, it’s not a typo, just one day! With effective communication and a “plan” Christmas shopping can actually be a joyous event. And really isn’t it supposed to be? Sure we endured the bumper-to-bumper traffic during our commute to Waikele, Ala Moana and across the street to Pearlridge; but we passed the time singing songs and laughing with and at each other.

This morning, we woke when our bodies told us too, and casually prepared for our Christmas buffet brunch at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel’s Tiki Terrace. KBH, as it’s known by the local Maui folk labels itself, “Maui’s most Hawaiian hotel,” with its Polynesian decor, wall dedicated to stunning photos of hula dancers, and a menu of a medley of island flavors. KBH has been on the shores of Ka’anapali for over 20 years, and its customer service is cloaked in Aloha spirit garnering many awards. There was one wrinkle in our experience, and while I won’t divulge the details, I must recognize the hotel representative, Madeline Rabago who handled the matter in the most professional manner and as I said earlier, “cloaked in the Aloha spirit.”

We headed home to unwrap presents, and had joked with the children that we’d do so after a nice, long nap. My sister implemented the “trash bag” system to minimize the clutter, not to mention possibly losing a few gifts. Most 3-year-old boys are happy with a stick and a rock, however our little guy still has an obsession with the movie “Cars” and after opening the latest version of “Mack” he wanted nothing more to do with any other gifts. Chelsea more than deserved her Nintendo DS Lite and brand new pink digital camera, and the expression on her face was priceless. (Note: Lilinoe has been playing the DS Lite more than Chelsea has so far trying to win at “Connect Four”). My niece Taimane was thrilled with tearing the wrapping paper off, but she especially loved the package of panties from Tutu, and danced with her favorite television characters, Dora “We did it, we did it!” (You need to watch Dora the Explorer cartoon to understand.)

I gave the world wide web a peek into the gifts I purchased for Lilinoe and she was glowing with gratitude upon receiving each one. I patiently waited for everyone to finish, and Chelsea was anxious for me to open my gifts. For those who know me, know that I like accessories, not the stereotypical kind, but sunglasses, a hat, a little bling on the ears. I opened the box and unveiled a cool pair of Arnette’s which is one of my brands of choice. But nothing could prepare me for my next gift. For those of you who really know me, know that while I yearn for “big kids’ toys and gadgets” I exercise control and practicality. I live by a budget that includes a comfortable lifestyle, but invests in our children’s future so the gadgets come during sales or after building up the savings account. And, even when the budget calls for it, it takes a lot to convince me to make a hefty purchase without feeling guilty. Well, my dearest Lilinoe, whom by the way is much more frugal than I, surprised me more than when I received a “Big Wheel” for my 6th birthday. The box looked odd shaped, it wasn’t shaped like a cellular phone, and it couldn’t have been a laptop since I purchased one last month. It was heavier than airline tickets, and it couldn’t be we’ve already planned our next vacation in Arizona and Nevada. It certainly wasn’t a massage at the spa, Lilinoe surprised me with a reservation at the Westin Maui earlier this month on my birthday. And, after losing our digital camera, we purchased a new Canon only a few weeks ago. So what could it be?

A CANON DVD CAMCORDER!

I was stunned as you can see, and absolutely grateful. These are moments that I am reminded how truly blessed I am with Lilinoe, Chelsea, Jayden and my entire family. I could not ask for more…

Today is day seven on Maui. Work is good, there was much preparation before my arrival, therefore the transition is smooth. One of the highlights of my first week was spending time with my sister’s children; Amu (10), Tolea (9), Taimane (2) and Kaulana (10 days!). The older children belong to “Na Kamali’i ‘O Ke Akua” (Children of God) and participate in performances 3-4 times per week, provided their school work and other responsibilities are completed.

I was able to catch the Thursday night double performance, first at the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas. The “Villas” as it’s commonly known amongst the locals is a vacation ownership property that opened it’s doors in 2003. It’s a luxurious property with lagoon style pools, waterfalls and slides and sits in front of prime oceanfront property. There are a lot of water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing. The sunset is breath taking and you can watch it from your balcony, on the beach in a cabana or a hammock. One of the attractions for me was a line of gas grills set-up near the poolside. And of course, at sunset you can enjoy a fun, heartwarming keiki Polynesian show.

We then took a quick drive down Honoapiilani Highway to the “Lahaina Cannery Mall” a place I frequented almost daily during my first tour of duty on Maui especially since there’s a Longs Drugstore, Safeway and the all important Footlocker. This show featured the teenage dancers, fresh from volleyball practice at Lahainaluna High School, but you couldn’t tell as they gave a hip-shaking performance.

Hawaii’s rainy weather is the first indication that we’re entering the Fall and Winter seasons. In school though, the Kamehameha preschool Nu’uanu campus began their festivities with a field trip to Aloun Farms. The children, parents and Kumu (teachers) took a hayride to the pumpkin patches. Once there, the children bolted to choose a pumpkin for the upcoming week’s school projects. Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors (white pumpkins?) were selected and hauled off to the classroom.

Each child weighed and measured their pumpkin, but it was the carving that excited their minds the most! The week ended with a treat to a puppet show and parade!

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