Going to Hawaii !!

January 2019 -- we're going to Hawaii!!

This was a "reward" trip for reaching a big financial goal on our path to being debt-free.  For years we told the kids, "when we do this, we will go to Hawaii!"  Time for us to pay THAT debt to them!

After much research and also introspection about what kind of trip would be ideal for us, we decided to visit Maui and stay at the Disney resort Aulani.

Let me say, this was NOT what I would've planned!  My kind of trip would be to stay at a house and spend the week exploring whatever island we chose, and maybe even multiple islands.  But, does this sound very relaxing to you?  NO!  Would all the kids enjoy this type of active trip?  NO!  So that is how we decided on Aulani.

We reserved the largest room they had, which is also the only type of room with a kitchen.  This helped mitigate some of the cost, because we filled a suitcase with non-perishable food and planned a Costco trip upon arrival.

Here's the photo diary:

All packed and ready!  

This large suitcase holds all our
food and also a large electric griddle

No family trip is complete without
a binder for planning :o)

Delegation and organization are
the keys to a successful trip

Apple blossoms from pruning
in late December

On the road!  A beautiful morning

Goodbye, Portland!

Thanks for driving us, Papa!

This photo was right before Celeste
abandoned her suitcase in this
revolving door, and the suitcase
just kept going around and 
around...  LOL!!!!

All checked in, ready for our direct
flight to Honolulu

Hawaii!!

Our "little" rental car

The adventure begins...