Maui in January

We planned a trip to Maui in January to get away from the cold, but we didn't quite manage to get away from winter weather, but warm rain beats snow any day.

Calvin booked a snorkel trip with Bluewater Adventure rafting when we planned the trip and although it was a little stormy the rains held off.  In fact as we headed out there was even part of a rainbow visible.

The sea looked a little dark, but we ventured on past La Perouse Bay anyway.

and got up close to some really spectacular rock formations

then we headed for a little calmer water and some snorkeling

We spent some lovely hours just relaxing at our house and hanging out by the pool

These cute little birds are Java sparrows 

We did visit a few other beaches. This beach might have a name, but I don't know what it is.

We drove to Paia one day and while Calvin was riding his bike I hung out at the beach. 

and Makena beach

We got to the airport a little early so we had time to take in some great views of Haleakela. It doesn't really look all that impressive from this point of view

Maui is a great place to spend a week in winter

December happenings

We started December with a quick trip to Santa Barbara to spend a little time with the Wrights. I think it was the only rainy weekend they had in December! We got to visit, hot tub, take a walk and enjoy tree chopping Santa Barbara Style.

We came back to Reno and gathered the clan for Christmas cookie decorating.

Ingrid was focused on covering every inch of her gingerbread man with M&Ms and sprinkles

 Finishing up with Santa hat pictures

 The weekend before Christmas we joined the Peter Smiths for a ride on the Candy Cane express.

We shared Christmas Eve dinner with the Bordelons

 and then went sledding with them on Christmas Day

Then warmed up with a hot chocolate and brownie break 

Sledding was so fun we went again when the Wrights came to town. The Wrights tried out skiis and eveyone just had fun playing in the snow.

The Bordelons hosted a New Years Eve feast where we declared the New Year at 9 pm and ate the cake.

One last outing with the cousins to Jump Man Jump

Add in a little hot tub time, big kid skiing and lots of visiting, it was a pretty good month