Last Monday, a surprise snowstorm (in the middle of a super mild winter) made for this picture out of our living room widow:
And Clara went outside and had fun doing this:
Fast forward about a week, and our view looks more like this:
And Clara’s sporting a different kind of outfit:
Yup, true to our anniversary resolution, we snuck off to Maui, Hawaii to celebrate finishing our book, our impending five year anniversary (in July), turning 30 (I will in March and John already checked that box in November), and any other celebration-worthy excuse that we could think of (Clara’s first four syllable words: escalator, helicopter, and anemone!). It’s actually the first time we’ve flown somewhere on a real vacation since our honeymoon to Alaska back in 2007, and it’s the first time we have ever announced that we’re taking a week off from blogging in the entire 4.5 years since we started this whole shebang.
We know – gasp!
We do plan to post a pic or a quick note here or there throughout the week about our little island adventures (and a few things that we wrote up to share before we left, like some small kitchen progress). And we lined up a pretty sweet giveaway (valued at nearly $500!) for you guys, which will go up sometime tomorrow (Monday) – although not necessarily at 10 or 2 (we’re 5 hours behind our normal schedule here in HI). But our main goal is to relax, unplug, show Clara a great time, and just generally seize the week that we’re here.
So we’ll return to our regularly scheduled home improvement programming next Monday and will just be popping in every once in a while until then (so please forgive us if we’re not actively answering comments). We can’t wait to come back refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle everything from the cork floors in the kitchen to the three untouched bathrooms, the walk-out deck we want to build, our big carport-to-garage conversion, the crown molding and wainscoting we’re planning to add, a complete sunroom makeover, a total playroom makeover, and all of the other major projects mentioned at the bottom of this post that we chatter endlessly about when we lay in bed at night (yes, even here in Maui).
Oh and since Clara’s here with us we’ll have to share all the how-she-traveled and how-she-adjusted-to-the-time-difference details soon (maybe next week on Young House Life). Due to quarantine regulations, we couldn’t bring Burger, which is why he’s at home snuggled up to our house sitters (we have some friends and family members who are taking turns moving in to hang with him the whole time we’re gone). You know we call him and talk through the phone at least twice a day though, right? Heck, maybe he can somehow inspire our house guests to lay some cork flooring while they’re there (he’s a pretty persuasive chihuahua). Here’s hoping!
To any Maui natives or fellow vacationers: you better say hi if you see us out doing the whole dorky tourist thing! Just look for the girl whose legs are so pasty white that they actually look blue and there I’ll be.
And yes, my skirt is twisted about three inches too far to the right. I can’t be the only one who fights skirt-spin, can I?
Veronika says
OMG! Best news ever! Enjoy every moment of your sweet very very well deserved vacation. And teach Clara how to say “Vacation”…lol
I will miss you and will be right here when you get back!!
Love ya!
ALOHA!!!
Halle says
So glad to hear you guys are giving yourselves a break! No two DIY dorks deserve it more. Enjoy your trip, I hear Maui is beautiful :)
Megan says
If someone hasn’t suggested (or if it’s not on your Maui to-do list) you have to go up to the top of Haleakala Volcano and watch the sunrise. It was my favorite thing when I went to Maui last year. Absolutely breath taking.
Lauren says
I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but make sure you try the White Pineapple. You can’t get it in the continental US because it’s super delicate and doesn’t ship well. And it is AMAZING.
Also, my husband highly recommends you try a passion fruit cream filled Malasada while there as well (it’s a type of donut.) He loves those things so much that he has like nightmares that he’ll wake up one day and they’ll no longer exist.
Seriously, as long as there are Malasadas in the world, he’s a happy boy.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips guys! Thanks for sharing!
xo,
s
Kate says
Have a great vacation! If anyone deserves it, you guys do! :)
kaylan says
i hope you have the most fun ever! sometimes i worry about you (is it weird to worry about someone you don’t know?) because you never take a break from blogging. don’t apologize for anything – you’re allowed to have a holiday! the rest of the working world gets them, you deserve them too!
Jyl says
Oh my goodness, P Family, I’m so happy for you! It’s about darn time you put down the tools and headed out of a real deal vacation! Wooo!
And Sherry, your legs are fabulous. We’re heading to Las Vegas this weekend and I’m dealing with the same pasty fear, but seriously, let’s agree to embrace them together? Yes?
HAVE THE BEST VACATION EVER!!!
Danielle says
You must try this restaurant, it’s called Aloha Mixed Plate. It’s off Front Street in Lahaina. A local told us about it on our Honeymoon. My stomach is growling just thinking about it! Soooo good and very affordable.
Kelley says
Sooo jealous! Y’all enjoy – after all that work on the book, I’m sure this is much needed R&R!
Callie says
This sounds amazing—you guys so deserve this! I hope you’re having lots and lots of fun and not monitoring the blog at all. You deserve a TRUE vacation. Don’t worry, all your obsessed fans will be here when you get back but for now we just hope yall and the Bean have a blast–and try to not even think about work!
Wendy Verdon says
I love your blog! My oldest daughter turned me onto it. SHE LOVES IT! My husband and I were married in Maui 11 yrs ago this past October. I love it and we have not returned. Now we have a 9 yr old and she really wants to go too. I hope you guys have a great time and look forward to more of your blogs and renovation ideas.
Shauntel says
Yay for you! I always wondered if you two would take a real break someday. And my heavens, enjoy that sunshine. We were there just a month ago and have been pining for it ever since.
P.S. And may I recommend the Maui Swap Meet? It’s every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM. Lots of random local vendors and artists (and kitschy souvenirs to boot). And yummy food. It costs a whole fifty cents to get in. Here’s more: http://www.mauiexposition.com/MAUISWAPMEET.html
P.P.S. Also, I think it’s been mentioned, but Baby Beach is a must for Clara.
P.P.P.S. One more. If you’re near Whaler’s Village, eat at Lailani’s. My very favorite. We ate there twice. (By the way, we have a 2 year old and a 6 month old, and all these things were doable with both.)
HAVE FUN!
YoungHouseLove says
Love the tips everyone!
xo,
s
Jamie says
Enjoy! You totally deserve it!
tiffany says
congrats on finishing the book! and early happy 30th…. enjoy your vacation, i used to live in maui…. it’s so beautiful there, soak up the sun! xo, tiffany
Liz Hernandez Nunez says
Good for you guys! Have fun!
Heidi P. says
Ah! Have a wonderful time!! I love Hawaii. It really is paradise. And Maui is probably the prettiest island. If you can, I highly recommend just taking a drive around the edge of the island (obviously not around the whole island, but ya know) while listening to some Bob Marley :). Enjoy the plumeria and rainbows and fish and culture and EVERYthing!!
Michelle says
You guys totally deserve a break! Have fun!
Kristen says
We went to Maui at end of January. My boyfriend surprised me with a ring while snorkeling. We got and engaged and 7 hours later we were married at sunset! He had it all planned. It was amazing. Maui is so beautiful. The flight is killer (you already know) but so worth it. Enjoy your stay.
Here is our story if you want to read it. ;)
http://thischapter.com/content/proposal
http://thischapter.com/content/power-vested-me-state-hawaii
YoungHouseLove says
What a story! Amazing!
xo,
s
Tina says
I actually guessed you might make the hop over the ocean from your stop in Oregon. Lots easier than VA to HI all at once. Sorry Burger couldn’t come. Hope the info I provided helped.
If you’re spending any time on Oahu let me know. I’d love to let you house crash our home. Actually I just want to meet Clara! :)
Have a great time. Good thing you didn’t pick Kauai. Awful weather there this weekend.
Aloha.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw we wish we’d be over in Oahu! Next time!
xo,
s
Victoria says
Hope you all have a great time and make many memories! Enjoy the warm weather!
Keresa says
Don’t check in, don’t post just relax and enjoy HI! You guys deserve it!
Nadine says
Enjoy your well-deserved vacation!
Kaitlin says
Ahh I’m so happy for the three of you! Hawaii is a very special place to my heart, my husband and I were married on Kauai a year and a half ago. I still wish every day to be back there. Live it up while you’re there, it goes too fast!
megan e. says
It’s about time you guys take a blogging vacation! You definately deserve the break.
From one frugal gal to another, I have a few recommendations since Maui can be soo pricey. 1)Lahaina Pizza Company has affordable, delicious food (and mai tais) and amazing views of the sunset. Kid friendly to boot. 2)Chocolate covered frozen pineapple at the cafe directly across from the Bayan Tree Park is to die for. Way more satisfying than shaved ice. 3) Hike to the Nakalele Blow Hole. It’s free and by far me and my husband’s favorite thing we did in Maui!
YoungHouseLove says
So many fun suggestions! Thanks everyone!
xo,
s
Lyn says
My friend just came back from Maui and she went on the Pacific Whale Foundation raft to whale watch. Only $48 and on a raft you are down close to the whales. You would think that the big huge boat that holds 100 people with a double deck would be better but it’s really not better to be up high. You really want to be down low to the water for the best view. Give John the camera so you aren’t blocked by a tall guy in front of you for a good shot, let him be the “tall guy” who ruins someone elses picture.
Beth says
Oh wow — my hubby and I were just there LAST WEEK to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. (It was in August, but February seemed like a much better time to leave Michigan for Hawaii.) Hope you guys have a blast!
Roxy says
Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy! I’m headed to the Big Island of HI in about 10 days to celebrate wedding anniversary #30! Yikes — how did that happen. Time flies when you’re growing your family to 5 kids, I guess. Now, we’ve added 2 grandkids and one more on the way. Seize the week in Maui!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw congrats! It’s gorgeous here!
xo,
s
C.A. @ How To Be A Heroine says
GOOD FOR Y’ALL! With all the amazing, dedicated work that you two do to keep this blog up to the level that you do – some R&R is much needed I’m sure.
As per some of the other comments – my husband may not admit it at the office or anything, but he LOVES your blog just as much as I do! We have lots of “John and Sherry” conversations. :)
xoxo,
CA
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! We love hubby readers! We met some in Portland and were giddy!
xo,
s
Emily Rae says
Just curious — I thought one time you said you didn’t post about when you were away until after you returned. I thought of this with the Portland posts too. Was there something specific that prompted the change, and do you feel more secure now than you have in the past?
YoungHouseLove says
When we have speaking gigs like Portland we know it’s public knowledge so it’s out there! Thankfully our Fort Knox-like alarm system + house sitters = peace of mind! And we knew if we tried to blog through our whole Maui trip we’d totally miss all the fun!
xo,
s
[email protected] says
I’m so thrilled to hear you guys are kinda taking a break. I was just thinking to myself last week as I was reading your Portland posts geez they really should be enjoying Portland and not feeling like they need to blog every moment. You have us wrapped around your fingers!! We look forward to everything you post but we understand EVERYONE needs a break and I wouldn’t blame you one bit if you dropped off the face of the earth for the entire week! You guys are so blessed to have this opportunity and I hope you enjoy it! You are a blessing to your readers as well!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks for the kind words! You guys are the best readers ever.
xo,
s
Aimee says
Good for you guys! Much deserved :) We’ll miss you this week but have an awesome time!
Carla says
ENJOY!!! i’m so glad you guys took a vacation! i was stressed with all that you are doing and plan on doing! take it easy :)
ALOHA!
Becca says
You guys totally deserve a break – put that laptop down!
Corrine says
Oh to be in the sun. My “tan” from a vacation in November is already long gone.
And Sherry, Twisty-skirt Syndrome strikes me all the time.
jessica says
I totally wanted to hit the like botton to this post!
Kristin H. says
Yay my Good Will Hunting dream come true for you guys! Haha. Have a great time!!
Fallon says
I’m THRILLED that you guys are taking a much-deserved awesome vacation, but I would like to take a moment to throw a small pity party right here in the comments … I’m 27 and just now getting chicken pox for the very first time, and I’m quarantined to one room with only a laptop for company. And now there will be no updates from my favorite blog for a whole week! So perhaps while I relax in my oatmeal bath, I will pretend that I too am in Maui! I hope you guys have an AMAZING time and I can’t wait to see your adventures next week!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw Fallon, feel better soon! Just close those eyes and imagine that oatmeal bath is a spa treatment at some beachfront resort!
xo,
s
candace says
Enjoy the heck out of your vacation in Maui! More than well deserved!!!!!
Elizabeth says
So great-the only bad thing about Hawaii is having to leave! We have been to O’Ahu and the Big Island-enjoy every second!!
Kristen in Hawaii says
YAY MAUI!!! My favorite island. Enjoy the break and our beautiful weather! If you’re near Makena, check out the Jawz Fish Taco truck.
Neyir says
Well done you three for actually going away! Have an absolutely wonderful time :-). I once had a complete 180 skirt spin which wouldn’t have been such a big deal had it not had a high back slit which made for nearly x-rated fashion ;-).
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, no way! Totally something that would happen to me!
xo
s
Margaret says
Enjoy! You deserve it!
And yes, skirt spin is a cruel foe. A coworker once watched me with puzzlement as I (rather unladylike) adjusted my situation, and then said “wow, that’s entirely a woman problem.” Someday the man skirt will get our revenge!
YoungHouseLove says
Bwahahaha. Here’s hoping!
xo,
s
Trish says
Where are you staying???? I’m looking into a Maui trip now!
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll share all the deets when we’re back next week!
xo,
s
lydia k. says
Sooooooo envious! I love Maui! Can’t wait to hear how Clara handles the travels so I can talk my husband into getting back into travelling soon! (Our son is 3 weeks older than Clara, our daughter is 7 months, we used to be travel addicts, but *sigh* not anymore…)
Have SO MUCH FUN!
Alicia says
Wow, good for y’all! You definitely deserve a real vacation after everything you’ve been up to. Please enjoy every minute of it and don’t feel any obligation to post anything this week. As a small time blogger myself I honestly don’t know how you blog as much as you do and still have a life and I really don’t want you guys to burn out because I’d miss you too much :) So I’ll miss you for this week and I’ll be hoping that your vacation is magical!
Monica says
Color me jealous! Maui is my absolute favorite spot on this earth! We went for our 4th anniversary/belated honeymoon in Dec 2005. Best vacation ever. I hope you have the most wonderful time relaxing and refreshing. I’m looking forward to your HA recap and all the gorgeous photos you are sure to take.
ARON says
Enjoy your much deserved vacation. I live in those gold Old Navy flip flops out here in CA (and the silver, bronze and pearl :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s too funny! I got mine at the Gap Outlet but I bet Old Navy makes them too since they’re owned by the same company!
xo,
s
Marina says
Aloha! And welcome to the islands!
Unfortunately I live on Oahu so we won’t be passing each other to ‘talk story’ (chat), so sad! I hope you have a wonderful visit!! And, I hope the darn weather clears up, it’s supposed to, but I don’t think Maui is getting as much of the rain we and Kauai has been getting.
One of my favorite, and free, things to do in Maui is to go up to the West Maui airport and look across the water and check out the whales. It’s an amazing view from up there especially mid-afternoon, and the whales seem to like that particular area at that time of day too.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome! Love the tip! We have been getting amazing weather here so we’re so grateful!
xo,
s
Kari says
You must try the Poke and Hawaiian breakfast rice!!! Too bad you aren’t spending time on Oahu because I could rec a few places!!
Jennifer says
Love maui thats awesome. We were thinking of going back next year for our 5 yr anniversary but were nervous as our little one will be a year and a half. I’m curious how the flight was, what you did there that’s kid friendly, and whether you were able to to what unwanted even with the kiddo.
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll definitely cover all that when we’re back next week!
xo,
s