Almost time to brush off the sand

Thoughts, comments, observations and cherished moments from the crew:

Christine: "Over a year ago, when Ralph/Dad/PopPop dreamed up this adventure, I wondered if we were all crazy. The answer is, yes, we are, and that's the best part of this adventure. Crazy or not, we are family. Good times, bad times, all times. What was the best part of this adventure? All of it and the love that is us."

409 Front Street, Lahaina

Lee: "We travelled 6000 miles to celebrate PopPop's (the Big Kahuna's) retirement--and so much more. From the luau to sibling drinks, dinner at Roy's in Oahu, to fishing, biking and eating in Maui, with a brush fire thrown in to make for a truly unforgettable vacation."

Karen: "No matter how far in advance you plan something, there are always last minute curve balls. With a very busy month leading up to our 6000 mile journey and a lot of loose ends to tie up before we stepped on the plane, I was feeling the stress. But it all melted away as soon as we were all together. Although we see one another fairly often throughout the year, a lot of bonding occurs when you share meals and living space for two weeks, slip and slide through a muddy hike, bike down a volcano and get trapped by a brush fire together. I have enjoyed my time with all of you and I am truly grateful to be a part of such a wonderful family. Ralph and Christine, thanks for being the adhesive that keeps us in one another's lives and for giving us so many memory making moments. I love you all. xoxoxo"

Sean: "Learned new rules for hikes and travel. 1) Always have a map. 2) Always have a backup trail. 3) Always listen to Jim on the Gypsy app."

Mandy: "Amazing sunsets; family dinners and fresh catch meals; the Road to Hana and Bully's Burgers; walks to town; snorkeling off the beach up the road; late night talks with drinks."

Amy & Michael: "Enjoyed all the family time and watching Ada bond with everyone; seeing Ada learn to respect and have fun in the ocean was a proud moment; I am thankful for everyone's help and once again reminded how awesome my family is."

Ada: "The ocean; throwing rocks; the Warrior dance; girls' night with my cousins, bonding with my Aunt Kiki."

The Banyan tree in Lahaina at night. It has one main trunk and 16 subsidiary trunks. It shades an acre and features a cacophony of birds every evening.  

Jackie: "My absolute favorite memory was watching Nanny and PopPop walking on the beach and swimming in the water- just holding hands and talking. Another top memory was our big family breakfast post mass on Sunday, equipped with plenty of coffee. Another moment permanently imprinted upon my mind is lying next to my sisters on the beach, as our skin darkens and our hair lightens and we read our books and smell the salty Pacific."

Caroline: "Getting my hair cut for the first time in over a year; time with my sisters and Ada; beautiful hikes."

Claire: "Spending quality time with the family; seeing how happy PopPop was/is when we're all together and hanging out."

Ralph--Some closing remarks from the Big Kahuna himself:

"Two years in the making starting with 2014 summer dinner at the Black Olive. Family committees were formed (house activities, Pearl Harbor, dates). All delivered a somewhat random but fun-filled product. Oahu was tourists but Maui was nothing but family and fun. The one-two delivery on the fishing was out of this world. Mike first with the yello-finned tuna and then Sean's walk-off with the Ono. This was topped with a fine dinner prepared by Chef Sean and Hostess Mandy who put together a lovely table for the feast. The memories will begin and last with the fantastic photo shoot--showing the loving family we have as a group and with the four components. Time with my four granddaughters was special. Time with my sons and daughter and spouses was just as special. Karen and Mandy are preserving memories through photos, words and a blog. Watching Lee manage three of my granddaughters was extremely entertaining. And, as usual, Christine/Mom/Nanny kept us all together with her caring love. Plus, watching Amelia mothering Ada was a real delight and she did a really good job on Caitlin, our photographer. And last, but not least, the Jimmy Doolittle missions with Jackie, Caroline and Claire. Already thinking about the next one??